Klaus’s question: “Please comment on the use of multiple and numerous. Are they interchangeable? Is it correct to say that multiple people attended the meeting?” BizWritingTip response: According to the Oxford dictionary, “multiple” means “having many parts, elements, or individual components; many and various.” Therefore, if I had to make a choice between the two […]
Grammar Tip – That Versus Who
in -Latest, Feature Article, GrammarRon’s question: “I often hear (or read) ‘that’ used in place of the pronoun ‘who.’ To my ears, it doesn’t sound correct. For example, ‘I’m always shocked by professionals that use improper grammar,’ versus ‘I’m always shocked by professionals who use improper grammar.’ ” BizWritingTip response: I agree with you. I was taught years ago […]
Word Choice – Thank You or Thank-You
in -Latest, Feature Article, Word ChoiceRob’s question: “Is ‘thank you’ a hyphenated word? For example, should I write ‘thank you for your help’ or ‘thank-you for your help’?” BizWritingTip response: To express gratitude use the two words thank you – without the hyphen. Example Thank you for your help. If you are familiar with British English, you probably learned to […]
Word Choice – Multiple Versus Numerous
in -Latest, Feature Article, Word ChoiceKlaus’s question: “Please comment on the use of multiple and numerous. Are they interchangeable? Is it correct to say that multiple people attended the meeting?” BizWritingTip response: According to the Oxford dictionary, “multiple” means “having many parts, elements, or individual components; many and various.” Therefore, if I had to make a choice between the two […]
Word Choice – License Versus Licence
in -Latest, Feature Article, Word ChoicePaty’s question: “I have a question about the proper use of ‘License’ vs. ‘Licence’ as I’m writing a policy.” BizWritingTip response: The spelling of these two words varies according to country. In Britain and Canada, licence is the noun and license is the verb. In other words, if there is a piece of paper to hold […]
Word Choice – Good Versus Well
in -Latest, Feature Article, Word ChoicePam’s question: “Can you please clarify the appropriate response to ‘How are you?’ Is it ‘Good’ or ‘Well’? ” BizWritingTip response: According to The Gregg Reference Manual, to feel well means “to be in good health.” To feel good is “to be in good spirits.” In other words, you are referring to your mental outlook. […]
Writing Style – Thank you for having me.
in -Latest, Feature ArticleSusan’s question: “I would like to know if it is grammatically correct for a person to say – ‘Thank you for having me.’ You hear this often on the radio when there is a guest, and it sounds awkward.” BizWritingTip response: I agree that it does sound a little strange. In fact, I cringe when I hear […]
Word Choice – Disorganized Versus Unorganized
in -Latest, Feature Article, Word ChoiceTracey’s question: “What is the difference between ‘disorganized’ and ‘unorganized’ and when do you properly use them?” BizWritingTip response: The Old English prefix on- (now spelled un-) was added to words to indicate a reversal of action. The Oxford Dictionary defines organize as “give an orderly structure to, systematize.” Therefore, unorganized means the opposite — […]
Word Choice – Try to Versus Try and
in -Latest, Feature Article, Word ChoiceKetta’s question: “Could you please provide some examples of the proper usage for ‘try to’ and ‘try and’?” BizWritingTip response: According to the Oxford Dictionary, try means to “make an effort with a view of success.” Traditionally, when the first verb is a strong request, it is followed by the word “to” and the verb. […]
Grammar Tip – Subject and Verb Agreement
in -Latest, Feature Article, GrammarDebbie’s question: “Should ‘is’ or ‘are’ be used when an inserted phrase changes the subject from singular to plural? For example, if I wrote ‘the version accessed (and features exposed)’ would the verb be ‘is’ or ‘are’?” BizWritingTip response: This question relates to subject and verb agreement. In the example, the subject “version” is singular. Therefore, […]
Writing Style – Capitalization of Organizational Names
in -Latest, Feature ArticleBetty’s question: “When should divisions with a department and staff titles be capitalized?” BizWritingTip response: Organizations often have their own style guides that list the words they want capitalized. If your organization does not have a style guide, here are some basic rules from The Canadian Press Caps and Spelling book and The Chicago Manual […]