Contractions can cause problems for some writers. Here’s a common error: let’s versus lets. Let’s is the contraction for “let us.” Lets is a form of the verb to let, meaning “to allow to.” Example (Incorrect) The new software program let’s us collect more data on our customers. (This sentence would, therefore, mean “The new software program let us us to collect more […]
Writing Style – Anglophone/Francophone: To Cap or Not to Cap
in -Latest, Feature Article, StyleDeane’s question: “Should terms such as francophone and anglophone be capitalized. I don’t think so as they do not refer to races of people per se. However, especially in the case of francophone, people in government and in the press often write Francophone.” BizWritingTip response: My first inclination was to say “no.” Do not capitalize […]
Word Choice – Councillor Versus Counsellor
in Word ChoiceA few weeks ago, I was working on a manual for a workshop titled Report Writing to Council. Unfortunately, my head was then in “a wrong place” when I wrote the week’s BizWritingTip. To demonstrate a point, I used the term “investment councillor.” This is absolutely wrong as several readers were quick to point out. A […]
Writing Style – Business Writing Guidelines
in StyleI thought I would start offer some ideas on how you can ensure your writing style meets the needs of today’s business readers. Please note that these tips are not hard and fast rules but only guidelines. They come from my years of experience in teaching business writing and from my research into the reading […]
Grammar Tip – At Versus In
in GrammarBizWritingTip reader: “I have a grammar question that arose when I reviewed a business document. The author used the preposition ‘in’ before all place names, e.g. ‘in Vancouver,’ ‘in Whistler.’ I think it should be ‘at.’ Am I correct?” BizWritingTip response: This is another tricky – often confusing — grammar question. I want to agree […]
Word Choice – I Was Versus I Were
in Word ChoiceBizWritingTip reader: “Could you give us an update on when it is appropriate to use ‘I was’ versus ‘I were.’ ” BizWritingTip response: “I was” is the normal past tense of the verb “to be.” Examples I was busy when you called. (past tense) I was nominated head of the committee. (past passive tense) I […]
Word Choice – Recur Versus Reoccur
in -Latest, Feature Article, Word ChoiceAngela’s question: “Can you please describe when to use ‘reoccur’ and when to use ‘recur.’ Are they interchangeable?” BizWritingTip response: Aha more controversial words! The dictionary defines “recur” as a verb meaning “to occur again” or “be repeated.” (“Recurrence” is the noun.) Examples Lightning recurred throughout the night. (It happened often.) It is a recurring […]
Writing Style – The “th” on Dates
in StyleThis BizWritingTip continues a previous blog discussion on how to write dates. It is considered substandard North American English to place an “rd,” “st” or “th” after a number directly following a month. Example Incorrect January 14th, 2011 ExampleCorrect January 14, 2011 ExamplesCorrect 14th of January or 14th day of January (The number comes before the month […]
Grammar Tip – Let’s Versus Lets
in GrammarContractions can cause problems for some writers. Here’s a common error: let’s versus lets. Let’s is the contraction for “let us.” Lets is a form of the verb to let, meaning “to allow to.” Example (Incorrect) The new software program let’s us collect more data on our customers. (This sentence would, therefore, mean “The new software program let us us to collect more […]
Word Choice – Coworker or Co-worker
in -Latest, Feature Article, Word ChoiceDaniel’s question: “I am not sure which is the right spelling: coworkers or co-workers?” BiztipWritingTip response: Unfortunately, this question is still being debated. Both the CP (Canadian Press) and the AP (Associated Press) stylebooks recommend co-worker. So does the dictionary associated with the MicroSoft Word program. But The Chicago Manual of Style and The Economist’s […]
Word Choice – Compliment Versus Complement
in Word ChoiceBizWritingTip reader: “I wonder if you could write one about the use of ‘complement’ and ‘compliment.’ It seems the misuse of these words, in my opinion, is increasing. Is there an American variation influencing this or perhaps both can now be used interchangeably?” BizWritingTip response: You are right. These words are often confused. However, “complement” […]