During an 1833 meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, a spirited discussion took place to determine what to call those who worked in the different branches of their profession.

William Whewell suggested the word scientist, an obviously superficial suggestion that could not be considered seriously for a moment. Six decades later, it is still used.

Some of the first tools for writing were the hunting club and the sharpened stone. Cave dwellers scratched pictures onto the walls of cave dwellings. It represented daily events such as planting crops or hunting victories.

With time, systematised symbols were developed from their drawings that represented words and sentences but were quicker and easier to draw. The symbols became shared among groups.

• Avoid at all costs the cliches of the thousands of writers who have gone before you.


• When you’re choosing words and stringing them together, be aware of how they sound.


• Use words you enjoy and that are vivid.


• Know the subtle differences between synonyms and which one best expresses what you want to say.


• Use the words that have precise meanings rather than those that are vague.