Mistakes in your writing can cost you dearly. Recently I heard one of my clients say that when she gets a resume containing errors, it goes immediately in the “unacceptable” pile. Make sure your writing is correct by addressing the completeness of your sentences. Run-on sentences contain two or more independent thoughts not separated by any … Read On >
Fragments and Run-Ons and Errors – Oh My! Writing In Complete–or Incomplete Sentences? To be sure any one sentence you write is correct and complete, ask yourself, “Is it understandable out of context?” (In other words, if you stated only the sentence out loud to someone, would it make sense? If it does, then it’s … Read On >
The term, “FAIL” has become widely used as an Internet meme where people superimpose the word, “FAIL” on images of the unsuccessful, or that which does not live up to what is expected. Usually, these FAILs are intended to make people laugh. In most cases, they are quite funny. Written messages in customer-serving businesses, like … Read On >
The subject is who or what the sentence is about. The trip to the office usually takes about an hour. The predicate is what the subject is or does. The trip to the office usually takes about an hour. “Who” is the subject case and “whom” is the object case. Examples: Who is going with … Read On >
People use the term “Business Writing.” Is there really such a thing? Business Writing Isn’t Just Writing! First things first, let’s debunk a common misconception: business writing is more than just writing. It’s a skill set distinct from academic writing, which often prioritizes complexity over clarity.Long, cascading sentences are difficult to read and require extra … Read On >
Pronouns refer to other words (called “antecedents”). The “other word” needs to be very clear to the audience before you can use a pronoun to refer to it.
Grammar Costs Time and MONEY Some experts estimate that the US economy wastes $75 billion annually because of poor English skills. Others say that 80 percent of corporate waste can be tied directly to ineffective communications. A lot of focus has been put on speaking skills, because really, who writes anymore, right? Well, if you … Read On >
Using Who or Whom when writing. WHO or WHOM? We all know that there’s a difference between when to use WHO or when to use WHOM. But could you explain what to do? The confusion between who and whom when writing is an issue that many people struggle with. As language evolves, common every day speech is much more forgiving on the usage of … Read On >
Opinion and Fact Depend On Audience Express opinion and fact in the correct settings to make your point effectively. For example, when expressing an opinion among friends, instead of saying that something “is the best,” say, “I think it is the best.” Here is where phrases like “I feel,” “I think,” and “I believe” work very … Read On >