Words to watch
At Crown Commercial Service we often use terms that have different meanings depending on the context. This can make it difficult to know if we should be using certain terms and when.
This is a list of words to watch and tips for how and when to use each of them. You can also view a list of Words not to use.
| Word | Reason or exception | Alternatives (if relevant) |
|---|---|---|
| Advance | Be more specific to the context you are writing about for better clarity | Improve / make progress / help / come / lead |
| Agenda | Only use this word when referring to an agenda meeting | Plan |
| Collaborate | There are simpler alternatives | Work with |
| Combat | Unless you are referring to military, be more specific with your context | Solve / fix |
| Crown Commercial Services | Remove the last ‘s’ in Service’s’ | Crown Commercial Service |
| In order to | – | to |
| Just | Not needed, filler word. Remove and avoid. | N/A |
| Savings | Do not use this word when discussing the benefits or value of CCS as we provide a range of benefits. | Commercial benefits |
| Simple | Saying something is ‘simple’ is subjective. What is simple for one person may not be simple for someone else. It is better to remove this word as it adds no further context |
N/A |
| Transformation | Only use this word when talking about transforming public procurement or digital transformation | Change / changing / evolve |
| Web pages / Web page | This should be one word | Webpages / webpage |
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Glossary
Find explanations for common terms and abbreviations used in public procurement.