#WritersBlock: “Et tu, professional?”

Why we should avoid Latin in business English.

Everyday business writing contains enough Latin to make Julius Caesar feel right at home and, unless you’re penning a scientific paper or performing heart surgery, I propose that it’s time to ditch unnecessary Latin in most writing for reasons of inclusivity and clarity.

I’m not even referring to the fancier phrases such as ad hoc, verbatim or status quo; I’m talking about common ones such as agenda, interim and versus.

How widespread is Latin usage?

For over a thousand years, Latin was the language of law and many legal terms are still Latin phrases — subpoena, alibi, bona fide, pro bono, de facto. More than 90% of scientific vocabulary also comes from Latin. Consider the scientific names for all living creatures, including homo sapiens or “wise humans”.

Outside of law and science, the ancient language of the Roman Empire isn’t dead at all. It lives on in modern English, where almost two-thirds of common everyday words have Latin origins. Examples are animal, audience, fact, idea, library, media, obvious, script, transport and video. (I could go on for pages but I’m confident that ChatGPT can supply you with a longer list, if required.)

Now, I’m not suggesting that we find another word for bonus, campus or census, nor that we replace legal, medical or scientific terminology, but I’m in favour of civilians (like you and me) thinking hard before using ie, etc or carpe diem. I’m also arguing for the rejection of confusing terms and complex idioms, pompous extras and intimidating flourishes. This way, the Latin words that are needed in context have room to breathe, because everything else is simpler.

Three reasons to streamline:

1. When you avoid abbreviations such as RSVP or et al, you prevent confusion caused by screen-reading software, which will mispronounce eg as “egg”
2. When you eliminate needless Latin phrases, your writing becomes clearer and more accessible to those who didn’t grow up speaking English
3. When you’re specific, rather than vague, you make your content more intelligible for everyone — even those with the highest literacy levels, who may be thrown off course by a Latin phrase if they’re reading in a hurry

Here’s a simple example

Less clear:

Please bring the following items to the meeting: notepads, pens, markers, etc.

More clear:

Please bring the following items to the meeting: notepads, pens, markers, highlighters, sticky notes and paper clips.

The latter, while longer and a little more work for the writer, explicitly lists each item. It eliminates ambiguity and ensures that nothing’s overlooked or assumed.

Here’s a business example

Less clear:

Dear Tiffany,

Per the ad hoc meeting held on 10 June 2024, it has come to our attention that the status quo regarding our contractual agreement necessitates a modification, as the current terms are not de facto feasible.

We propose an interim solution, which will be in situ until a bona fide resolution is reached. To expedite this process, please review the attached documents and provide your feedback, etc.

We anticipate your prompt response.

More clear:

Dear Tiffany,

Following the meeting on 10 June 2024, we have identified the need to update our contract, as the current terms are not practical.

We propose a temporary solution that will be in place until we find a permanent resolution. To help us to move forward quickly, please review the attached documents and provide your feedback.

We look forward to your prompt response.

Here’s a list of switches

1. ad infinitum — endlessly
2. alter ego — other self
3. bona fide — genuine
4. Curriculum Vita (CV) — résumé
5. in absentia — in their absence
6. in lieu of — in place of
7. per annum — per year
8. per capita — per person
9. tabula rasa — blank slate
10. terra firma — solid ground

As for me, I’m going to accept that, when I throw around some of my favourite Latinates — such as ad nauseum, caveat, magnum opus and pro rata — I’m not impressing anyone. I’m actually being a bit of a plonker. The time has come to start communicating in a lingua franca (sorry, sorry!) that everyone actually understands.

After all, clarity is king. Not Caesar.

This article by Tiffany Markman was originally published on marklives.com in her column, #WritersBlock on 08 August 2024. You’ll find it here.