Latinate and plain English
Choose between Latinate and plain (Germanic) English: commence/start, utilise/use, endeavour/try — and the power of plain words.
In this lesson you will
- Recognise Latinate and plain word pairs
- Choose by audience, purpose and rhythm
- Use plain English for clarity and power
Learn
English has many pairs: a short, older Germanic word and a longer Latinate one: start/commence, end/terminate, buy/purchase, help/assist, try/endeavour, use/utilise, ask/enquire, get/obtain, show/demonstrate.
Latinate words sound formal, abstract and technical — suited to legal, academic and official texts. Plain words sound direct, concrete and emotional — powerful in speeches and persuasive writing (blood, toil, tears and sweat).
Plain English movement: public documents increasingly prefer plain words for clarity: We will terminate your agreement → We will end your contract.
Rhythm and mix: skilled writers mix both; a plain word after Latinate phrasing lands with force: The committee’s deliberations were protracted, inconclusive and, frankly, dull.
Examples
- Latinate: Please endeavour to arrive punctually.
- Plain: Please try to arrive on time.
- Mixed for effect: The proposal is ambitious, innovative and costly — too costly.
- Official → plain: Residents are required to ascertain… → You need to find out…
Vocabulary
Latinate
derived from Latin
Germanic
from the older English/Germanic word stock
plain English
clear, simple language
endeavour
try (formal)
protracted
lasting longer than expected
Practice
Plain equivalent of “commence”:
Speaking
Deliver the same 45-second message twice: as an official statement (Latinate) and as a speech to supporters (plain). Compare the effect.
Writing
Rewrite an official notice (write it first, 80 words, Latinate style) into plain English (70–90 words), keeping all the information.
Lesson quiz
“Obtain” (plain):
Review
Key points
- Pairs: start/commence, use/utilise.
- Latinate = formal, abstract.
- Plain = direct, powerful.
- Mix for rhythm and emphasis.
What you learned
- ✓ I choose between Latinate and plain words.
- ✓ I write plain English when needed.
- ✓ I use contrast for effect.