2012 Write Better Ebook

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Table of Contents
Help Me Write a Better... .................................................................................. Speech............................................................................................................. 5 Help Me Write a Better... .................................................................................. Manual ........................................................................................................... 7 How to Write a Better ... ................................................................................... Business Memo ............................................................................................ 10 Help Me Write a Better... .................................................................................. College Essay ............................................................................................... 13 Help Me Write a Better... .................................................................................. Business Plan ............................................................................................... 16 Help Me Write a Better... .................................................................................. Employee Handbook................................................................................... 19 Help Me Write a Better... .................................................................................. Grant Proposal ............................................................................................ 22 Help Me Write a Better... .................................................................................. Legal Document .......................................................................................... 26 Help Me Write a Better... .................................................................................. ewsletter .................................................................................................... 29 Help Me Write a Better... .................................................................................. Press Release................................................................................................ 32 Help Me Write a Better... .................................................................................. Technical Document ................................................................................... 35

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How Write a Better... ........................................................................................ Cover Letter ................................................................................................ 38 Help Me Write a Better... .................................................................................. Editorial Article .......................................................................................... 41 Help Me Write a Better... .................................................................................. Book .............................................................................................................. 45 How to Write a Better ....................................................................................... Business Letter ............................................................................................ 47 Help Me Write a Better... .................................................................................. Sales Letter .................................................................................................. 50 Help Me Write a Better... .................................................................................. Thesis / Dissertation .................................................................................... 53 Help Me Write a Better... .................................................................................. Blog Post ...................................................................................................... 56 Help Me Write a Better... .................................................................................. Brochure ...................................................................................................... 59 Help Me Write a Better... .................................................................................. Business Email............................................................................................. 62 Help Me Write a Better... .................................................................................. Resume ......................................................................................................... 65 Plain English ..................................................................................................... Business Writing ......................................................................................... 69 How to Write Better... ....................................................................................... Website Copy............................................................................................... 72
MISUSED WORDS............................................................................................................................76

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Help Me Write a Better...
Speech
Because they are spoken, speeches offer a lot of flexibility in terms of how they are written. However, this large degree of latitude can also make it difficult to really narrow your ideas down into a compelling speech. Read on for a few tips to help make your speech more captivating.
1) Keep Sentences Short

Understanding a written run-on sentence is difficult enough; it's practically impossible to follow when you're hearing it only. Keep this thought in mind when you're crafting the sentences in your speech. Your audience will have a hard time remembering how your sentence started if it's a long way from where it finishes. Make your sentences short for maximum comprehension. 2)1.
Order Your Thoughts
You must plan the content of your speech in order to make the ideas flow logically for your readers. You are bound to have more than one topic (or argument) in your speech, so do your best to order them in a way that makes sense.

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If your speech is about fire safety, for example, you might have the following topics: 1. Fire hazards around the home 2. How to plan for an emergency 3. The categories of fire Make sure you talk about your topics one at a time; don't jump back and forth, or you may lose your audience. Also, put all information for each topic together so that it's all in its logical place. This means that if you want to list all the fire hazards in a home, group them all together under the fire hazards around the home topic so that your audience can fully understand the point you're trying to make.
3) Make Notes for Yourself

One of the wonderful things about speeches is that your audience won't necessarily see the paper that you're speaking from. Because of this, feel free to jot down any notes about the way you want to say a certain phrase, where you want to pause for emphasis or dramatic effect, etc. These notes can help you a great deal when you're on the spot, trying to make your speech meaningful for your audience. Of course, if your speech is also going to be read right off the page, be sure to create a good copy, free from any pencilled-in hints to yourself about

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your public speaking. Also, double check that your document is free from typos or grammatical errors before you turn it over for someone to read. You may have allowed yourself to get away with spelling and grammar mistakes in your speech, simply because people wouldn't know the difference when they're only hearing what you have to say instead of reading it. The unique thing about speeches over written forms of communication is that the tone of your voice can add a lot in terms of impact for your audience. A speech means that you don't have to rely on your words alone to get your message across. Make the most of your speech by varying the pace and tone of your voice. Remember to pause in strategic places so that your audience has a moment to absorb what you're saying. Practice not just what you want to say, but exactly how you'd like to say it; carefully chosen voicing can take the clarity and impact of your speech to the next level.
Manual
Writing a policies and procedures manual can be a time-consuming, difficult task. Worse, even after you've put all that effort in, it will still likely be tedious to read. To make your policies and procedures more readable, take a look at the following helpful suggestions:

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1) First Policy, Then Procedure

How does one define "policy?" What about "procedure?" Simply put, a policy is a rule developed by your company. A procedure establishes the correct method of following your company's policies. For optimum comprehension, explain your policies before you explain their corresponding procedures. As an example, let's say that you're writing a policies and procedures manual for teachers in a high school. One important policy might be: "We always treat students with respect." The procedures that result from such a policy could be: "Speak to unruly students calmly and explain that their behavior is unacceptable. If they refuse to cooperate, send them to the principal's office. Avoid raising your voice or insulting the student." In the above case, the procedures might make less sense if they had not been preceded by the overarching policy. By stating your policy first, you'll set up your readers to see the matter from your point of view. Then, once you've explained the procedures that go along with that policy, they will better understand what the policy means and how to act within its confines.
2) Write for Your Audience

