Strict STE word substitutions
Use these mappings only in strict STE mode. In ordinary prose, choose the word that best fits the speaker and context.
| Do not use | Use instead |
|---|---|
| utilize, leverage, employ | use |
| commence, initiate, begin, originate | start |
| terminate, cease, conclude | stop, end |
| ensure, verify, confirm, validate, check | make sure that, examine |
| perform, conduct, execute, carry out | do |
| facilitate, assist | help |
| obtain, acquire, procure | get |
| sufficient, adequate | enough |
| approximately | about |
| prior to | before |
| subsequent to, following | after |
| adjacent to | near |
| accomplish | do |
| additional, supplementary | more |
| attempt | try |
| require, necessitate | need, must |
| indicate, signify | show |
| rotate | turn |
| deactivate | turn off, set to off |
| activate | turn on, start |
| in order to | to |
| via, by means of | through, with |
| due to, owing to | because of |
| in the event of | if |
| modify, alter | change |
| retain | keep |
| locate | find |
| depress a button | push, press |
| proceed | continue, go |
Do not use should, would, could, may, or might. Use must, can, or will according to the meaning.
Do not use e.g., i.e., or etc.. Write the full phrase or the full list.
Use close as a verb. Use near as the adjective.
Use test as a noun: “do a test.”
Use follow only for sequence. Use obey for rules and instructions.
Use fall only for movement by gravity. Use decrease for a quantity.
Use above and below only for physical position. Use more than and less than for quantities.