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The 25 Deadliest Words and Phrases in Insurance
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18. VIN Number - Redundant. The "N" in VIN(Vehicle Identification Number" already stands for "N."
19. "wherein," "therein," "herein" - Lawyerspeak!
20. Furnish - Save this word for a discussion of "furniture." Instead of "Please furnish these records," write "Please send us these records."
21. "Potential fire hazard" - Redundant. A fire hazard, by definition, implies its potenial.
22. "Thusly" - Old fashioned, just like "thus." Choose another transition that implies consequence, such as "therefore."
23. "I want to extend an offer ... " - This phrase, used in the context of a settlement, can be confusing. Don't use it as a fancy way of saying "I want to make an offer" or "I am offering..." The word "extend" has the connotation that there is a present offer that is being left on the table (extended) for a while longer.
24. "In the amount of" - Use "for."
25. "In regards to" - The phrase you want is "in regard to" (no "s") or "regarding or "concerning." George M. Cohan wrote a song titled, "Give My Regards to Broadway" That's regards--a grand old word, but not regard.

How many of the letters you will write or review today contain at least one of these deadly phrases? If your answer is "Practically alll of them," it's time to challenge yourself to find new ways to do better. Y2K may not be nearly as important as "Write Well2K." Nineteenth Century verbiage should not be an ongoing glitch waiting to stultify communications as your company embarks on the Twenty First Century.

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