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Every policy and procedure will not always apply to each of your employees. Therefore, when you're writing, keep in mind the audience for whom the policies and procedures are intended. Using the same high school example, let's assume another policy is: "Teachers must volunteer to lead one extra-curricular student activity." This will be a very important section for your teachers to read, but what about your school's caretakers and administrative staff? Clearly, such a policy does not apply to them. This is not to say that you have to write a separate policies and procedures manual for every category of employee in your company. However, do organize the contents of your manual under subheadings that direct employees to read the areas that apply to them. A high school manual might have the headings "For All Employees," "For Teachers Only," "For Caretakers," etc. Be sure to include a table of contents so that your employees can find the policies and procedures they need to read.
3) Use Proper Grammar and Spelling

Correct spelling and grammar are the cornerstones of a successful policies and procedures manual. Your readers will have a much easier time absorbing such a complex document if the meaning isn't clouded with spelling mistakes, grammar errors, and typos. Take all the time necessary to get it right.

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A well-run organization uses its policies and procedures as a backbone to support and guide the activities its members. Your document simply must be easy to read and structured for your audience. It's intuitive: if your policies and procedures document is well organized and grammatically flawless, your employees will be more likely to take its contents seriously.
How to Write a Better ...
Business Memo
Memos are a quick way to pass information along. It can be frustrating, however, to receive a memo with an unclear message. To make sure that your memos get the point across, follow these helpful pointers:
1) Use Lists
Memos are, by their very definition, brief. Therefore, you can get away with using point form. Lists are a great way to convey your expectations without being too wordy. Take a look at how this memo effectively uses a list: "RE: Thursday's Conference Kathy,

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We are 90% ready for Thursday's conference, but I need you to check on the following: - RSVP status for the McClintocks - Finalize arrival time of caterers - Projector setup by IT department Thanks, Bill" As you can see, lists help pass along a lot of details without taking up too much time or space. Use lists when you can so that your memos can be as efficient as possible.
2) Start With a Heading

Unfortunately, the fact that memos are short means that your recipients may dismiss them as unimportant. It may seem unreasonable, but some of your memos may not even be read by a busy (or lazy) audience. To avoid this, make your memos stand out by including a headline with each one. A headline is a fantastic way to get the most important part of your memo out there immediately for your readers to see. Once your headline tells them that your memo contains essential information, they will be more likely to give the rest of it a closer look.

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3) Include all Information

The brevity of memos can be wonderful, but you do need to make sure you communicate everything, or you'll just end up creating more work for yourself. For example, if you're using a memo to take a telephone message, make sure you include who called and when, what their message was, and how to call them back. If you forget any of these details, your memo will be practically pointless. As you can see, it's very important not to sacrifice the content of your memo simply because memos are normally brief. If you can't fit all of the information you need into a memo, opt instead to write a letter or an email. It's better to include all of the information you need to transmit than it is to omit critical details simply for the sake of making your message short.
4) Make Your Memo Clear

Don't underestimate your little memo; to make it understandable, you need to cover these five bases: 1. 2. 3. 4. Proper grammar Correct spelling Brevity A clear heading

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5. Legible handwriting (when applicable) Your memo won't accomplish very much if your recipient can't read it or doesn't understand your words. Even though your memo is short, take a moment to make sure that your audience will be able to interpret what you're trying to say. Again, if it's too long or too complicated to be covered in a memo, write a longer message or speak to them in person. For best results, reserve memo writing for when it can effectively communicate your short (but important) messages.
College Essay
Students usually have to write a lot of essays to succeed in college. Instead of seeing each essay as an insurmountable burden, learn some tricks to make your essay easier to write. This article contains advice to help you create an essay that your professors will be pleased to read.

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1) Choose a Powerful Thesis Statement

Choosing a strong thesis statement is the trickiest part of good essay writing. A thesis statement is the main argument of your essay. Your thesis statement should be an argument you feel you can substantiate with evidence from the literature you've read. If you can't do this, choose a different thesis statement. Note that an essay is not a book report. Therefore, your thesis statement should not be something inarguable, like: "Romeo and Juliet is a play about the struggles of two lovers fated to be apart." Sure, you'll have an easy time making your point, but your professor is bound to be unimpressed. Instead, find a thesis statement that is at least slightly controversial, so that you actually have something to argue in your essay. For Romeo and Juliet, your thesis statement could be something like: "Romeo and Juliet is a social commentary that condemns arrogance and group mentality." This thesis statement lays the groundwork for you to make an argument that your reader will find much more compelling than a simple plot summary.
2) Stay on Topic
Even with a great thesis statement, it can be tough to make your essay readable. There is usually so much information to deal with that you risk

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getting led astray. To stay on topic, you need to constantly re-focus yourself on your thesis statement. Never write anything that takes you off track. Try this easy trick: once you've chosen your thesis statement, write it on a sticky note and post it somewhere obvious. Then, every time you write something, you can ask yourself: "Does this help to defend my thesis statement?" If the answer is yes, you're in good shape. If not, go back and reconsider where your argument is headed.
3) All About Arguments

