Kirby’s question: “I know you have written about the abbreviations Mr., Mrs., and Ms. before. However, is it correct, as Ms. is not a true abbreviation, not to place a period after it? With each year, we are using Ms. more often than either Miss or Mrs.” BizWritingTip response: Ms. can be written with or without […]
Writing Style – Ms. or Ms
in -Latest, Feature Article, StyleKirby’s question: “I know you have written about the abbreviations Mr., Mrs., and Ms. before. However, is it correct, as Ms. is not a true abbreviation, not to place a period after it? With each year, we are using Ms. more often than either Miss or Mrs.” BizWritingTip response: Ms. can be written with or without […]
Word Choice – Advice or Advise
in Word ChoiceA BizWritingTip reader wrote: “A colleague and I are trying to decide what is the appropriate use of the words advice and advise. When signing off on an email, that required a response, my colleague used the term “Please advise” to which he got a grammar error (green squiggly line). Could you please clarify this for us? BizWritingTip […]
Writing Style – The Readers of Business Documents
in StyleWe all know the adage write to the reader. And we all agree it makes perfect sense. Why then do most business writers neglect their readers when they prepare an email, a letter, a proposal or a report? I maintain it is because they don’t really understand who today’s readers are. Think about it. Would […]
Grammar Tip – However
in GrammarHowever is one of the most frequently-used words in business writing. It’s a wonderful word. It tells the reader that the sentence contradicts the previous thought. Unfortunately, many writers do not know the correct punctuation that accompanies the word. Because however is a two-syllable connecting word, there must always be a comma after it. But what do you […]
Grammar Tip – A or An With Abbreviations
in Feature Article, GrammarCassandra’s question: “When you use an abbreviation that starts with a vowel, such as UN, do you use the article “a” or “an” with it?” BizWritingTip response: This is a common concern when it comes to using articles. Normally, you use the article “an” before words or abbreviations that start with a vowel. And you […]
Word Choice – So
in Word ChoiceIf you are starting an independent clause (a group of words containing a subject, verb and expressing a complete thought) with the word so, you have two options: 1. If the clause in front is short and easily fits with the new thought, then place a comma before so. Correct The photocopier is constantly breaking down, so […]
Writing Style – A Man of Adverbs
in StyleI met a young man who by his conversation and dress gave the impression of someone who could easily climb a career ladder. Then, I read some of his reports and emails. For the most part, they were a mind dump of things he found interesting in his job. Not only did they require the […]
Grammar Tip – When it’s improper to use “where”
in GrammarA word I frequently see misused is “where.” Writers often use it instead of the more appropriate “that” or “when.” “Where” refers to a place or location. Be careful not to use when it does not have this meaning. Incorrect: Last week, there were two occasions where the photocopier malfunctioned. Correct: Last week, there were […]
Word Choice – Organize or Organise
in Feature Article, Word ChoiceGail’s question: “It is becoming more difficult to remember the correct Canadian spelling of words, especially since Microsoft software only references American grammar and spelling. For example, I would spell “organisation” with an ‘s.’ Is this correct?” BizWritingTip response: My favourite reference books for Canadian spelling are The Canadian Press Caps and Spelling and the […]
Grammar Tip – How should I spell it?
in GrammarI am often asked which spelling to use? There are three styles: Canadian, British or American. My answer is to use the spelling of the reader. After all, the role of a writer is to ensure the reader gets the message quickly. If I spell a word in a different manner than the reader is […]