Cassandra’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 […]
If 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 […]
I 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 […]
A 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 […]
Gail’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 […]
I 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 […]
Affect and effect are two words that are often confused. A good rule to remember is to use affect for a verb and effect for a noun. However, if you are someone who struggles with determining nouns and verbs, here is an easier way to choose the right word. If you can substitute the words influence or change in the […]
During a recent workshop, I gave the participants an opportunity to vent their pet peeves regarding emails. One manager said he was not comfortable with staff members including personal remarks in their messages. He didn’t consider it professional, and it could be construed as harassment. The other participants looked blank until someone figured out what […]
There is nothing that ruins a writer’s professional image faster than grammatically-poor sentences. A sentence must contain a subject and a verb and must express a complete thought. Examples The report was written. I wrote the report. Both of these examples contain a subject and a verb and state a complete thought. A sentence may […]
Rick’s question: “Is there a difference between ‘disinterested’ and ‘uninterested’? Or are they interchangeable?” BizWritingTip response: Thank you for pointing out this common error. Yes, many people do interchange these words. But they have different meanings. “Disinterested” means unbiased or impartial. In other words, a disinterested person cannot be influenced to his or her own […]