Once you've got a great thesis statement, you'll need to come up with several (at least three) arguments to defend it. For maximum readability, limit yourself to the arguments that are the most compelling. Arguments that are too obvious will not hold the attention of your audience. It's easy to think of choosing arguments in favor of your thesis statement, but here's a tip to really impress your professor: make at least one argument in opposition to the opposing standpoint. Sound confusing? Well, remember how your thesis statement needs to be arguable? This means that there could also be a thesis statement opposite to yours. Consider what someone in that position would write. Then, find an

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argument that supports your essay by refuting the potential thesis statement of someone else. This tactic shows your professor that you're a strong critical thinker because you'll have successfully contradicted a potential argument against your own essay. Finally, make sure that you order your arguments deliberately. Starting with your weakest argument could bore your reader, but ending with it could undermine the impact of your essay as a whole. Therefore, sandwich your weakest arguments between your stronger ones. This way, you'll still be able to make all of your points while really highlighting your best arguments. Your reader will appreciate the effort you've made to keep your essay captivating and convincing.
Business Plan
Your business plan serves many purposes: it keeps you and your partners on the same page, it tells potential investors whether your business is worth investing in, and it helps you make sure all of your ideas are well thought out. Devote the time necessary to make such an important document all that it can be. Below, you'll find several helpful ways to improve your business plan.

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1) Cover all the Areas

Your business plan needs to incorporate all areas of your business. If it doesn't, your readers will see it as incomplete. Make sure you include all of the following sections: 1. An overview of the purpose of your business 2. Your marketing plan 3. Your human resources (especially your management team) 4. Your financial past and projections 5. Your business milestones and goals 6. Business weaknesses and potential threats, and how you intend to deal with them All of these topics are important because they help tell the story of your business. A good business plan will answer all of the questions your readers could have about your company, so it's best to make it as comprehensive as you can.
2) Pay Special Attention to Venture Capitalists

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A business plan needs to portray your organization accurately, but you still must consider the intended audience. This is perhaps most necessary when you plan to use yours to solicit funds from potential investors or venture capitalists. People who may contribute financially to your business need to see its value and growth potential. In this case, it's in your best interest to use each section of your business plan to really showcase the positive features of your company. For example, in the marketing section of your business plan, you'll want to talk about how many potential buyers you have and how you plan to reach them effectively. Make your plan as detailed as possible. Use the opportunity to show potential investors how well prepared you are and how probable it is that your business will make a lot of money. Venture capitalists also need to see a thorough financial section in your business plan, including how much money you're looking to raise and how much of the profits you intend to share with them. Remember, all of your plans to need to be backed up with financial figures in order for potential investors to take them seriously.
3) Organize Your Information

Business plans are often long and dense with information. They are also not always read cover to cover by your audience. To help your readers find what they're looking for, include a table of contents. This will help them jump right to the section they most want to see. If they can do that quickly,

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and if they're impressed with the content, they will be more likely to read other sections of your business plan, as well. It's also a great idea to include an executive summary at the very beginning of your business plan. An executive summary is a brief overview of your business plan's best features. For an attention-grabbing executive summary, write about how great your products or services are, the market potential, and your financial projections. It will help get your readers involved right away and entice them to look more deeply into your business plan to learn more about your company.
Employee Handbook
Your workers are the lifeblood of your organization, so it's important that your employee handbook provides them with the direction they need to do a good job. To make your employee handbook more readable, try these helpful hints:

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1) Use Positive Language

You need an employee handbook because you want to make sure that your employees do their jobs within the rules of your company. It seems straightforward, but you must be careful about the way you word your policies. Too much negativity will discourage your employees and cause them to see you as the bad guy. Whenever possible, state regulations in a positive way. Compare the following sentence pairs: "Always be punctual for work." "Don't ever be late for work." "Only make personal calls during your breaks." "Do not make personal calls while you're on the clock." Each pair states one rule, but the first sentence is much more positive than the second in both cases. Although you may feel negativity makes a stronger statement, your employees may find it condescending and oppressive. Choose to state things positively in your employee handbook for a more content work force.
2) When Negativity is Unavoidable

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Of course, there are situations in which you must be negative. For example, you'll want to discuss the repercussions for unacceptable employee behavior in your handbook. In such a case, simply be direct about the negative consequences of bad actions. Your employees will better understand your disciplinary policies if you explain them in a straightforward manner. Remember that it's always good to include your incentive policies for good behavior as well as your disciplinary action for bad behavior. Talking about your company's employee rewards in your handbook will make the negative parts a lot more palatable.
3) Use Simple, Correct English

Complicated words and run-on sentences are difficult for many people to understand. Therefore, stick to simple English in your employee handbook, and keep your sentences short and to the point. No matter how upbeat you make your handbook, it will likely still not be a riveting read for your employees, so also keep its overall length as short as possible. A very important note: make sure that spelling and grammar are 100% correct throughout the entire document. Use the spelling and grammar checkers in your word processor and have someone proofread your employee handbook for you if you feel you can't catch all the mistakes yourself. To get your meaning across and avoid misunderstandings, you simply must correct every last grammar and spelling error.

