Phrases to avoid

Table 12.2 Words and phrases to avoid and their more appropriate alternatives. 

Matrix effect is a phrase normally used to describe the effect of some portion of a sample matrix that causes erroneous assay results if care is not taken to avoid the problem or correct for it by some mechanism. The most common matrix effects are those that result in ion suppression and subsequent false negative results. Ion enhancement may lead to false positive results.126 127 Several reports about matrix effects include suggestions on what can cause them and how to avoid them.126-147 While various ways to detect matrix effects have been reported, Matuszewski et al.140 described a clear way to measure the matrix effect (ME) for an analyte, recovery (RE) from the extraction procedure, and overall process efficiency (PE) of a procedure. Their method is to prepare three sets of samples and assay them using the planned HPLC/MS/MS method. The first set is the neat solution standards diluted into the mobile phase before injection to obtain the A results. The second set is the analyte spiked into the blank plasma extract (after extraction) to obtain the B results. The third set is the analyte spiked into the blank plasma before the extraction step (C results) these samples are extracted and assayed along with the two other sets. The three data sets allow for the following calculations ... 

Try writing some bad sentences. Use unnecessary words and repetition, jargon, pretentious words, unclear pronoun references, and ambiguous words. Avoid exact words and phrases, and repeat the same sentence structure. By trying to write poorly, you ll get a better sense of what to avoid in your writing. 

Repeat, as in [the construction of] logical proofs, entire phrases [and do so] in order to avoid falling into the error of Hermeticism [stating] that every idea, even the most obscure, can become clearly understood. 

Although the objectives are often worded in the form of imperatives (i.e., determine. write. .., draw. ..), these verbs are all to be preceded by the phrase be able to. .. . This phrase has been omitted to avoid repetition. 

In keeping with our aim to produce an accessible, easy-to-read book we have endeavored to ensure that the text is clear, concise and easily comprehensible. Each individual chapter is written by one or more distinguished authors from the relevant field and careful editing has ensured an overall style and continuity throughout the text. European and American trade names are given where appropriate to avoid any possible conflicts of terminology and phrase-ology which may arise from multinational readership and authorship. 

Use note cards with key phrases and words it is best to avoid using a full script at the final presentation. As you rehearse and your confidence improves, a set of cards may be a more appropriate format for your notes. 

The terms pipe, duct, and conduit are usually used interchangeably for flow sections. In general, flow sections of circular cro.ss section are referred to as pipes (especially when the fluid is a liquid), and flow sections of nnncircular cross section as ducts (especially when the fluid is a gas). Small-diameter pipes are usually referred to as tubes. Given this uncertainty, we will use more descriptive phrases (such as a circular pipe or a rectangular duct) whenever necessary to avoid any misunder.standings. 

To avoid confusion, therefore, place your modifiers close to the words or phrases they describe. 

Conversely, to avoid ho-hum prose, don t fill your sentences with cliches and platitudes—overworked phrases that cause your writing to sound lifeless and trite. Although we use cliches in everyday conversation, good writers... 

Some euphemisms are dated and now seem plain silly in Victorian times, for example, the word leg was considered unmentionable in polite company, so people spoke of piano limbs and asked for the first joint of a chicken. The phrases white meat and dark meat were euphemisms some people used to avoid asking for a piece of chicken breast or thigh. 

A caution be careful to avoid sexist assumptions in your salutations. If you do not know the gender of the person to whom you are writing (initials and many first names—Chris, Pat, Jordan—are used by both men and women), do some research, if possible. When in doubt, use the title or position and last name (Dear Professor Chieu). Use of the full name (Dear Xin Chieu) or organization name (Dear Safety Council) may be preferable to the impersonal Dear Sir or Madam, a phrase that seems stilted today. 

Try to avoid what has been referred to as restricted language code. This makes use of colloquial expressions, very short and simple sentences, repetitive use of conjunctions (but, because, so. .. ) and the use of statements phrased as questions Know what I mean , . . . you know , . . . isn t it , etc. In most patient interactions the use of restricted language code is undesirable however, occasionally you may need to apply it when interacting with certain patients to ensure the information is clearly understood. 

SPS uses problems and situations that were created for it and that conform to the following criteria. Traditional key words and phrases are avoided whenever possible. The story lines are appropriate for young adults. Items are worded for clear mapping into the schema diagrams, and numbers used in the problems are simple. The items are purposely rather bland. To make the desired assessments it was necessary to ensure that content unfamiliarity did not play a role in determining problem difficulty. 

Most symbols listed without subscript or superscript can be used with different subscripts and superscripts. Many symbols were used for different physical quantities. A few physieal quantities were denoted by different symbols in different parts of the book, e.g. to avoid use of the same symbol for two different quantities in one equation or phrase. 

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