Unload Your Language

The concept of “loaded language” refers to words that evoke a specific emotional response. For example, if we say that a company's policies are “raping the environment,” the general idea isn't much different than saying the policies are “causing environmental damage,” but the emotional effect is much different.

Usually, you want to avoid overtly loaded language because you do not know how your readers will react.

For example, let's say that you are applying for a grant for a program that will offer after-school math tutoring to local high school students. In your inquiry, you write that the program is necessary because the math programs in many of the county's schools are “abysmal.”

If a board member of one of the organizations from which you are seeking funding is affiliated with a local school district, he or she may take offense. A different word, such as “underperforming,” conveys a similar idea but doesn't come across as an attack.

Since you can't always predict the emotional reactions that your words will cause, you should be cautious about using loaded language. Examine your word choices carefully and question the potential...