Transcript
Improving Business Writing
Writing Workshop Series: Grammar Skills
December 11, 2015 Rachael Walker
Overview
Part 2: Context
Describing change
Problems hit list
Describing change
Past trends
Describing change
Past trends
Present trends
Describing change
Past trends
Present trends
Key words
Describing change
Past trends
Present trends
Key words
Describing change
Past trends
Finished
Describing change
Past trends
Finished Simple past
Describing change
Past trends
Finished Simple past
Nike's market share increased by from April to May.
Describing change
Past trends
Context
Describing change
Past trends
ContextPast Continuous
Describing change
Past trends
ContextPast Continuous
Nike's stock was increasing when she bought the shares.
Describing change
Past trends
Interruption
Describing change
Past trends
InterruptionPast perfect continuous
Describing change
Past trends
InterruptionPast perfect continuous
Nike's stock had been increasing when she bought the shares.
Describing change
Past trends
InterruptionPast perfect continuous
Nike's stock had been increasing when she bought the shares.
Nike's stock had increased when she bought the shares.
Describing change
Past trends
Using numbers
Describing change
Past trends
Using numbersPast perfect
Describing change
Past trends
Using numbersPast perfect
Nike's stock had increased by 5% when she bought the shares.
Describing change
Past trends
Using numbers
Nike's stock had increased by 5% when she bought the shares.
Nike's stock had been increasing by 5% each month.
Describing change
Past trends
Using numbers
Nike's stock had increased by 5% when she bought the shares.
Nike's stock had been increasing by 5% each month.
Nike's stock was increasing by 5% each month.
Describing change
Past trends
Using numbers
Nike's stock had increased by 5% when she bought the shares.
Nike's stock had been increasing by 5% each month.(Context + Interruption)
Nike's stock was increasing by 5% each month.
Describing change
Past trends
Using numbers
Nike's stock had increased by 5% when she bought the shares.
Nike's stock had been increasing by 5% each month.(Context + Interruption)
Nike's stock was increasing by 5% each month.(Context)
Describing change
Past trends
Present trends
Key words
Graphics
Present Trends
Graphics
Present Trends
Ongoing change
Graphics
Present Trends
Ongoing changePresent continuous
Graphics
Present Trends
Ongoing changePresent continuous
Nike's market share is increasing.
Graphics
Present Trends
Ongoing changePresent continuous
Nike's market share is increasing.
Nike's market share increased.
Graphics
Present Trends
Ongoing changePresent perfect
Graphics
Present Trends
Ongoing changePresent perfect
Nike's market share is increasing.
Graphics
Present Trends
Ongoing changePresent perfect
Nike's market share is increasing.
Nike's market share has increased.
Graphics
Present Trends
Ongoing changePresent perfect
Nike's market share is increasing.
Nike's market share has increased.
Nike's market share has been increasing.
Describing change
Present trends
Using numbers
Describing change
Present trends
Using numbersPresent perfect
Describing change
Present trends
Using numbersPresent perfect
Nike's market share has increased by 5%.
Describing change
Present trends
Using numbersPresent perfect
Nike's market share has increased by 5%.
Nike's market share is increasing by 5% each month;
Describing change
Past trends
Present trends
Key words
Describing change
Key words
Describing change
Key wordsHow long
Describing change
Key wordsHow long
Time until now
Describing change
Key wordsHow long
DuringFromUntilFor
Time until now
Describing change
How long?During
Describing change
How long?During (+ noun)
Describing change
How long?During (+ noun)
During the first few years we broke even.
Describing change
How long?During (+ noun)
During the first few years we broke even.During the first few years we were breaking even.
Describing change
How long?From
Describing change
How long?From
From 1991 – 1999 the economy improved.
Describing change
How long?From
From 1991 – 1999 the economy improved.From 1991 – 1999 the .com bubble was inflating.
Describing change
How long?Until
Describing change
How long?Until
The economy seemed healthy until the bubble burst.
