When we speak, it is common to say things like “that thing” or use vague slang. But this is a poor habit. Why? Because the person we are communicating with may have no idea what “that thing” refers to — or they may think you mean an entirely different “that thing.”

This is where precision becomes essential. Language is the product of generations of refinement. We have countless words that help us express ourselves clearly and accurately. If we ignore this, we risk confusion, inefficiency, or even disaster.

Example: Tenerife Airport Disaster (1977)

One of the deadliest aviation disasters in history — the Tenerife Airport Disaster — shows how a lack of verbal precision can have catastrophic consequences.

On 27 March 1977, two Boeing 747 jumbo jets — a KLM flight and a Pan Am flight — collided on a fog-shrouded runway in the Canary Islands, killing 583 people. The disaster occurred because of ambiguous and imprecise communication between the flight crews and air traffic control.

Crucially, the KLM captain, eager to depart, radioed “We are now at takeoff” — a non-standard phrase. The air traffic controller responded with a simple “OK,” which the KLM crew interpreted as clearance to proceed. Meanwhile, the Pan Am aircraft was still taxiing on the same runway, obscured by thick fog.

Neither the KLM crew nor the controller used standard phraseology, and the position of the Pan Am jet was never clearly confirmed. This lack of verbal precision led the KLM aircraft to begin its takeoff prematurely — directly into the path of the other plane.

Conclusion

This tragedy shows what can happen when we are not careful with our words. While most of us will never face such high-stakes situations, that does not mean we should be lax about clarity. Even a small slip — like saying “bring me that thing” — can waste time, cause frustration, or create unnecessary problems.

Words are tools. Use them with care.