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Not only is correct grammar important for reading comprehension, but it also says something about your credibility as an employer. If you require your employees to read a handbook that contains obvious grammar mistakes, spelling errors, and typos, they may question your competence. Of course, many people are not masters of the English language, but as an employer who wants respect, it's best to make your handbook a reflection of your demand for careful, thorough work. If you hold your employee handbook to the same standard you hold your employees, you will find your workers take their rules and their boss a lot more seriously.
Grant Proposal
Grant proposals are big projects with lofty goals. Often, the ability of your project to start (or continue) will hinge upon the receipt of a grant. Before you get overwhelmed by the daunting task ahead of you, check out the four top tips for making your grant proposal stand out from the crowd:

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1. Write an abstract/executive summary

A well-researched grant proposal is quite lengthy. To get your readers interested right away, include a one- or two-page abstract that highlights the key points of your proposal. You should incorporate the following items: 1. A brief introduction to your organization 2. A brief introduction to your project, including why you want to do it and what it will accomplish 3. A very short overview of the funding you need, as well as the resources (financial and otherwise) your organization will contribute to the project
Remember that your project is likely in competition with a lot of other projects. You must differentiate yourself from their big pile of grant proposals in order to be noticed. A compelling executive summary is a great way to quickly show why your project is deserving of an organization's grant money.
2. Research, research, research!

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Make no mistake: your readers will swiftly discard a poorly researched grant proposal. To have your proposal taken seriously, you must provide evidence for every detail. If you need money for a homeless shelter, include statistics about the number of homeless in your area, as well as how few beds there are by contrast. Facts make your grant proposal legitimate, so back up absolutely everything with well-researched details.
3. Show why your project deserves outside funding

To grab your readers' attention, you must answer the question: "Why should we give our money to you?" This answer contains two components: your project's value and why it desperately needs funding. To show that your project is worthwhile, explain how it will make a positive difference or contribution to society. Highlight the current lack of a similar project and the suffering this lack is causing. To show why your project needs funding, you must provide details about the financial struggle of your organization. You must also clearly lay out how much grant money you'll need and how you plan to spend every last dollar. People won't give you money if they aren't confident you'll use it wisely.

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4. Show how you are investing in your project

A strong grant proposal does more than ask for funds; it also explains how you will share in some of your project's financial burden. Even if it is a small amount, be sure to explain your financial contribution to your project. Potential donors want to know that your project is worthwhile enough for you to add some of your own funds, instead of just asking for someone else's. Also, include any non-monetary resources that you plan to contribute, such as labor and volunteer work. Your audience will recognize that contribution as valuable, even if it isn't dollars and cents. Remember, if you are unwilling to invest some of your organization's time and money, it will turn potential donors off because it tells them that you aren't taking your own project seriously. Your audience needs to know that your project is worthwhile and well planned. Make it your number one priority to increase the chance that your grant donors will, too.

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Legal Document
Even if you're not a lawyer, you'll still encounter many types of legal documents in your everyday life. Wills, bills of sale, and tenant agreements are just a few examples of legal documents you may need to write at some point. To help your recipients understand your documents, try incorporating some of the following pointers:
1) Make Your Needs Clear

Obviously, your legal document will serve a very specific purpose. Make sure you take the time to think out exactly what you need to get out of the document before you write it. For example, if you are drafting a tenant agreement for your new renter, you'll need to include the rent you require, your expectations for property maintenance, what you'll do if you don't receive rent, etc. Of course, you must also remember to state your end of the bargain. Include what you will do for the person signing your legal document. Remember, each party is bound to have a fair amount of expectations from the situation that requires your legal document. Think things through ahead

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of time so you can be sure that you'll cover everyone's needs when it comes to the writing phase.
2) Keep it Simple
Because the nature of a legal document is often complicated, it's best to keep your language simple. To promote readability, use words that everyone understands, not convoluted legal jargon or unnecessarily big vocabulary. Keep your sentences short enough that your readers can easily manage the information contained in each one. In the event that your legal document does require a lot of legal-ese," consider hiring an actual lawyer. There will be consequences if you get it wrong, so don't hesitate to spend the money if you aren't sure how to cover all the bases of your legal document yourself.
3) Review and Proofread

Legal documents need to read professionally and be error-free. Therefore, ensure you carefully review all of the information contained in your legal document. You'll need to check for spelling and grammar mistakes, typos, and anything else you may have accidentally included or excluded from your document.

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Going over your work for a second look will invariably make your document more readable, but it will also help you make sure you've covered everything you need to. Legal documents serve important purposes, so it is in your best interest to proofread your writing and review your content to make sure it's complete.
4) Do it Yourself Without Doing it Alone

Legal documents require careful planning to make sure you include every last detail. Again, don't be afraid to ask for professional help if you feel you need it. Alternatively, consider buying a kit. There are companies that specialize in making kits designed to teach you the ins and outs of writing specific legal documents. You can get this kind of help for wills, bills of sale, registration forms, power of attorney forms the list goes on. These kits are very affordable some online versions are even free and they can help make your legal document professional and comprehensive. Check online or at your local office supply store to see what's available.