Describing change
How long?Until
The economy seemed healthy until the bubble burst.The economy was growing until the bubble burst.
Describing change
How long?Until
The economy seemed healthy until the bubble burst.The economy was growing until the bubble burst.The economy had been growing until the bubble burst.
Describing change
How long?For
Describing change
How long?For
Length of time
Describing change
How long?For
Length of time Length of time
Describing change
How long?For
Length of time Length of time Length of time
Describing change
How long?For
Length of time Length of time Length of time
Now
Describing change
How long?For
Length of time Length of time Length of time
Now Now
Describing change
How long?For
Length of time Length of time Length of time
Now Now Now
Describing change
How long?
We will target the new demographic for 6 months..
Describing change
How long?
We will target the new demographic for 6 months.We targeted the new demographic for 6 months.
Describing change
How long?
We will target the new demographic for 6 months.We targeted the new demographic for 6 months.We have targeted the new demographic for 6 months.
Describing change
How long?
We will target the new demographic for 6 months.We targeted the new demographic for 6 months.We have targeted the new demographic for 6 months.We have been targeting the new demographic for 6 months.
Describing change
Key words
How long
Time until now
Describing change
Key words
How long
Time until nowSince
Describing change
Key words
How long
Time until nowSinceOver
Describing change
Time until now
Since
Describing change
Time until now
SinceThe new system has been in operation since 2010.
Describing change
Time until now
SinceThe new system has been in operation since 2010.They have been learning to operate the machinery
since April.
Describing change
Time until now
Over
Describing change
Time until now
OverOver the last five years, business has grown.
Describing change
Time until now
OverOver the last five years, business has grown.Over the last five years, business has been growing.
Describing change
Time until now
OverOver the last five years, business has grown.Over the last five years, business has been growing.Over those years, business grew.
Overview
Part 2: Context
Describing change
Problems hit list
Problems Hit List
Pronoun errors
Sentence structure
Agreement
Comma splice
Time adjectives
Make / do
Which / that
Lay / lie
Fewer / less
Amount / number
Then / than
Who / whom
Affect / effect
Continual / continuous
Nor
Whether / if
Different from / different than
Farther / further
Bring / take
Borrow / lend
Impactful
Lose / loose
Problems Hit List
Pronoun errors
Sentence structure
Agreement
Comma splice
Time adjectives
Make / do
Which / that
Lay / lie
Fewer / less
Amount / number
Then / than
Who / whom
Affect / effect
Continual / continuous
Nor
Whether / if
Different from / different than
Farther / further
Bring / take
Borrow / lend
Impactful
Lose / loose
Problem Hit list
Pronoun errors
Problem Hit list
Pronoun errors
Subject pronouns
Problem Hit list
Pronoun errors
Subject pronounsHim and me received the email.
Problem Hit list
Pronoun errors
Subject pronounsHim and me received the email.He and I
Problem Hit list
Pronoun errors
Predicate pronouns
Problem Hit list
Pronoun errors
Predicate pronouns
He sent the email to me.
Problem Hit list
Pronoun errors
Predicate pronouns
He sent the email to me.He sent the email to James and I.
Problem Hit list
Pronoun errors
Predicate pronouns
He sent the email to me.He sent the email to James and I.
me
Problem Hit list
Pronoun errors
Reflexive pronouns
Problem Hit list
Pronoun errors
Reflexive pronouns
I sent a copy to myself.
Problem Hit list
Pronoun errors
Reflexive pronouns
I sent a copy to myself.You should send a copy to myself.
Problem Hit list
Pronoun errors
Reflexive pronouns
I sent a copy to myself.You should send a copy to myself.
me
Problem Hit list
Sentence structure errors
Problem Hit list
Sentence structure errors
Misplaced modifiers
Problem Hit list
Sentence structure errors
Misplaced modifiers
While performing the audit, unlabeled 55-gallon drums were found at the site.
