Vigorous writing is concise. A
sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary
sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines
and a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that the writer make all
his sentences short, or that he avoid all detail and treat his subjects only in
outline, but that every word tell.
— William Strunk Jr.
in Elements of Style
Do you write for your company? Newsletters? Emails? Grants? Copy for collateral? If so, then everything you write reflects upon the company. Our words, both spoken and written, create images that either build or hurt our brand.
Good grammar can instill confidence in your customers and employees. We all make mistakes, but don't worry that the Grammar Police will arrest you or fire you. Just pay attention to what you write before you send it out.
Below are a dozen words that are commonly used incorrectly. Just a quick review of your writing can avoid embarassing mistakes. Feel free to print this out and keep it by your computer for future reference. And by the way, Workplace ESL Solutions also offers a
fun two hour workshop for companies who want to improve their writing skills!
1.
The
verb “accept” means “to receive” or “to believe”. The preposition except means other than. The conjunction means “unless” and the verb
means “leave out.”
a.
Tim
accepted Jeff’s reason for being late for work.
b.
Everyone
– except Chris and his supervisor – had remembered to switch to daylight
savings time.
c.
Only
in rare cases are employees excepted from the policy on punctuality.
2.
Adverse
means “hostile, unfavorable, or harmful.”
Averse means “to have a definite feeling of distaste.”
a.
Adverse
weather conditions grounded all airplanes.
b.
The
tired staff was averse to the idea of working till midnight.
3.
Advice
is a noun that means “recommendation or information” and advise is a verb
meaning “to counsel or recommend.”
a. Ralph advised me to value good advice.
4.
Affect
is a verb that means “to influence.” As
a noun, effect means “the result”; as a verb it means “to bring about.”
a.
Your
performance in the coming year will directly affect the amount of your bonus.
b.
The
effect of the economy is hard to predict.
c.
The
new procedure will effect significant savings in time and cost.
5.
Anxious
indicates that one is worrying; eager, that one is gladly anticipating
something.
a. Sarah has never been anxious about
speaking in public, but she was eager to play the old hag in Snow White last month.
6.
Beside
is a preposition that means “next to.”
Besides is an adverb that means “in addition to.”
a.
Put
the file cabinet beside the desk.
b.
Besides
the new cabinet, we need a new computer.
7.
Complement
means “to complete or go well with.”
Compliment means “to give praise.”
Both words can also be used as nouns.
The adjective complementary means “serving to fill out or complete.”
Complimentary means “given free as a favor.”
a.
That
was a nice compliment for a job well done.
b.
A
fine grape jelly is a complement to any peanut butter.
8.
A
conscience gives one the capacity to know right from wrong. Conscious means “awake or alert, not sleeping
or comatose.”
a.
Your
conscience will guide you.
b.
Earl
needs two cups of coffee to be fully conscious at this hour.
9.
Imply
means “to suggest, hint, or communicate indirectly”; infer means to “deduce or
conclude from.” (Writers and speakers imply.
Readers and listeners infer.)
a. I thought she was implying that I
would receive a raise; apparently I inferred incorrectly.
10. Lay means “to put or place
something.” It must be followed by a
direct object. (lay, laid, laid)
a.
Please
don’t lay that report there.
b.
Jerri’s
assistant laid down the new carpeting yesterday
Lie means “to rest or recline.” It does not take a direct object. (lie, lay, lain)
c.
Tim
likes to lie down for a nap after lunch.
d.
He
lay down Monday at 12:30, but often he has lain down by 12:15.
11. To precede means “to go or come
before,” while proceed means “to move on or go ahead.”
a. A note that preceded today’s meeting
told us to proceed with part two.
12. “Than” indicates a comparison and “then”
refers to time.
a.
Kevin
didn’t know any more about this than I did.
b.
First
write your resume. Then look for a job.
b.
The
tired staff was averse to the idea of working till midnight.
