Writing related parts of a sentence, list or heading in similar grammatical form makes reading easier. The reader expects the sentence to follow a pattern; if you abandon it, you create confusion. Here are some examples. Unparallel structure: Lisa was happy about the promotion and getting the pay raise. Parallel structure: Lisa was happy about the promotion and the pay raise. Unparallel structure: The regulator advised companies to work diligently and against relying on luck. Parallel structure: The regulator advised companies to work diligently and not rely on … [Read more...]
Let’s Agree: Subjects and Verbs in Your Writing
April 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment
There are many examples of subject-verb disagreement that work their way into business writing. Here are some tips to avoid common traps. Many people ask: “Should the word ‘everyone’ be used with a singular or plural verb?” The indefinite pronouns – anyone, each, either/neither, every, everyone, everybody, someone, somebody, no one and nobody – take a SINGULAR verb. Incorrect Example: Everyone of us here as individuals are the best and brightest. Correct Example: Everyone of us here as individuals is the best and brightest. Incorrect Example: Each of the protesters are right in … [Read more...]
Mind Your Pronouns In Business Writing
April 4, 2012 by 1 Comment
Incorrect use of pronouns is one of the most common grammar mistakes in business writing today. (1) Specifically, people get confused about when to use “I” or “me.” Here is the rule: “I” is always the subject of a verb. “Me” is the object of a verb or preposition. Incorrect Example: Send your invoices to Tony or I. (You would never say “Send your invoices to I.” One trick in getting this right is to mentally delete the “Tony or” clause and see how it sounds.) Correct Example: Kevin and I headed to the regulatory meeting. (“I” is the subject of the verb … [Read more...]
