Guide 105 / 200 4 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “thing”
"Thing" is the single laziest word in business writing. Here are four sharper words.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
If you find yourself writing "thing," ask what thing. "Item" is a discrete unit; "matter" is an issue or topic; "factor" is something that contributes; "element" is a component of a larger whole. Almost always, one of these is better.
ii · The swaps4 ways
- 01Item neutral
a discrete unit in a list or inventory
The next item on the agenda.
- 02Matter neutral
an issue, subject, or topic
A matter for the steering committee.
- 03Factor neutral
a contributing cause
A factor in the delay was staffing.
- 04Element neutral
a component of a larger whole
A key element of the design.
iii · And what not to sayKeep this one
"The thing is" at the start of a sentence — delete it. The sentence starts at the next word.