Saying “No” Like You Mean It
Apr 28, 2010 by Lindsay Gower
Often enough, we use the word don’t and do not in our writing. They’re real words, they convey clear meaning, I’ve got nothing against them.
Yet, often enough, your reader will skip over the “not” part, and think you’re saying “do.” Here are some tips to help you say No and be sure your reader hears you.
Vocabulary choice
Replace don’t with a precise and unambiguous word. Here are just a few excellent candidates for the job of saying No: Avoid, ban, block, delete, exclude, forbid, hinder, obstruct, omit, prevent, prohibit, reject and stop.
Avoid submerging your toaster in water. is …


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