Jason’s Question: “My question is regarding the usage of the word ‘got.’ My wife constantly corrects anyone that uses the word ‘got’ in a sentence because she believes this is bad grammar.” BizWritingTip response: Years ago, “have got” and “have gotten” were commonly used in English. About 300 years ago, the British dropped the “got” […]
Barbara’s Question: “When do you use ‘awhile’ and ‘a while?’ ” BizWritingTip response: Awhile means “for an unspecified period of time.” A while is a noun phrase “meaning a period of time.” Although the words convey a similar meaning, the structure is different. Awhile (written as one word) has the word “for” built into it. It is used as […]
Corina’s question: “Can you please discuss when to use ‘principle’ versus ‘principal?’ ” BizWritingTip response: I remember being taught that the person who runs the school was your pal; therefore, the person’s title was the principal. But there are many other meanings for this word. As a noun, it can refer to the leading performer […]
Hilary’s question: “The question I have is the use of ‘of’ in a phrase such as, ‘If you live outside of Canada, a visa is required.’ Is it correct to say, ‘If you live outside Canada, a visa is required’ “? BizWritingTip response: This is a style issue. British grammar purists consider “outside of” incorrect. […]
Chantal’s question: “Lately, I’ve heard people say ‘priorize’ instead of ‘prioritze.’ Will you please confirm the correct usage.” BizWritingTip response: Yes, I’ve heard people use both forms. However, according to the Oxford Canadian Dictionary, the correct word is “prioritize” – meaning to rank in order of importance. “Priorize” is not listed. “Prioritize” is another example of a noun […]
BizWritingTip reader: “When we write ‘He advised that…,’ or ‘he reiterated that…,’ or ‘he noted that…,’ can the ‘that’ be left out?” BizWritingTip response: Several people have asked this question. There is a tendency today to remove “that” whenever possible from your writing. It sounds smoother. Examples I recommend that you attend the meeting. I […]
Rick’s question: “Are these words the same? I had build a small light display and, on the weekend, I took it apart. I announced I was unassembling it. My girlfriend said ‘no.’ I was disassembling it. I didn’t think there was a difference.” BizWritingTip response: Sorry. I have to go with your girlfriend on this one. If you are taking […]
We have received a number of questions regarding word choice. Some of them are quite easy to explain. Therefore, we have decided to cover three of them in this BizWritingTip. Enquire Versus Inquire These are alternative spellings of the same word. “Enquire” is perhaps slightly more common in the U.K., but either is acceptable in North America. […]
Harvey’s question:”I was reading your BizWritingTip about starting sentences with numbers, and I noticed the example you provided, “One hundred and thirty-eight people signed up for the conference.’ I was taught when writing (or speaking) large numbers you should never say ‘and.’ I believe the example should be written as “One hundred thirty-eight people signed […]
Nancy’s question: “I have a question regarding the use of the apostrophe after dates and acronyms. It used to be standard, but I’ve noticed some lapses lately, e.g., 1900’s is now 1900s, and she grew up in the 80’s is now she grew up in the 80s. And what about plural acronyms? LED’s are the new light source is […]