Posted by on Feb 21, 2012 in -Latest, Feature Article, Grammar | 0 comments

Grammar Tip – Parentheses or Dashes

Jean’s question: “Just wondering if you could clarify the use of parentheses. I have a colleague who uses parentheses because she finds them ‘cleaner.’  I beg to differ.” BizWritingTip response: When you have material within a sentence that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence, you must set this material off. You could use commas, dashes or parentheses. However, if there is already a comma within the non-essential material, choose dashes or parentheses. Examples (correct) I will...
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Posted by on Feb 14, 2012 in -Latest, Feature Article, Word Choice | 0 comments

Word Choice – Can Versus May

Jean’s question: “Could you please clarify the correct use of “can” and “may” in a future issue?  I am finding that ‘can’ is being used exclusively and that ‘may’ no longer appears in business communication.  It’s another death of civility, as far as I am concerned.” BizWritingTip response: I remember one elementary school teacher who always replied to the question “Can I go to the bathroom?” with “I don’t know. Can you?” You could never leave the...
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Posted by on Feb 22, 2012 | 0 comments

Grammar Tip – Howeve...

BizWritingTip reader: “I am confused about the punctuation with the word ‘however.’ I know that I must always place a comma after it. But when do I use a comma before it and when do I use a period?” BizWritingTip response: Most people do not know how to punctuate the word “however.” If you understand this point, you will be the grammar guru of your office. The problem occurs because sometimes...
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Posted by on Feb 21, 2012 | 0 comments

Grammar Tip – Parent...

Jean’s question: “Just wondering if you could clarify the use of parentheses. I have a colleague who uses parentheses because she finds them ‘cleaner.’  I beg to differ.” BizWritingTip response: When you have material within a sentence that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence, you must set this material off. You could use commas, dashes or parentheses. However, if there is already a...
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Posted by on Feb 17, 2012 | 0 comments

Word Choice – That

BizWritingTip reader: “I feel the word ‘that’ is used much too often and, in many cases, is not required at all. What is the rule pertaining to using the word ‘that’ ”? BizWritingTip response: That is a great question! “That” is used when the information following is essential to the meaning. Examples Here is the information that you requested. Their idea is something that I would like to...
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Posted by on Feb 16, 2012 | 0 comments

Writing Style – Capi...

BizWritingTip reader: “I have a question about the capitalization of names. There is a raging debate in our office about the use of capitalization with a word such as ‘town.’ For example, if someone wrote: ‘The Town is responsible for collecting taxes’ should the ‘t’ be capitalized?” BizWritingTip response: This is a style issue — not a grammar one. In other words, whatever you do will be...
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Posted by on Feb 15, 2012 | 0 comments

Grammar Tip – Who Ve...

BizWritingTip reader: “I am getting frustrated when I hear ‘that’ instead of ‘who.’ Am I wrong? For example, ‘I know the people that are in the English class.’ Is this correct?” BizWritingTip response: This is one of those subjective grammar points that has also become debatable. Back in the days of the dinosaurs, I learned “who” and “that” can both be used when referring to...
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Posted by on Feb 14, 2012 | 0 comments

Word Choice – Can Ve...

Jean’s question: “Could you please clarify the correct use of “can” and “may” in a future issue?  I am finding that ‘can’ is being used exclusively and that ‘may’ no longer appears in business communication.  It’s another death of civility, as far as I am concerned.” BizWritingTip response: I remember one elementary school teacher who always replied to the...
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