Using Consistent Terminology

Use terms consistently. Use the one term, one concept rule: Avoid the use of different terms to convey the same concept, and avoid the use of one term to convey different concepts. These terms are sometimes used to convey the same concept:

• Match and reconcile.

• Spread, distribute, and allocate.

• Move and transfer.

• Change, revise, alter, and modify.

These terms are sometimes used to convey different concepts:

• Item

• Order

• Rate

• Schedule

In some cases, a word can be used either as a noun or a verb. In such cases, try to use the word in only one way. For example, use default only as a noun. For example:

Incorrect	Correct
The system defaults the value.	The system supplies the default value.