BizWritingTip reader: “I understand these words may now be interchangeable. Could you comment on whether this is true? I always understood that farther was used for literal references, for example, for geographic distance. The word further is used when the reference is figurative, for example, ‘I am further along in the process.’ Your thoughts would […]
Writing Style – Saying Thank You in an Email
in Emails, StyleIn our recent poll on pet peeves regarding emails, a number of respondents expressed irritation about receiving messages that contained only the words thank you.They reasoned that opening these short messages wasted their time. They were merely doing their job and didn’t need to be thanked. I understand their rationale; however, sending a thank you indicates […]
Grammar Tip – Plurals With Abbreviations
in GrammarA BizWritingTip reader wrote: “A colleague and I are having an argument. If you have to make an abbreviated word plural, do you include an apostrophe? For example, should I write two CEOs or two CEO’s? BizWritingTip response: If you want to make capital letters and abbreviations ending in a capital letter plural , it […]
Word Choice – Mistrust Versus Distrust
in -Latest, Feature Article, Word ChoiceMary’s question: “I am never quite sure when to use ‘distrust’ versus ‘mistrust.’ Are they interchangeable, or do they each have specific usages/meanings?” BizWritingTip response: There is a fine line between these two words. Based on the Oxford Dictionary, distrust as a noun means “suspicion or lack of trust.” Mistrust means “suspicion or lack of […]
Word Choice – Fewer Versus Less
in Word ChoiceBizWritingTip reader: “Are the words fewer and less interchangeable. I see them used often but seem to recall there is a rule about which one to use.” BizWritingTip response: Less refers to things that cannot be counted. Fewer refers to things that can be counted. Another way to look at it is that less means […]
Writing Style – Expressing Time
in StyleA BizWritingTip reader wanted to know whether to use numbers or words when expressing time. BizWritingTip response: ?When you are using a.m. or p.m., use the numbers. Example We will start the meeting at 8:30 a.m. (Note the space between the number and a.m.) He can usually be found at the gym between noon and […]
Grammar Tip – Punctuation With Lists
in GrammarWhat punctuation should I use with a bulleted or a numbered list? This is a commonly-asked question. Although many writers like to use bulleted lists in their business documents, list writing is difficult. You must be consistent. Your lists must contain all sentence fragments or all complete sentences. Your lists should never be a mixture […]
Word Choice – Principle Versus Principal
in -Latest, Feature Article, Word ChoiceHeather’s question: “I hope you’ll address the words ‘principal’ versus ‘principle’ soon. I was taught principal was a school official, as in your ‘pal,’ and principle is defined as a belief. In more recent years, I think some instructors have this rule mixed up.” BizWritingTip response: Principal and principle do confuse many people. Yes, you […]
Word Choice – Further Versus Farther
in Word ChoiceBizWritingTip reader: “I understand these words may now be interchangeable. Could you comment on whether this is true? I always understood that farther was used for literal references, for example, for geographic distance. The word further is used when the reference is figurative, for example, ‘I am further along in the process.’ Your thoughts would […]
Writing Style – Readers’ Pet Peeves Regarding Emails
in Emails, StyleI recently asked people to send me their pet peeves with regard to emails. My pet peeve was — and is — people who don’t put their phone numbers on their emails. Several BizWritingTip readers supported me. Marina H. went one step further. Her peeve was people who not include the extension, forcing people to […]
Grammar Tip – Commas and “and”
in GrammarBizWritingTip reader: When is it ok to use a comma before “and”? BizWritingTip response: Many people tell me that they have been told never to put a comma before “and.” However, as we all know, never say “never.” When listing a series of ideas in a sentence, you separate the thoughts with commas. But when you […]