Jolanda’s question: “Lately, I have seen people write: July 3rd, 2010, but I learned in school that it should be July 3, 2010, or 3rd of July 2010. Can you clarify what is allowed?” BizWritingTip response: The answer to this question is a great example of how spoken and written English do not always mesh. […]
Word Choice – Try To Versus Try And
in -Latest, Feature Article, Word ChoiceKetta’s question: “Can you please provide some examples of the proper usage of ‘try to’ and ‘try and?’ ” BizWritingTip response: I was taught that when the first verb is a strong request the second verb should be in the infinitive form (to + a verb). Therefore, the phrase should be “try to.” However, according […]
Writing Style – Caring Less
in StyleKlaus’s Question: “Here is something I’ve wondered about since I’ve seen it used both ways. When showing lack of concern, which is correct, ‘I could care less’ or ‘I couldn’t care less’?” BizWritingTip response: The expression “I could care less” has caused a great deal of criticism for many years. The original phrase “I couldn’t […]
Writing Style – Bunch
in StyleSusan’s question: “Could you please let me know when it is appropriate to use the word ‘bunch.’ I often hear it used in conjunction with people, but I find it hard on the ear. Am I just being picky?” BizWritingTip response: According to the Oxford dictionary, the noun bunch refers to “a cluster of things growing or fastened […]
Word Choice – On or Upon
in -LatestSandra’s question: “Is it correct to say the dog jumped ‘up on’ the roof or the dog jumped ‘upon’ the roof? I see a lot of these mixes nowadays.” BizWritingTip response: Yes, both sentences are correct. However, they express slightly different ideas. Up on means to move in an upward motion onto a surface. Upon just means on a surface. In fact, […]
Writing Style – Inside Addresses
in StyleKirk’s question: “I am drafting a thank-you letter to two men. In the address portion of the letter, do I write Mr. X and Mr. Y or do I write Messrs. X and Y? And similarly, if the letter was addressed to two women is it correct to use Mmes.?” BizWritingTip response: Here is another […]
Writing Style – Business Writing: By the Numbers
in Feature ArticleHere are a few reminders to ensure your documents are clear and concise: Keep your average sentence length to 18 words. Avoid sentences that require more than four pieces of punctuation. Keep opening paragraphs under four lines in a print document and under three lines in a screen document. Keep body paragraphs under eight lines […]
Writing Style – Dates
in StyleJolanda’s question: “Lately, I have seen people write: July 3rd, 2010, but I learned in school that it should be July 3, 2010, or 3rd of July 2010. Can you clarify what is allowed?” BizWritingTip response: The answer to this question is a great example of how spoken and written English do not always mesh. […]
Grammar Tip – Periods With Abbreviations
in GrammarMary Lou’s question: “Why is it that MD does not have a period after the M. and D. as this is a title?” BizWritingTip response: The rule for abbreviations is that if they are composed of all capital letters, you do not use periods with them. Examples MD YMCA MP SOPs (standard operating procedures) Exception: Abbreviations that […]
Grammar Tip – A or An With Abbreviations
in GrammarElfriede’s question: “When you are using abbreviations, how do you know whether to put ‘a’ or ‘an’ in front of them, e.g., ‘a MBA’ or ‘an MBA’? Please help. I’m in health care and we use abbreviations ad nauseam.” BizWritingTip response: When it comes to using indefinite articles (a or an), it doesn’t matter whether you are spelling […]
Word Choice – You Versus Yourself
in -Latest, Feature Article, Word ChoicePat’s question: “Could you please discuss the grammatical misuse of the word ‘yourself.’ For example, I have heard people answer the question ‘How are you?’ by saying ‘Fine. And yourself?’ Shouldn’t it be ‘Fine. And you?’ ” BizwritingTip response: You are correct. “Yourself” is a reflexive pronoun. Reflexive pronouns are those that end in –self […]