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Writing tips newsletter Previous issues Subscribe Email:

Writing Tips for Accountants View issues

Business Writing Tips e-newsletter : February 2011

Use tact when criticizing ideas

Instead of telling someone that his or her idea is just plain bad, use language that motivates the person to reevaluate it.

Harsh

Your budget projection is a little off base. I don't see how you can expect us to authorize another $250,000 for upgrading the warehouse, especially in this recession.

Tactful

In your budget projection, you should reconsider allocating $250,000 to upgrade the warehouse, given the recession.

Look for words to trash

Edit carefully and you'll find words and phrases that can be deleted, making your text smoother and more concise.

Wordy

1. You should begin by developing a plan.
2. We need your help in recruiting new members.

Concise

1. First develop a plan.
2. Please help us recruit new members.

You can use And, But & Because to start paragraphs and connect ideas

Despite what your high school English teacher may have said, you can use And, But & Because to start sentences. See how But provides a smooth transition between these paragraphs of a Feb. 1 NY Times article on web apps.

A Times Company spokeswoman, Kristin Mason, said Monday that "as the number of apps in the news space continues to grow, we are monitoring and working closely with many of the developers to discuss any concerns we have."

But Mr. Ziade said he had not heard a single negative reaction during the several dozen meetings he has had with publishers about his new service. He declined to name the publishers.

Find the grammar error

Correct the error in the paragraph below and email Jack with "grammar" in the subject line. See the answer in our next issue.

According to the CFO, the proposal fell short of the Board's expectations. He said that it omitted several principle concepts, exaggerated our strengths, and misled readers about third-quarter sales goals.

Answer from last issue

Incorrect
By Jan. 20, please submit two 4- to 6-page individual performance reports detailing Monique and Ron's 2010 accomplishments.

Correct and more concise
By Jan. 20, please submit two 4- to 6-page individual performance reports detailing Monique's and Ron's 2010 accomplishments. (With two separate reports, an apostrophe is needed after Monique and after Ron).