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Negative language

Words like 'no', 'not', 'cannot' and 'never' that tell readers what they can't do and set a cold, restrictive tone.

Say it to an AI

Five one-line house rules for a holiday cabin listing. Use positive framing: lead each with what guests can do or get, keep every limit accurate, avoid negative language like 'no' and 'not permitted', and give quiet hours a friendly reason.

How an expert would brief the stronger version of “Holiday cabin house rules”.

See it

Try it as a puzzle →

The 'Good to know' section on a holiday-rental listing, read by guests deciding whether to book.

Study A · the weaker one
Study B · the stronger one

Why: All five of A's rows hinge on 'No', 'Non-' or 'not'; B uses none, apart from a gentle 'sorry, no cats'.

Related words

  • Microcopy
  • All caps
  • Plain language
  • Weasel words
  • Bottom line up front
  • Burying the lede
  • Value proposition
  • Hedging

Room 2 · Tone & voice

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