Do’s and don’ts: Effective Legal Writing

The basic element in communication is the word. It is not the use of the English
language that wins the compliment but rather the restraint in the use of the English
language. Brevity is not only the soul of wit, but it is also a source of power.1

Commonly used Ought to be used

The claim is not for consideration This office cannot consider
of this Office
There is a need for application of The rule is
the rule of
The amounts claimed are not for The claim cannot be paid
payment
It is determined that We hold that
Notwithstanding the complexity of Although the issue is complex
the aforementioned issue
Reference is made to your letter of This is in answer to your letter
5 April, 1981, in which you reas to of April 5, 1981 asking whether
whether. . .I' "This is in answer to
your letter of April 5, 1981,
quested that
A dispute exists. . There is a dispute. .
No statute or regulation exists. . There is no statute or
regulation. . .
Possible benefits vis-a-vis Possible benefits of using our
utilization of our personnel personnel
give consideration to Consider
make payment to Pay
is applicable to Applies
have knowledge of Know
is determinative of Determines
is violative of violates

1
GIBSON, G. (1980). Effective Legal Writing and Speaking. The Business Lawyer, 36(1), 1-9. Retrieved February 12,
2020, from www.jstor.org/stable/40686180