Guide 76 / 200 6 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “idea”
Six words that name the kind of idea.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
A concept is abstract; a proposal is actionable; a suggestion is soft; a recommendation carries authority. Choose the noun that matches the stage your idea is at.
ii · The swaps6 ways
- 01Concept neutral
abstract or exploratory stage
Explore the concept with the design team.
- 02Proposal formal
formal, actionable
Submit a formal proposal by the 10th.
- 03Suggestion neutral
soft, offered for consideration
Your suggestion was constructive.
- 04Recommendation formal
carries authority
The committee's recommendation stands.
- 05Initiative formal
a programme of action
Launch the initiative in Q4.
- 06Approach neutral
method or angle
A fresh approach to the pricing problem.