Some grammar rules can be amended for reasons of style or common sense. The trick is to do this sparingly – and only if the effect has the desired purpose. (i) Ending a sentence with a preposition. It is better to be natural than to artificially structure a sentence to comply with a grammar rule. Example: This survey will show where most of our product orders are coming from. (not “from where most of our product orders are coming.”) Example: This is a technology we are familiar with. (ii) Beginning a sentence with And. This can, if used occasionally, call attention to your … [Read more...]
Frequently Mistaken Words
May 21, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Have you ever come across these “twin” words? It’s amazing how many times they are misused in a sentence. Keep an eye out for these pairings that often confuse business writers. Adverse . . . . opposed, unfavorable Averse. . . . . . unwilling, reluctant (Especially when used with risk-averse, not risk-adverse) Affect . . . .verb, to influence Effect . . . .noun, outcome, result, also verb, to cause to happen (i.e. to effect change) Altogether. . . . completely All together . . .collectively Beside . . . . alongside Besides. . . . in … [Read more...]
Punctuation: Possessives, Contractions and Commas
May 14, 2012 by Leave a Comment
The improper use of possessives versus contractions is a common mistake in business writing. One simple rule of thumb is that a word contracted, such as it’s, they’re, you’re and who’s, indicates a shortened form of a verb action – it is, they are, you are and who is. If there is no contraction, such as its, their, your and whose, this indicates a possessive use. Incorrect Example: The pharmaceutical industry had it’s day in court (should be “its”) Incorrect Example: Whose responsible for the office break-in? (should be “who’s”) Incorrect Example: Your welcome for the good deed! … [Read more...]
Don’t Let ‘Em Dangle: Phrases, Modifiers And References
May 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Misplaced modifiers, dangling phrases and unclear references – these are mistakes of placement and they can have a disastrous or odd effect on sentences and meaning. The goal is to keep the word or words that modify or directly affect the meaning of other words close together. (i) Dangling phrases usually begin a sentence; what they modify is omitted. Dangling Phrase Example: Checking the lunchroom, the sales manager was found. Correct: Checking the lunchroom, security found the sales manager. (ii) Misplaced modifier – Each modifier needs to be placed next to, or as close as … [Read more...]
