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Standardize word usage.


CONTROL ID
06104
CONTROL TYPE
Establish/Maintain Documentation
CLASSIFICATION
Preventive

SUPPORTING AND SUPPORTED CONTROLS



This Control directly supports the implied Control(s):
  • Structure the language of compliance documents., CC ID: 06098

This Control has the following implementation support Control(s):
  • Write policies and instructions using clear and conspicuous language., CC ID: 16286
  • Define the use of abbreviations in the sentence structure guidelines., CC ID: 06138
  • Define the use of acronyms in the sentence structure guidelines., CC ID: 06139
  • Use action words., CC ID: 06103
  • Select words carefully., CC ID: 06102
  • Avoid utraquistic subterfuges., CC ID: 06105
  • Define the terms being used., CC ID: 06106
  • Define a new word if no existing word works., CC ID: 06107
  • Define the use of singular versus plural in the sentence structure guidelines., CC ID: 06142
  • Define the use of statutory words in the sentence structure guidelines., CC ID: 06153
  • Avoid the usage of gender-related words in the sentence structure guidelines., CC ID: 06188


SELECTED AUTHORITY DOCUMENTS COMPLIED WITH



  • If you have found the right word, don't be afraid to use it again and again. In other words, don't show your pedantry by an ostentatious parade of synonyms. (§ 102(d)(4), § 326(b), House Legislative Counsel's Manual on Drafting Style, 104th Congress, 1st Session)
  • Be consistent in the use of language throughout the legislative measure. Do not use the same word orphrase to convey different meanings. Do not use different language to convey the same meaning.Be consistent in the arrangement of comparable provisions. Arrange sections containing similarmaterial in … (Ch 2.C(8), Form and Style Manual for Legislative Measures, Sep 23, 1999)
  • Although the generous use of synonyms is fundamental to most types of writing, it is particularly ill-suited for drafting legislation. When a word is used more than once in a law, a presumption arises that the word or phrase has the same meaning throughout, unless a contrary intent is clear. Three r… (Part III Ch 1 § 3, Maine Legislative Drafting Manual, 1st Edition)