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Ambiguity and Inflated Language

Anna Prieto, Janaia Bell, Herman Moore, Brendan Bachelor

Ambiguity is the result of stacked nouns, faulty word choice, and other uses of poor communication.

Ambiguity can create two possible meanings

Ambiguity

Faulty Word Choice Wrong: We were held up at the bank. Right: We were delayed at the bank.

Stacked Nouns Wrong: The consultant suggested the manager allow

time for a fitness center member evaluation. Right: The consultant suggested that the manager allow

time to evaluate the members of the fitness center. Alternative: The consultant suggested that the manager

allow time for the members to evaluate the fitness center.

Examples of Ambiguity

Many writers believe that they will impress readers by using “fancy”, less-familiar words. In technical communication, however, you are more likely to impress readers not with fancy words, but with simple, clear, everyday words.

Inflated Language

Wordy Phrases In the event that In the near future In this day and age Is able to Is in a position to It is crucial that

Examples of Inflated Language

Concise Alternatives If Soon Today, now Can Can Must, should

Redundant Modifiers Absolutely essential Absolutely free Anticipate in advance Circle around Decrease down End result

Examples of Inflated Language (contd)

Concise Alternatives Essential Free Anticipate Circle Decrease Result

Make actors the subjects of your sentences

Put action into verbs

Using Actors &Action Verbs

Almost everyone has had the unpleasant experience of being bitten by a mosquito. Sever skin irritation can occur through an allergic reaction to the mosquito’s saliva; this is what causes the red bump and itching. But a more serious consequence may be transmission of certain serious diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, and several forms of encephalitis from mosquito bites. Not only can mosquitoes carry diseases that afflict humans, but they also can transmit several diseases and parasites that dogs and horses are very susceptible to. These include dog heartworms and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. There are about 200 different species of mosquitoes in the United States, all of which live in specific habitats, exhibit unique behaviors, and bite different types of animals. Despite these differences, all mosquitoes share some common traits, such as a four-stage life cycle. After the female mosquito obtains a blood meal (male mosquitoes do not bite), she lays her eggs directly on the surface of stagnant water, in a depression, or on the edge of a container where rainwater may collect and flood the eggs. The eggs hatch and a mosquito larva, or “wiggler,” emerges. Living in the water, the larva feeds and develops into the third stage of the life cycle, called a pupa, or “tumbler.” The pupa also lives in the water, but no longer feeds. Finally the mosquito emerges from the pupa case and the water as a fully developed adult, ready to bite.

For Example:

Mosquito bites have been an unpleasant experience for most. Severe skin irritation such as red bumps and itchiness can occur due to an allergic reaction to the mosquitos saliva. Diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and several forms of encephalitis, however, are other consequences to mosquito bites with greater traumatic results. Mosquitos carry many diseases that afflict humans and can also be transmitted to dogs and horses which include dog heartworms and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Two hundred different species of mosquitos exist in the United States which inhabit different environments, exhibit unique behaviors, and bite numerous species of animals. However some mosquitos share common traits, including a four-stage life cycle. After a female obtains a blood meal (males do not bite), she lays her eggs on the surface of stagnant water, in a depression, or on the edge of a container where rain water may collect and flood the eggs, causing a mosquito larva or “wiggler” to emerge. Upon the third stage of the life cycle, the larva feed and develop into a pupa or “tumbler” while living in the water. The pupa no longer feeds, but continue to live under water until it further develops. Finally, an adult mosquito emerges from the water and is ready to bite.