In a previous blog, we discussed the use of the indefinite article, a or an, with acronyms and initialisms. Let’s now look at when to use a definite article, the, with these abbreviations. (Acronyms are abbreviated words that can be pronounced as actual words, e.g., NAFTA or AIDS. Initialisms are abbreviations that must be pronounced as letters, e.g., LCBO.) Use […]
Word Choice – Different From Versus Different Than
in -Latest, Feature Article, Word ChoiceBizWritingTip reader: “Do you have an opinion on the construction ‘Bob’s information was different than mine’? I see it all the time and do not like it. I would write ‘Bob’s information was different from mine,’ but I appear to be one of the few who feel this way.” BizWritingTip response: The phrases different from and different than are […]
Writing Style – Grammar or Style
in StyleA BizWritingTip reader wrote: I often see sentences that end in a preposition or hear commercials that do the same. Am I out of touch? Is this acceptable? Not when I went to school. It makes me wonder just how much attention is given to the correct use of the English language in both written […]
Grammar Tip – Uncountable Nouns With Verbs
in GrammarBizWritingTip reader: “Can you please advise which sentence is correct? ‘Other information remain unchanged.’ Or, ‘Other information remains unchanged.’ Is the word ‘information’ considered a plural or singular noun?” BizWritingTip response: The word “information” is deemed an uncountable noun. In other words, you cannot count it on your fingers. Uncountable nouns take a singular verb. […]
Word Choice – Designate Versus Designee
in -Latest, Feature Article, Word ChoiceSeng’s question: “When referring to a person who may be delegated a task, would you write designate or designee? For example, the manager or designate/designee is responsible for approving the report.” BizWritingTip response: Designate is a verb meaning “to appoint” or “to mark or point out clearly.” Examples Who was designated to write the report? […]
Writing Style – “And” and Commas — Part 2
in StyleIn a previous blog of BizWritingTip, we looked at placing a comma before “and” when you are using it to join two separate thoughts. Now we will look at how to deal with it when you are using it to separate items in a series. Use a comma when you are writing about a series of three […]
Grammar Tip – The With Acronyms and Initialisms
in GrammarIn a previous blog, we discussed the use of the indefinite article, a or an, with acronyms and initialisms. Let’s now look at when to use a definite article, the, with these abbreviations. (Acronyms are abbreviated words that can be pronounced as actual words, e.g., NAFTA or AIDS. Initialisms are abbreviations that must be pronounced as letters, e.g., LCBO.) Use […]
Grammar Tip – Use To Versus Used To
in -Latest, Feature Article, GrammarTeri’s question: “Here is something I would like clarified: Is the proper phrase “use to” or “used to” as in “I ______ to enjoy snow.” BizWritingTip response: “Used to” is employed when making a statement about repeated activities or thoughts that are now finished. Examples I used to love golfing in hot weather. Now I […]
Word Choice – Practice Versus Practise
in Word ChoiceBizWritingTip reader: “Here is a question for you. When is it appropriate to use ‘practice’ and ‘practise’? I have seen them written both ways.” BizWritingTip response: The Canadian Oxford Dictionary states that practise is a variation of practice. In other words, both are acceptable. But it does indicate that practice is generally used as a noun and practise as a verb. Examples (nouns) Target practice […]
Writing Style – “And” and Commas
in StyleBizWritingTip Reader: “I have a question for you – when is it OK to use commas before ‘and.’ I find this to be a very subjective question and am looking for some clarification.” BizWritingTip Response: There are several rules surrounding “and.” And that’s probably why the issue can be confusing. It all depends on how […]
Grammar Tip – A or An With Acronyms
in GrammarBizWritingTip reader: “I would like to know whether to use ‘a’ or ‘an’ before an acronym. For example, I have seen both ‘a Law Society of Upper Canada form’ and ‘an LSUC form.’ Are they both written correctly?” BizWritingTip response: Before I begin to deal with this issue, let’s discuss acronyms versus initialisms. An acronym […]