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Newsletter
Newsletters are a great way to inform the public about what's new in your organization. An effective newsletter is one that conveys information in a way that is both easy to read and entertaining. Below, you'll find a few ideas on turning your newsletter into one that your audience can't wait to read.
1) Give it Visual Appeal

An improperly laid out newsletter can be a real eyestrain. A big mass of text on a plain, flimsy page will not appeal to your readers, so take the time to make your newsletter physically inviting. Here are six ways to make your newsletter more attractive:
2) Consider using columns.

Columns add a bit of extra blank space on the page, which gives your audience some room to digest the contents of your newsletter. Two or three columns are usually sufficient.

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3) Bold your headlines, make them slightly larger,

and perhaps choose a fun font that's different from your main text (but still readable). Headlines are a great way to catch your readers' attention - add just a touch of flair to really make them pop.
4) For your body text, keep the font simple and in a

readable size (no smaller than 10 points). Make sure you separate your paragraphs with a complete line space and keep them short so that your readers aren't visually overwhelmed.
5) Add a few well-chosen graphics.

If your business is having a pizza party, put a little graphic of a pizza slice somewhere in that section of the newsletter. If your stock prices just went through the roof, include a little dollar sign graphic. Many word processors come with hundreds of graphics that can add a bit of punch to your newsletter. It's always more entertaining to see complementary pictures along with your text just don't overdo it.
6) Say it with color!

If you have the resources, your newsletter will look great with full-color graphics and perhaps even colored text (but make sure it's a dark color so your readers can see it, and limit yourself to one color choice only). If you've only got a black and white printer, try using colored paper, but choose a light color for optimum readability.

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7) If your newsletter is delivered in hard copy, choose the right type of paper. Standard photocopy
paper is slightly translucent, feels cheap, and tears easily. To add some panache to your newsletter, opt for heavier, higher quality paper. If you can afford it, try using glossy paper; it may give your newsletter that certain level of prestige you've been looking for.
8) Organize Your News Wisely

It's great when you've got entertaining news to tell, but sometimes the news is unhappy, negative, or just plain boring. If the latter is the case, make sure you sandwich the bad news in between two nicer stories. That way, your readers will start and finish your newsletter on a positive note. Even when you've got less than fun news to tell, if you find something cheerful to talk about for at least part of your newsletter, you'll end up with a much happier group of readers.

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Press Release
Writing a press release is no easy task, especially if you aren't a journalist. However, it's worthwhile to educate yourself about writing a readable press release. A solid one will entice the public to learn more about your organization. Below are a few hints to help your press release achieve its potential.
1) Give Your Facts Some Panache

A fact can be difficult to understand without context. Therefore, include some detail about why your fact is in your press release. For example, if your press release is about your quarterly profits, don't just put: "The company's profits were $165,000 last quarter." Instead, give your readers an idea of how big of a change that is. Try writing, "The company's profits were $165,000 last quarter, a strong 27% increase from the previous quarter." Provide some context for readers so that they can understand the relevance of your facts. When writing the facts into your press release, also try using language that has an emotional connotation. "Feeling words" involve your audience more

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personally and encourage them to keep reading. Using the above example, try writing, "Our executive is proud to announce a 27% increase in profits from the previous quarter." The word "proud" conveys a stronger message than the facts alone; it tells your readers that you have really accomplished something substantial.
2) Use Quotations
Your audience will identify more with your press release if they can mentally attach a personality to it. If you can, include some interesting quotations that apply to your facts. For example, if your organization held a press conference, consider pulling some key phrases from the speaker's address. Using the same example we used previously, let's assume that your company's president released a statement saying, "I am excited about our company's future and confident our profits will continue to rise." Such a dynamic, captivating statement should be added to your press release so that your readers can benefit from the impact of the message, as well.
3) Keep Your English Simple

Many different kinds of people will likely read your press release. Therefore, use straightforward English to keep the broadest audience engaged. Of course, it will be necessary sometimes to use more technical

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language to explain the details of your press release that's not a problem. Just make sure you use everyday words whenever you can.
4) Sell Your Organization

Often, a press release is also an advertisement for your company. Keep this mind when you're choosing the words that will represent your organization to the public. There are lots of great things about your business that you can include strategically within the text of your press release. For example, if your company has won a prestigious award, try writing something like: "Company ABC, the 2005 Garrison Award winner, is pleased to announce the acquisition of XYZ Inc." If your organization is involved in charity work, you could write: "In addition to shareholder payouts, Company ABC also devotes resources to Children International and Animal Rights causes." Choose to view your press release as an opportunity to educate the public about your organization. Make the facts compelling and don't be afraid to really make your company shine. Your readers will get the most out of a press release that has a bit of character.

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Technical Document
Technical documents often contain complex topics that can be difficult to explain. To make sure your readers learn the most from your technical document, check out some of the following tips:
1) State Your Intentions

Tell your audience what your technical document covers right in your first pages. By letting your readers know in advance what your document does and does not explain, you'll be laying a strong foundation for deep understanding. Give your readers the basis they need to follow along to really get their attention right from the start.
2) Organize Your Ideas

Technical documents are often full of a variety of difficult-to-understand concepts. To help your readers along, sit down and organize your ideas. For best readability, make sure you give each idea its own chapter to devote to its explanation.

