Kathleen’s question: “Recently, I have noticed replies to me with ‘Thanks, Kathleen.’ The comma annoys me and just looks and sounds wrong. Is this the correct way of writing this?” BizWritingTip response: Grammatically, Thanks, Kathleen means Kathleen is thanking someone else. Thanks, Kathleen is a shortened version of Thanks, Kathleen On the other hand, Thanks Kathleen (no […]
Word Choice – Would Versus Could
in Word ChoiceBizWritingTip reader: “I am not sure when to use ‘could’ as opposed to ‘would.’ For example, I often write: ‘Would you be able to send me the figures?’ It seems more polite, but is it grammatically correct?” BizWritingTip response: Yes. It is grammatically correct. “Would” and “could” are similar words with slightly different meanings. It […]
Writing Style – To Capitalize or Not to Capitalize
in StyleBizWritingTip reader: “In my line of work, I often write letters to committee members and physicians something like this: ‘We are pleased to hear that you accepted Gayle Sawyer into the Internal Medicine Program.’ “My question is should the word program have a capital letter? We have noticed on occasions that program was typed with […]
Grammar Tip – Possession With Two names
in GrammarBizWritingTip reader: “When vacationing in Mexico last week, I went to a restaurant called Carlos’n Charlie’s. Is the name grammatically correct? I don’t think you need two apostrophes.” BizWritingTip response: An establishment has the right to call itself anything it wishes. However, you are right. Carlos and Charlie’s would be the grammatically correct way to name this well-known […]
Grammar Tip – Thanks or Thanks,
in -Latest, Feature Article, GrammarKathleen’s question: “Recently, I have noticed replies to me with ‘Thanks, Kathleen.’ The comma annoys me and just looks and sounds wrong. Is this the correct way of writing this?” BizWritingTip response: Grammatically, Thanks, Kathleen means Kathleen is thanking someone else. Thanks, Kathleen is a shortened version of Thanks, Kathleen On the other hand, Thanks Kathleen (no […]
Word Choice – Who Versus Whom
in Word ChoiceBizWritingTip reader: “I struggle with the use of ‘who’ vs. ‘whom.’ Please send me a foolproof explanation with lots of examples.” BizWritingTip response: The rules for “who” and “whom” are the same as for “I” and “me.” If it is used as the subject in a sentence, you use “I” or “who.” If it is […]
Writing Style – Split Infinitives
in StyleBizWritingTip reader: “In a previous BizWritingTip, you wrote: ‘He said he liked to only read in his native language.’ I believe its placement should appear as follows: ‘He said he liked to read only in his native language.’ ” BizWritingTip response: Thank you for the feedback. However, I really liked splitting my infinitive in this […]
Grammar Tip – Whose Versus Who’s
in GrammarBizWritingTip reader: “I never know when it is correct to use the word ‘whose.’ Can you please clarify this word’s proper usage?” BizWritingTip response: “Whose” is the possessive form for the word “who.” It will always be followed by a noun (person, place or thing). Examples Whose proposal was chosen? Whose idea was it? In […]
Worg Choice – i.e. versus e.g./ie versus eg
in -Latest, Feature Article, GrammarPam’s question: “I am responsible for editing various financial documents. In the explanations provided, examples are often included. Can you please clarify the use of eg and ie and how to punctuate them?” BizWritingTip response: The abbreviation i.e. stands for the Latin id est. Translated it means “that is.” Think of it as saying “in […]
Word Choice – In regard to …
in Word ChoiceBizWritingTip reader: “Will you explain with regard to, with regards to, in regards to, and in regard to? It is used so often in so many different ways. What is correct?” BizWritingTip response: I agree. This phrase is often misused. With regard to or in regard to are interchangeable. They mean “with respect to.” Examples (correct) In regard to your question … With regard […]
Writing Style – Contractions
in StyleBizWritingTip reader: “I received an email that contained the word these’re. A list of clients was provided and the message stated ‘I think these’re deceased clients.’ Is this correct grammar? Can any word be used in a contraction? It looked a little strange to me.” BizWritingTip response: A contraction is a word or phrase that has been shortened […]