[4 minutes to read] Feedback on writing can seem very personal. It’s easy for the reviewer to say, “It doesn’t look right to me,” and thus easy for the writer to say, “She was just changing it to her personal style.” Many organizations grapple with the alienation, resentment, and poor results that come from editing […]
Reduce Subjectivity by Using Check Readability Statistics Read More »
Arianne, a staff scientist at a regional utility, said she got an email from her manager that made her feel alienated. “Was it the content or tone of the email?” I asked. “Neither,” she replied, “He didn’t capitalize my name.” Arianne confided that she did not give her full commitment to reading the email when
For Lack of a Name, the Relationship Was Lost Read More »
You have two friends. One day, you have a problem. Maybe you break your leg, or you get pneumonia or your basement floods. You need help. One of your friends says to you, “Give me a call if the need arises.” The other one says, “Call me if you need me.” When you need someone
“Call me if you need me” Write with Verbs. Read More »
[5 minutes to read] I am reading Benjamin Dreyer’s new book, Dreyer’s English. That’s what grammar geeks do in their spare time – read books by other grammar geeks. In his book, Dreyer clarifies a fine point about commas. Since it was new to me, I thought it might be new for you. Let’s do a
The “Only” Comma: Who Knew? Read More »
[4 minutes to read] How using the wrong punctuation can create confusion. “Can you schedule a meeting with me and Bob.”“Will you let me know when you find out.” “Could you send me one right away.” Have you seen sentences like these before? What do you notice? Of course, the questions are missing the question mark.
Are you asking or telling? Read More »