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Once you've clearly separated your ideas, decide on the most logical sequence for your chapters. To figure out what the best order is, try working backwards. For example, if one concept can't be explained without first explaining three other concepts, make sure those three concepts' chapters come first in your document. Keep working until your ideas are listed in such a way that your readers have all of the knowledge they need from one chapter to be ready for the next. Imagine trying to teach a child to read without first teaching them the alphabet. Without providing the fundamentals first, you wouldn't be able to add on anything more complicated. It's the same with your technical document. For increased understanding, give your audience the basics they need first, so that they can better grasp the tougher concepts later.
3) Write for Your Audience

Before you get started, ask yourself: "For whom am I writing?" The type of audience you have should govern the way you write your technical document. For example, if you're writing a software manual for computer engineers, you can confidently use technical jargon because you're writing for people who will understand what you're talking about. However, if your software manual is meant for senior citizens, you'll need to use simple, everyday language that someone with little computer experience could understand.

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If you're having trouble deciding if your document is easy enough for your target audience to read, try asking a friend who could be a part of that target audience. Once he or she reads it, you'll have a good idea whether or not the language is simple enough.
4) Review Your Ideas

In this case, repeating yourself is a good thing. At the end of each chapter, take the time to re-explain, in point form, the most important things your readers need to remember. This simple step will help your readers retain more from each chapter, which will in turn prepare them for subsequent chapters. To help people get the most from your technical document, remember that the better they understand your concepts before they continue, the better they'll understand other, more complicated concepts later on. Explain your ideas clearly and review them at the end of chapter. You'll be rewarded with educated readers who benefit from the expertise and effort put into your technical document.

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How Write a Better...
Cover Letter
Cover letters are a dynamic way to introduce yourself to potential employers. Even before they look at your resume, you can give them a positive impression with a vibrant cover letter. Below you will find several tips to make your cover letter shine.
1) Introduce the Best Candidate: You!

A cover letter answers the question: "Why are you the right person for this job?" Before you write one word of your cover letter, imagine yourself as the best candidate for the opening. This will put you in the right frame of mind when choosing the words you want to represent you. If you are punctual, hard-working, self-motivated, or have any other qualities your employer will want in his or her staff, the cover letter is the place to talk about it. Don't be afraid to really sell yourself; a good cover letter distinguishes your application from the many others the company receives. A cover letter does not answer the question: "What experience do I have?" Your resume does that. Instead of regurgitating your job history, use your

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cover letter to talk about what you will bring to the company if you are the successful candidate.
2) Do Your Homework
Not every employer is looking for the same set of skills. Therefore, one cover letter will not work for every application. To really "wow" your readers, treat every job opening as unique. Learn about the position you want and tailor your cover letter accordingly. To really grab the attention of your reader, include evidence that you know a bit about the company for which you're applying. If you're applying for a job at a college, for example, check out their website to see if they've won any awards or if they have any notable programs. The hirers will be encouraged to give you a chance if your cover letter says something like, "I am impressed that your school has won the Huntley Academic Award, and I would be honored to join such an illustrious team."
3) Advice on Formatting
To improve the readability of your cover letter, limit it to one page only, including your contact information at the top of the page. Make your cover letter very short, with concise paragraphs and plenty of white space left over. You don't need to list every detail about yourself; just pick a few things that really stand out and showcase them only.

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The font you use should be in a readable size (between 10 and 12 points), and should exactly match the font you choose for your resume. Use the same type of paper for both documents, as well. Your cover letter and resume will look most professional if you present them as a matching set. Do not use multiple or complicated fonts, and avoid using colored paper or ink. A clean black typeface on stark white paper looks crisp, professional, and desirable to read. Remember, the physical look of your cover letter is just as important as its content; each element reinforces the other, so take the time to make your cover letter look and sound just right. It might mean landing your dream job!

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Editorial Article
Articles come in all shapes and sizes. They are in newspapers, magazines, and posted on the Internet. They cover any and every topic imaginable. Despite the wide variety, there are guidelines common to all articles that can help you improve your articles' readability.
1) Plan Ahead
Without planning, your article is bound to come across as disorganized and difficult to read. Even short articles require planning to be as readable as possible. Brainstorming is a great technique to help you figure out what topics you want to cover in your article. From the ideas you get, decide which topics are most important based on your intended article length. For example, if youre writing an article about dancing, you could write about the many types of dancing, dance classes, dance history the list goes on.

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If you want your article to delve deeply into one subject, make sure you restrict yourself to only one of your brainstormed topics. If your article is more of an overview, you have a bit more freedom with the number of topics you choose. You may find that youll have to brainstorm more than once to narrow down your topics sufficiently. If you chose dance history from the above example, you might brainstorm subtopics" such as the dance history of a certain country, decade, or dance company. Again, depending on the aim of your article, you might choose only one topic to explore or several.
2) Research Your Topics

Most people read articles because they want to learn something about a particular subject. Your readers will be able to sense if your article is backed up with fact or not, so do your homework before you write. Your articles will be much more interesting if they are well researched. Youll also find you will have many more quality details to incorporate into your articles if you do adequate research first, and the more captivating facts you include, the more loyal readers youll have.
3) Short, Short, and Simple!

Its the three "s"es of article writing: short sentences, short paragraphs, and simple English.

