In the last blog post we discussed the importance of distinguishing between words like adapt, adept, and adopt that have similar spellings and pronunciations but very different meanings. Using precise language always contributes to more effective technical writing.
Here’s another example: the use of flammable, inflammable, and nonflammable. Unlike the case of adapt, adept, and adopt, these three words present a slight twist.
Both flammable and inflammable mean able to be set on fire. However, the prefix in- usually indicates that the whole word means the opposite of the word appearing after the prefix in-. That’s not true in this case, as inflammable means exactly the same as flammable.
To avoid potential confusion among your audience, avoid using inflammable. If you need to communicate the opposite of flammable, use nonflammable. Note the lack of a hyphen in the word nonflammable.
So be in the club avoiding inflammable. More precise writing makes more effective technical writing. And more effective technical writing makes a more effective presentation of you and your brands to your audience.
Here’s another example: the use of flammable, inflammable, and nonflammable. Unlike the case of adapt, adept, and adopt, these three words present a slight twist.
Both flammable and inflammable mean able to be set on fire. However, the prefix in- usually indicates that the whole word means the opposite of the word appearing after the prefix in-. That’s not true in this case, as inflammable means exactly the same as flammable.
To avoid potential confusion among your audience, avoid using inflammable. If you need to communicate the opposite of flammable, use nonflammable. Note the lack of a hyphen in the word nonflammable.
So be in the club avoiding inflammable. More precise writing makes more effective technical writing. And more effective technical writing makes a more effective presentation of you and your brands to your audience.
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