Bev’s question: “In my company, we have been told to start any email response to our customers with ‘Thank you for your email.’ What do you think?”BizwritingTip response: There is nothing wrong with the sentence in terms of grammar or etiquette. But I don’t like it for a number of reasons. First, what are you thanking […]
Joanna’s question: “When do you use ‘among’ and when do you use ‘between’?” BizWritingTip response: The basic rule is to use between when referring to two persons or things andamong when you are referring to more than two. Examples I divided the workload between Gerry and Susan. I divided the workload between the two new staff members. I divided the workload among Gerry, Susan, and […]
Kelly’s question: “Can you please comment on ‘plead’ versus ‘pled’?” BizWritingTip response: According to the Oxford dictionary, to plead is to “make an earnest appeal; to maintain (a cause) esp. in a law court.” Example She will plead not guilty of the charges. The past tense of plead is either pled or pleaded. Pled is American English and pleaded is British English. Examples She pleaded guilty of the charges […]
Jenny’s question: “Would you please comment on the use of apostrophes in names on plaques outside family homes. I see many of these signs that use the family name with an apostrophe as in The Wilson’s. Is this correct? This usage makes me think that the house belongs to The Wilson.” BizWritingTip response: You are absolutely right. The Wilson’s is wrong. […]
Terry’s question: “I am wondering about the use of per cent and percentage. For instance, should it be ‘Early Development Instrument: Percent Vulnerable by Domain’ or should it be ‘Percentage Vulnerable by Domain’?” BizWritingTip response: According to the AMA Manual of Style, deciding on whether to use per cent or percentage is simple. “The term […]
Phil’s question: “I often find sentences written like this ‘project delivery will not proceed as there has been no approval to date.’ It bothers me because I would expect to read ‘project delivery will not proceed because there has been no approval to date.’ Which form is more acceptable or correct.” BizWritingTip response: As, since, and because are used to […]
Dee’s question: “Please provide some examples on the proper usage of the words ‘facilitates’ and ‘coordinates.’ ” BizWritingTip response: “To facilitate” means to make something easier or less difficult. It also involves assisting or leading people to arrive at an understanding. Example He was hired to facilitate a panel discussion on the economy. (He will […]
Rob’s question: “I just received an email saying that the attachment was the ‘last update on the project.’ As the project will continue for six more months is this correct?” BizWritingTip response: “The last update” implies you are receiving the final update on the project. You will not be receiving anything else. The sender should have […]
Gigi’s question: “I would like to know the difference between ‘as at’ and ‘as of.’ ” BizWritingTip response: As of is used to indicate a time or date at which something begins or ends. Although precise, it sounds rather formal. Example The project was terminated as of January 1. (Less formal: The project has been terminated since January 1.) You […]
Candice’s question: “In my office, several people are now saying and writing ‘My ask of you is…’ when they are requesting action. Is this correct? It seems to me it should be “May I ask you to…?” BizWritingTip response: Wow! This statement is funny and is also wrong in many ways. First, it comes across as […]