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Short sentences are easier to digest than long ones. It's okay to vary sentences to make your writing more interesting, but still be careful about their length. A sentence that is too long will lose your audience's attention. Short paragraphs are a necessity in article writing. In most cases, you should be able to restrict a paragraph to no more than five sentences for strong readability. If you have a particularly strong sentence youd like to showcase, feel free to put it in a paragraph all on its own, but only do this once or twice per article. Simple English is best in most types of writing, including article writing. You may want to use fancy words to impress your readers, but the majority of people are not likely to appreciate your efforts unless your articles are particularly academic. Write your sentences with simple, easy-to-understand words to appeal to the broadest audience. Integrate the "short, short, and simple" rule into your articles and you are guaranteed to have a much more readable result. Remember that the best articles are informative and entertaining without being too wordy or complicated.

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Book
It's not easy to write a book; it takes creativity, planning, and drive. Make sure that your readers get the most out of your writing by following these tips to improve your book's readability.
1) Follow Grammar Guidelines

Book writing permits a great deal of freedom from traditional spelling and grammar regulations. Often the development of your character or scene depends on bending some rules a little. However, there are still a few guidelines you'll want to follow to make your book really appeal to your readers. First, learn the correct usage of quotation marks in writing speech. It can be difficult to follow dialogue in your book if these are used improperly. Make sure that each person's speech is in quotation marks and on its own line. Next, be careful about your paragraph length. Sometimes book writers get carried away and make paragraphs much longer than they need to be. This doesn't mean you need to truncate your ideas; just make sure that your

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paragraphs are separated into manageable sizes that are easier for your readers to digest.
2) Use Flow Charts

You make think of a flow chart as a business tool only, but it can help you with your book writing, too. Books often contain several ideas being developed at the same time, which can make it difficult for you, the writer, to keep track of everything that's going on. A flow chart will help you organize and manage your ideas so that you can write about them more effectively. To make a flow chart, start by writing down the first event (or idea) in your book in its own little box on a sheet of paper. Every event gets its own box. Next, write the events that result from the first event(s) in their own little boxes, then connect the boxes with arrows. Keep going until all of the events in your book are accounted for. For best results, make your flow chart when you're still in the planning stages of your book. It will help you visually decipher how you want your book to flow, as well as which ideas you want to write about when. You'll also have an easier time keeping track of how far you've progressed with each element of your book, which will keep your writing organized and easier to read in the long run.

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3) Work With Your Publisher and Editor

Your editor and publishing company are both great resources for experienced second opinions about your book. Not only can they scrutinize your book for typos and other errors, they can also recommend ways to improve the readability of sections of your book that may not flow perfectly. Also, consult your publisher about your ideas for the physical presentation of your book. Your publisher will most certainly have some ideas of their own, but don't be shy about adding your input. Often, you will have a unique vision for the layout of your book that may appeal both to your publisher and to your readers. Speak up with your publisher; together with them and your editor, you may be on your way to writing the country's newest bestseller!
How to Write a Better
Business Letter

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Your business uses letters to correspond with your clients and suppliers, advertise your products, and let your stakeholders know what's going on with your company. Effective business letters will enhance the reputation of your business, so take the time to learn how to write them well.
1) Always Use Proper Grammar

You want your business to be taken seriously by your customers, so represent your ideas with correctly spelled words and flawless grammar. Your suppliers also deserve the same attention to detail. Spelling and grammar errors hamper the readability of your document, which forces your audience to try to decipher your meaning rather than it being stated clearly for them. It may seem simplistic, but your letters will appear much more professional if your readers do not have to stumble over spelling and grammar mistakes.
2) Keep it Concise
A business letter that drones on and on will not keep the attention of your readers. Resist the temptation to over-explain yourself or overly praise the virtues of your business, products, or services. Your audience simply will not take the time to read a business letter that is too wordy. To really get your message heard, find a shorter way to convey your meaning. Explain yourself using short sentences with a couple of effective

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adjectives. Emphasize your key points with catchy phrases. Avoid repeating the same message over and over again.
To really improve readability, monitor the length of your paragraphs. For example, if your first message contains a paragraph with seven long sentences, set a goal to reduce it to five short ones. It may take some time, but the result will be a more readable, more effective business letter. Try using a readability formula to get an idea of how easy it is to understand your document. Most word processors contain readability results right in their grammar checkers. Aim for a Flesch Reading Ease score between 40% and 60%. To learn how to calculate readability yourself, visit ReadabilityFormulas.com
3) Use the Right Materials

Plain copier paper is flimsy and will not send a message of quality to your audience. Opt instead to print your business letters on heavier, high quality printer paper. Quality paper holds ink better and feels crisper in the hands of your readers, which will enhance their opinion of your company's professionalism. Before printing, make sure that your ink cartridges are full, especially if you require colored ink for your logo or a graphic. If you do not have enough of the right colors, your words and pictures will look faded and

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distorted. Having enough of the right inks will make your letters look sharp and professional. If you're printing a large volume of letters (for a mass mail-out, for example), consider going to a printer to make sure your letters all turn out well. In the eyes of your customers and suppliers, your business letters are a reflection of your business practices. Therefore, take the time to make them look professional. The result will be a more readable document that produces better results for your business.
Sales Letter
The right sales letter can generate many leads for your business. In this article, you will find several useful ideas to help you get the most out of your sales letters.
1) Decide What You're Selling

There are many different ways to create a sales letter. Before you start writing, you'll need to decide what you want to get out of your letter so that each word can be focused on that goal.

