The Economist Style Guide

An interesting guide to the usage of English. The book advises you to never use a long word, when a short one can do. It it is possible to cut out a word, always cut it out. Never use the passive when you can use the active.

I shall quote from the book often. To start with:

Affinity: It can exist between or with things, but never to or for them.
Convince: Don’t convince people to do something. In that context the word you want to use is persuade.