| Instead of... | Use... |
| agreement | accord |
| impede | halt or balk |
| prevent | bar |
| reveal or expose | bare |
| ask, invite or request | bid |
| criticize strongly | blast |
| committee or commission | body |
| accuse, charge or enumerate | cite |
| limit or restrain | curb |
| decline or decrease | dip |
| former | ex- |
| defeated | fell |
| criticize strongly | flay |
| thwart | foil |
| increase | hike |
| flight | hop |
| appointment or position | job |
| murder | kill |
| diminish, reduce or trim | lop |
| silent | mum |
| accept, adopt or approve | O.K. |
| agreement or contract | pact |
| appointment or position | post |
| investigate | probe |
| resign | quit |
| question | quiz |
| destroy or wreck | raze |
| separation | rift |
| argument or wrangle | row |
| decision | rule |
| examine | scan |
| criticize | score |
| arrest | seize |
| arrange or schedule | set |
| transfer | shift |
| nominate, arrange or schedule | slate |
| murder | slay |
| encourage | spark |
| inform or reveal | tell |
| argument or quarrel | tiff |
| attempt | try |
| increase | up |
| advocate or purpose | urge |
| compete | vie |
| nullify | void |
| pledge or promise | vow |
This blog is a "how to" guide to help you prepare journalistic pieces that are accurate, in context, free from bias, and that have all sides presented fairly showing respect for the facts.