5 Quick Writing Hacks to Help Improve your Professional Writing.
Caryn Leach-Smith LLB. Barrister English Coach
I enjoy helping legal & business professionals feel confident, speak clearly and express themselves powerfully in English by developing a growth mindset & using effective communication tools. Elevate your reputation.
Let’s be honest. Grammar rules are extremely irritating!
For every major rule there appears to be a plethora of exceptions. Unfortunately the rules were not developed until long after the spoken word was already fully established which made it impossible to create a good clean system. But, if you are prepared to make a few adjustments and tighten up your writing skills you will be able to write letters and emails that impress and don’t distress.
Clean, clear letters and emails without major grammar errors not only make you look more professional they also allow your client’s and colleagues to focus on the content and not the errors.
Take for example the quote below taken from the best selling grammar book by Lynn Truss,
“Large black-and-white bear-like mammal native to China. Eats, shoots and leaves.”
This sentence describes a very violent Panda with a gun who likes to eat his food then shoot his gun and then leave.
The correct description should be,
“Large black-and-white bear-like mammal native to China. Eats shoots and leaves.”
Here are a few useful guidelines to help you master your writing skillsAffect vs. Effect
- Affect (verb) means to have an impact on or change
Effect (noun) means the result of an action
Example: Too many beers at night can affect your health since beer has a negative effect on your weight.
Businesses will be severely affected by COVID-19. It will definitely affect profits. It will undoubtedly result in a catastrophic ripple effect.
The new regulations will be put into effect on the 12th of November.
2. Who/Whom
Who should always link to the subject of the sentence, or the person doing the object of the verb.
Whom links to the object of the sentence, or the person receiving the action of the verb.
Example: I didn’t know anyone who could advise me on intellectual property rights so I consulted with a specialist whom I met at a conference.
3. Assure vs.insure vs.ensure.
Assure (verb) means to tell someone something positively.
Insure (verb) means to provide insurance.
Ensure (verb) means to guarantee.
Example: I assured my client it was a wise decision to insure the cargo against fire and theft, to ensure he didn't suffer any loss in the event of a disaster. I will ensure the clause is included in the contract.
4. There/their/they’re
There is demonstrative, which means it refers to a place or idea.
Their is possessive, which means it indicates belonging.
They’re is a contraction meaning “they are.”
5. Immigrate vs. Emigrate
Immigrate (verb) means to come into another country to reside permanently
Emigrate (verb) means to leave one’s country to live in another
Example: She emigrated from Bulgaria and began immigration proceedings in Canada.
That's all for now. I hope you find them useful.
...
If you would like to improve your professional English message me and let’s have a chat about how better English can improve your future.