Problem Hit list
Sentence structure errors
Misplaced modifiers
While performing the audit, unlabeled 55-gallon drums were found at the site.
we found
Problem Hit list
Sentence structure errors
Misplaced modifiers
Problem Hit list
Sentence structure errors
Misplaced modifiers
Employes only conducted reviews if discrepancies were found.
Problem Hit list
Sentence structure errors
Misplaced modifiers
Employes only conducted reviews if discrepancies were found.
only
Problem Hit list
Sentence structure errors
Parallelism
Problem Hit list
Sentence structure errors
Parallelism
Changes were made to improve communications, assign accountability, and adverse-event reporting.
Problem Hit list
Sentence structure errors
Parallelism
Changes were made to improve communications, assign accountability, and adverse-event reporting.
ensure
Problem Hit list
Agreement
Problem Hit list
Agreement
Subject – verb agreement
Problem Hit list
Agreement
Subject – verb agreement
Analysis conducted on the outcomes of the audits completed during the first and second quarters have shown an increase in compliance issues.
Problem Hit list
Agreement
Subject – verb agreement
Analysis conducted on the outcomes of the audits completed during the first and second quarters have shown an increase in compliance issues.
Problem Hit list
Agreement
Subject – verb agreement
Analysis conducted on the outcomes of the audits completed during the first and second quarters have shown an increase in compliance issues.
Problem Hit list
Agreement
Subject – verb agreement
Analysis conducted on the outcomes of the audits completed during the first and second quarters have shown an increase in compliance issues. has
Problem Hit list
Agreement
Subject – verb agreement
Analysis conducted on the outcomes of the audits completed during the first and second quarters have shown an increase in compliance issues.
Analysis was conducted on the outcomes of the audits completed during the first and second quarters. The analysis has shown and increase in compliance issues.
has
Problem Hit list
Agreement
Subject – verb agreement
Problem Hit list
Agreement
Subject – verb agreement
The staff meet on Tuesdays.
Problem Hit list
Agreement
Subject – verb agreement
The staff meet on Tuesdays.meets
Problem Hit list
Agreement
Subject – verb agreement
The staff meet on Tuesdays.
The staff holds differing positions on the issue.
meets
Problem Hit list
Agreement
Subject – verb agreement
The staff meet on Tuesdays.
The staff holds differing positions on the issue.
meets
hold
Problem Hit list
Agreement
Subject – verb agreement
Problem Hit list
Agreement
Subject – verb agreement
Either the procedures or the report were altered.
Problem Hit list
Agreement
Subject – verb agreement
Either the procedures or the report were altered.
Problem Hit list
Agreement
Subject – verb agreement
Either the procedures or the report were altered.was
Problem Hit list
Agreement
Pronoun agreement
Problem Hit list
Agreement
Pronoun agreement
A total of 12 employees had not updated his passwords.
Problem Hit list
Agreement
Pronoun agreement
A total of 12 employees had not updated his passwords.their
Problem Hit list
Comma splice
Problem Hit list
Comma splice
Subject verb, subject verb.
Problem Hit list
Comma splice
Subject verb, subject verb.
Procedures were updated, however, staff was not trained.
Problem Hit list
Comma splice
Subject verb, subject verb.
Procedures were updated, however, staff was not trained.
Procedures were updated. However, staff was not trained.
Problem Hit list
Comma splice
Subject verb, subject verb.
Procedures were updated, however, staff was not trained.
Procedures were updated. However, staff was not trained.Procedures were updated; however, staff was not trained.
Problem Hit list
Comma splice
Subject verb, subject verb.
Procedures were updated, however, staff was not trained.
Procedures were updated. However, staff was not trained.Procedures were updated; however, staff was not trained.Procedures were updated, but staff was not trained.
Problem Hit list
Time adjectives
The walk took five minutes.
Problem Hit list
Time adjectives
The walk took five minutes.
It was a five-minutes walk.
Problem Hit list
Time adjectives
The walk took five minutes.
It was a five-minutes walk.
