word-choice.md

Word Choice

Always use common words that Veterans will understand. If a term may be unfamiliar but you need to use it, be sure to give a plain-language definition.

Note: Veterans aren’t the only ones visiting vets.gov — their spouses, children, and other family members may also be looking for information about VA benefits and services. Consider defining military jargon terms that may be familiar to Veterans, but not to their dependents.

There are 3 tables below that will help us make plain-language word choices. The first lists words to avoid in vets.gov communications. The second lists words to use sparingly. The third lists words that should be defined. If a word needs to be defined, do so the first time you use it on a web page or as part of a form. After you’ve defined the word, use it without defining it again.

If the definition is short, put it in parentheses next to the word it defines, for example: "If you don’t agree with the VBA’s decision, you can appeal to the Board for a de novo (new look) review."

If the definition is long, define the word in a separate sentence, for example: "If you can’t work because of a service-connected disability, you may be able to get the same benefits as a 100% disabled Veteran, regardless of your rating. This is called being individually unemployable."

In some cases, you may want to introduce your reader to a complicated word because they are likely to encounter it elsewhere. In those cases, you can treat the more complicated word as the “definition,” but use a simpler word throughout your communications.

Words to avoid

Avoid	Plain-language suggestions	Notes and examples
acquire	get
additional	more, other
aggravated	made worse/became worse	"If your disability became worse because of your military service..."
and/or	or	In precise legal writing, choose an alternate wording ("We may do X, Y, or both.")
applicant	person who applies
assess	figure out, decide, look at
assist or assistance	help
designate	choose or assign
determine	figure out or decide
e.g.	like, including, for example
eligible	able to, allowed to, can
employ	use
enroll	sign up
evaluate	figure out, decide, look at
every (week/month/year)	each
(the) following	these, this + descriptor	Rather than "the following locations" say "these locations"
incurred	happened, got	"An injury that happened because of your military service..."
individual	person
locate	find
maintain	keep
modify	change
notify	tell
obligated	must, need to
obtain	get
occur	happen
preceding	before
prior to	before
receive	get
required	must, need to
select	choose	But do use "select" when asking the user to choose an interface label, for example: "Select I agree.")
submit	apply, file
via	through
well	healthy

Words to use sparingly

Use sparingly	Notes
compensation	Whenever possible, choose more specific language, like “monthly payment”
medical	Whenever possible, use "health" instead
procedure	Instead use "operation," "health service," "process," "series of steps." (Whenever possible, use a more specific word, like "surgery," or a more general one, like "health service.")
should	Make sure that you don't use this word in a condescending way. If it might come across in this way, instead use: "need to" or "important."
such as	Whenever possible, use "like," "including," or "for example."

Words to define

Define	Notes
confidential	Define as private.