Platinum Quality Author Platinum Author |   1,014 Articles

Joined: September 4, 2008 United Kingdom
Was this article helpful? 0 0

Using Foreign Phrases in Your English Writing

A foreign phrase, thrown in at just the right time, can give your writing a certain flair that doing so in regular English just won't be able to accomplish. We're not talking about concocting a phrase from an obscure vernacular like Latin here. Instead, focus on foreign phrases that have been adopted as part of English, yet remain in their original language.

Much of the foreign terms adapted into everyday language came from either the legal or business professions. As such, injecting them into your writing can make you come across as more sophisticated and knowledgeable, regardless of the actual truth. Sure, none of that sounds fair. That doesn't change the fact that it's effective, though.

When using this technique for dressing up your writing, here are a few considerations:

Use two or three word constructions. Most single-word foreign elements adapted into English, such as ambiance or bourgeois, have become too familiar to make an impact. Anything more than three words on the other hand and you're running the risk of going over the reader's head. Two to three words strike that perfect balance.

Make sure the phrase is relatively familiar. Your own abilities as a widely-read man of the word must shine through here. Otherwise, a good way to check is to Google the phrase, searching only English pages, and see how often it is used in non-technical, general audience writing. If you've got one of the better English writing checkers, they should have a good range of these phrases on stock. If it doesn't flag it as an unidentifiable word, it's probably been used widely enough to be fine in your own writing.

About this Author

Watch how innovative English Writing Checkers instantly can improve your writing on a daily basis and learn how advanced NLP technology can help you to write perfect emails, essays, letters or reports. Read more

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Sumerset