Use ‘whether’ when there is an alternative involved . . . I can’t decide whether I should leave or stay. Can you tell me whether you intend to pay me? (The alternative is not to pay me.) Use a moisture analyser to visually indicate whether the dehydrator is functioning within its designed range. In most cases, do not use ‘or not’ with ‘whether.’ It is redundant. Please…
‘Further’ and ‘farther’ are often (and sometimes incorrectly) used interchangeably. Use ‘further’ when writing about additions or progress. Hint: ‘further’ is also a verb, meaning ‘to develop or help grow.’ Any further comments must be submitted in writing. To further your career, get a college education. Use ‘farther’ when writing about physical distance. Hint: ‘farther’ is the comparative form of ‘far.’ If ‘far’ doesn’t make sense…
Is it correct to say, “All of the cars had been stolen”? Or should I write, “All the cars had been stolen”? According to The Chicago Manual of Style, we should delete the ‘of’ whenever possible. (All the cars had been stolen.) There are exceptions, however. (It seems that there are always exceptions when it…
If you have been told that it is not possible to open two Excel files at the same time so that you can view them on dual monitors, we have some great news for you. It can be done! Follow these steps to open two different Excel files on separate (dual) monitors (from one computer):…
Flammable Did you know that both flammable and inflammable mean ‘capable of being set on fire’? Nonflammable means ‘not capable of being set on fire.’ Always use the word flammable to mean ‘capable of being set on fire’ to avoid misunderstanding! Continual Continual implies ‘happening over and over again.’ His continual tardiness finally got him…
Here’s the deal. There are basically three schools of thought regarding the use of any more and anymore: Anymore is a misspelling of any more. Don’t do it. Anymore and any more are just two ways of spelling the same thing. Don’t worry about it. Just be consistent in your writing. Anymore and any more…
All of-Except with pronouns, ‘of’ is unnecessary (e.g., ‘all the shoes,’ but ‘all of them’). As to whether-whether or not-Whether is usually sufficient. Commence or initiate-Use ‘begin’ or ‘start’ instead. Currently, presently-Currently means it is happening now-Presently means it will happen soon. Data takes a plural verb. Datum is singular and takes a singular verb.…
Last time we talked about how to review another person’s writing. Now let’s look at how we should receive feedback from a reviewer. Authors should: Consider advice fully and carefully before deciding whether to accept it. Explain tactfully why you chose to reject certain suggestions. For example, you might say, “This document follows requirements from…
If co-workers ask you to give them feedback on their writing, it can either be a pleasant experience or create tension in the workplace. Here are suggestions for successfully communicating helpful input while maintaining a community of respect. Reviewers should: • Be specific. Instead of “This document is confusing,” say, “In section 5, the specific…
An ellipsis is a series of three dots with spaces between them that are inserted into a quotation to show that words have been omitted from the original quotation. (Ellipses is plural for ellipsis.) Rules include: 1. When you place an ellipsis in the middle of a quotation to show that words have been omitted,…