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Tip 26.  Clear negation

Which choice is best according to the principles of Plain English?

A. ...should not have an impact...

Wrong answer, try again!

B. ...shouldn't have any impact...

Wrong answer, try again!

C. ...should have no impact...

Correct answer!

Comment:

Ideas expressed with positive forms are clearer and more memorable. Thus, 'should have no' is clearer than 'should not have any'.

Avoid contractions in formal business writing (e.g. 'isn't' or 'won't', as opposed to 'is not'; 'will not'). Contractions give your writing a conversational tone, so only use them in informal writing.

Grammar: 'an' and 'any' are both correct here. 'Any' adds emphasis.