Common mistake Legal jargon referring to previous text
Common Mistake: Using Legalese in Everyday Writing
Legalese, also known as legal jargon, is a type of language commonly used in legal documents and contracts. While it may be necessary for legal professionals to use this technical and precise language in their work, it often leads to confusion and difficulty in understanding for the average reader.
Why is Legalese Problematic?
Using legalese in everyday writing is considered bad style for several reasons:
- Difficult to Understand: The use of complex legal terminology can make it challenging for readers to comprehend the intended message. This can create a barrier to effective communication.
- Avoidable Confusion: Legalese can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations, especially when used in non-legal contexts. It's important to use language that is clear and accessible to the intended audience.
- Archaic Language: Legalese often relies on outdated and archaic words and phrases that are no longer commonly used. This creates a disconnect between the language used in legal documents and modern communication.
Solutions: Remove and Explain
To avoid the pitfalls of legalese, it is recommended to remove complex legal language whenever possible and replace it with clear and concise language that is easily understood by a wider audience.
Here are some tips to help eliminate legalese from your writing:
- Simplify Terminology: Replace obscure legal terms with more common language that accurately conveys the same meaning. For example, use "this" or "these" instead of "said" or "aforesaid".
- Explain Legal Concepts: When legal terms are necessary, provide explanations or definitions in plain language to ensure readers can understand the meaning. This can be done through footnotes or parenthetical explanations.
- Use Active Voice: Write sentences in the active voice to make them more direct and easier to understand. Passive voice constructions can often make sentences sound more convoluted and complicated.
The Role of Linguix Grammar Checker
Linguix Grammar Checker is a helpful tool that can assist in identifying and eliminating legalese from your writing. By highlighting complex legal terms and suggesting simpler alternatives, Linguix can greatly improve the readability and clarity of your text.
Legal jargon referring to previous text mistake examples
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Incorrect:The above-mentioned fact is important.Correct:The this|these fact is important.
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Incorrect:The abovementioned fact is important.Correct:The this|these fact is important.
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Incorrect:The above-listed points must not be forgotten.Correct:The this|these points must not be forgotten.
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Incorrect:The abovelisted points must not be forgotten.Correct:The this|these points must not be forgotten.
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Incorrect:The before-mentioned fact is important.Correct:The this|these fact is important.
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Incorrect:The beforementioned fact is important.Correct:The this|these fact is important.
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Incorrect:The afore-mentioned fact is important.Correct:The this|these fact is important.
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Incorrect:The aforementioned fact is important.Correct:The this|these fact is important.
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Correct:Like I mentioned before, it is important not to follow rules blindly
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Correct:This fact is important.
