HACKNEYED PHRASES

1
HACKNEYED PHRASES

• Above mentioned
• According to our
• records (or books)
• Advise

• (Usually superfluous)
• Conclusions and facts-source of information not
  necessary.
• (Not synonymous with write, tell, or inform.)

2
HACKNEYED PHRASES

• Proposition is indefinite-substitute a noun-
• offer, suggestion.
• (Indefinite)
• Omit-idea is strengthened
• Use now

• As to your proposition
• Assuring you of our prompt
• At all times
• At this time

3
HACKNEYED PHRASES

• When(leaves the door open for procrastination)
• Be specific
• Use now
• Use attached is.

• As soon as possible
• At any early date
• At the present writing
• Attached find attached hereto or herewith

4
HACKNEYED PHRASES

• Awaiting your further orders
• Beg beg to advise

• Omit-substitute statement that you will be glad
  to help reader.
• Lowers your prestige(you are not begging).

5
HACKNEYED PHRASES

• Best
• By return mail at once

• Fails to create a vivid mental impression. Give
  points to show what is best-rather than say its
  best.
• (Use specific date)

6
HACKNEYED PHRASES

• Contents noted
• Duly
• Enclosed please find
• Herewith--you will find

• (Unnecessary) refer either by date or contents
• (Unnecessary)
• Use-Enclosed is_____

7
HACKNEYED PHRASES

• Even date
• Favor
• For your information wish to advise we take
  pleasure in

• (Use exact date)
• Letters, orders are not favors. Be specific.
• (Superfluous language) give facts, omit
  introductory remarks.

8
HACKNEYED PHRASES

• Greatly appreciate
• Hand you herewith
• Has come to hand

• Omit greatly.
• Cannot "hand" an enclosure use enclosed is.
• Self-evident - omit

9
HACKNEYED PHRASES

• I have your letter of (date)
• I thank you kindly
• Kindly let me have
• In due course

• Omit it.
• Omit kindly.
• Use, please let me have.
• Specific date.

10
HACKNEYED PHRASES

• In this connection
• Instant
• Kind favor
• Liberty (we take the liberty to tell you)

• Omit it.
• Name of month.
• Kind order.
• Discourteous-untrue when giving requested
  information

11
HACKNEYED PHRASES

• Line (along this line)
• Oblige
• Our records show.
• Our Mr. Smith

• Introductory flourish - substitute an exact term.
• If you desire to express appreciation-do so.
• (He wants facts) omit this phrase.
• Say Mr. Smith, our representative

12
HACKNEYED PHRASES

• Party
• Per
• Permit me to say or thank

• Substitute "person" or name
• Latin term-legal-omit
• Unnecessary

13
HACKNEYED PHRASES

• Proposition, matter
• Recent date
• Said same re
• Take care of your order or inquiry

• Indefinite-use exact time.
• Use date.
• Legal terms - omit
• Tell what action is to be taken.

14
HACKNEYED PHRASES

• Discourteous-Write letter after help has been
  received.
• Be specific - how
• Substitute-"now," "today," or exact date

• Thank you in advance
• Under separate cover
• Up to this writing

15
HACKNEYED PHRASES

• You imply that the reader was dishonest or in
  error
• Weak, unnecessary openings. Avoid repeating
  material contained in letters unless absolutely
  necessary-then just give facts.

• You claim or you state
• We see by your letter Your letter of (date) tells
  us

16
HACKNEYED PHRASES

• The writer
• We shall give our prompt attention
• We take pleasure in sending you herewith

• Be natural, say "we" or "I".
• Give specific date action will be taken or omit
  entirely.
• Substitute "We are glad to send you"