This week, we’re adding to our catalog of “use simpler words” entries. Though many of the terms we address are health-specific, we also tackle overly complicated words that have worked their way into health content.
This week’s word belongs to the second category, and we unequivocally recommend skipping it altogether.
Can you spot the unapproachable non-health term in the following examples?
- Call the doctor if your child’s fever exceeds 102 °F.
- Don’t exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours.
- Try not to exceed your maximum recommended heart rate during physical activity.
Instead of “exceed,” which isn’t the plainest of words, why not just say what you mean?
- Call the doctor if your child’s fever is higher than 102 °F.
- Don’t take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours.
- Try not to go above your maximum recommended heart rate during physical activity.
As you can see, dear readers, there really is no need to use “exceed” in your health content.
The bottom line: File “exceed” in the category of words that have no place in your plain language health materials.
Browse recent posts