Problem Hit list
Time adjectives
The walk took five minutes.
It was a five-minutes walk.
noun
Problem Hit list
Time adjectives
The walk took five minutes.
It was a five-minutes walk.
noun
adjective
Problem Hit list
Make / do
Problem Hit list
Make / do
Make = create something new
Problem Hit list
Make / do
Make = create something new
I will make a photocopy.
Problem Hit list
Make / do
Make = create something new
I will make a photocopy.I made a video.
Problem Hit list
Make / do
Make = create something new
I will make a photocopy.I made a video.
Do = labor
Problem Hit list
Make / do
Make = create something new
I will make a photocopy.I made a video.
Do = labor
I must do these exercises.
Problem Hit list
Make / do
Make = create something new
I will make a photocopy.I made a video.
Do = labor
I must do these exercises.I hate doing dishes.
Problem Hit list
Make / do
Exceptions!
I made a mistake.I make my bed every morning.The children made a lot of noise.
Problems Hit List
Pronoun errors
Sentence structure
Agreement
Comma splice
Time adjectives
Make / do
Which / that
Lay / lie
Fewer / less
Amount / number
Then / than
Who / whom
Affect / effect
Continual / continuous
Nor
Whether / if
Different from / different than
Farther / further
Bring / take
Borrow / lend
Impactful
Lose / loose
Problem Hit list
ThatRestricts – I don't trust fruits that aren't organic.
WhichQualifies – I recommend organic fruits, which are available in most
grocery stores.
Problem Hit list
ThatRestricts – The house that is burning is mine.
WhichQualifies –The house which is burning is mine.
Problem Hit list
LayDirect object Lay the pencil down.
LieNo direct objectI'm going to lie down.
Problem Hit list
FewerCountableThe firm has fewer employees.
LessUncountableI have less work to do today.
Problem Hit list
Number CountableThe number of employees is growing.
AmountUncountableThe amount of work is unbearable.
Problem Hit list
Than ComparativeThe price is higher than is was last year.
ThenTimeThey will change the system, then they will fix unforeseen
problems.
Problem Hit list
Who Subject pronoun (he)Who is coming? (He is coming.)
WhomPredicate pronoun (him)Whom should I invite? (I should invite him.)To whom should this be addressed?
Problem Hit list
Affect VerbThe situation affected earnings.
EffectNounThe situation had an effect on earnings.
Problem Hit list
Continual Always (repeatedly)They are continually monitoring safety.
ContinuousNo stopsThe continuous noise has caused employee complaints.
Problem Hit list
Nor And not
Neither the manager nor the employees have the password.
The factory does not have a cafeteria or vending machines.
The factory has has neither a cafeteria nor vending machines.
Problem Hit list
Whether AlternativesIt is unclear whether the manager will be let go.
IfNo alternativesIf the manager is let go, they will have to replace him
quickly.
Problem Hit list
Different from Preposition (noun)The new manager is different from the last.
Different thanClause (clause indicator)The college is different than when I was in school.
Problem Hit list
Farther Measurable distanceThe new site is farther from HQ.
FurtherAbstract distanceThe policy was terminated before further damage could be
caused.
Problem Hit list
e.g. “For example”HR has several serious problems, e.g. the ability to
efficiently replace managers.
i.e.“In other words” He objects to the changes, i.e. he will not accept them.
Problem Hit list
Bring“Have and come” (towards the speaker)Come to the party, and bring your guitar.
Take“Have and go” (away from the speaker) Go to work, and don't forget to take your lunch with you.
Problem Hit list
Borrow“Take and give back”Can I borrow your book? I'll give it back tomorrow.
Lend“Give and get back”I will happily lend you my book. You can bring it back
when you're finished.
Problem Hit list
ImpactfulImpactful is not a word!!!
The report made quite an impact.
Problem Hit list
Lose“To be unable to find”I always lose my umbrella.
Loose“The opposite of tight”My pants are too loose.
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