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If you are selling something in particular, focus on that and don't give in to the urge to promote other parts of your business. For example, if your company is having a sale on living room furniture, use your sales letter to talk about the quality of the furniture, the low prices, and to urge readers to visit the store now. Don't waste valuable space by talking at length about the appliances and lighting fixtures you also sell. Stick to the intent of your sales letter to give it the most impact. (Potential call-out: Stick to the intent of your sales letter to give it the most impact.) On the other hand, if you are using your sales letter to introduce your business to a community, you'll have a bit of leeway to present your business more generally. For example, if you are a realtor trying to get customers in a new subdivision, it's best to talk very briefly about each of your services (such as buying homes, selling homes, and legal services). You won't be able to talk extensively about each part of your business, but this method will motivate people to call you to learn more.
2) Simple Formatting Tricks

Try to limit your sales letter to one page, and no more than two pages (but still only one page double-sided). Your potential customers will not take the time to read anything longer than that.

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In fact, when writing your sales letter, count on the fact that your recipients will not read the whole thing. To really grab their attention, you'll have to make the most important words and phrases jump out at them. Try these hints to keep your readers interested: Make your most important words stand out by putting them in bold. Don't overuse this, or your readers will stop noticing what's bolded. Just choose a few key words or phrases that you really want to be seen. Keep your paragraphs short. Limit them to three or four short sentences, and separate each one with a full line space so your audience has some breathing room. If you have a key sentence that really deserves some attention, put it in bold all on its own. Only use this technique once or twice for maximum impact. Use exclamation points (!) occasionally. They'll make your reader sit up and take notice, as long as they aren't overused.
3) Sell Yourself
Believing in what you're selling is the first step to having a great sales letter. Your letter will be much more readable if you take the time to describe your business with pizzazz.

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Tell your readers about your industry experience. Tell them why you are a better choice than the competition. Tell them what they can expect by choosing your business over others. Don't be modest! If you believe that your company is great, you'll have a better chance of convincing your readers, too. A strong representation of your company will motivate your audience to trust you with their business.
Thesis / Dissertation
Your thesis is a pinnacle of academic achievement, so you want to give it the attention it deserves. Read on for some helpful hints on how to improve the readability of your thesis or dissertation.
1) Organization is Essential

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It's virtually impossible to complete a project of this magnitude without careful planning. Before you start writing, collect all of your research and thoughts and sit down for this simple, step-by-step planning session: a) Write down the overarching idea you want to write about. b) Brainstorm the arguments you'd like to make in favor of and/or against your idea. c) Peruse your research for evidence that supports your arguments. d) Decide on the sequence of your arguments. Once you've completed these steps, you'll be on your way to writing a coherent, easy-to-follow thesis or dissertation. Without this planning, you may have a hard time organizing your thoughts in a way that makes sense to your readers. Spend this time now and you'll likely save time in the long run.
2) Incorporate Your Research

Even if your arguments are compelling, your thesis or dissertation will seem unconvincing without well-integrated research to support your findings. To keep your audience from second-guessing you, always include your supporting research after every argument, claim, or report you make. To get the most out of your research, go through it and make a note of which parts will work to support the arguments you are making. Try

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labeling your arguments (i.e. argument A, argument B, etc.) and then put the appropriate label next to the corresponding part of your research. You'll have an easier time finding helpful data when you need it.
3) Always Proofread!
Proofreading is a critical step in the writing of your thesis or dissertation. It may seem exhausting to you after the months you spent putting it all together, but it is nevertheless necessary. Proofreading helps you eliminate every last error from your document. It also gives you the opportunity to reword any sentences you don't like the second time around. Virtually all word processors now come with spelling and grammar checkers, which you will find very helpful. However, these alone are not enough. You must physically proofread your thesis or dissertation yourself usually more than once to catch all of the typos and other errors that happened along the way. Sometimes, the sheer volume of your work can make it hard for you to catch all of the errors. A fresh pair of eyes will certainly help you find more mistakes. If you can, enlist the help of a trusted friend or colleague to proofread your thesis or dissertation for you. They can help find errors and suggest alternate wording for places where your writing is a bit awkward. If you've got a little extra money, you can also hire a professional to do this job for you.

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Remember that your thesis or dissertation is the culmination of years of academic effort. Take the time to show your readership that you are an educated professional who writes flawlessly and persuasively. You'll be rewarded with a more polished and convincing finished product of which you can be very proud.
Blog Post
Millions of people write blogs every day on thousands of topics: news, reviews, personal journals the list goes on. If you're a blogger, here are a few simple tips that can help make your blog a lot more appealing to your readers.
1) Pick a Great Headline

Headlines mean the difference between stopping to read your blog and passing it right by, so choose your words carefully. It's great to ask the question that your blog answers. Let's look at the headline "Is Your Shampoo Hurting the Environment?" It introduces your concept while enticing your readers. You can also try picking an interesting detail from

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your blog for a headline. Something like "The Secret the Diamond Industry Doesn't Want You to Know" will tempt your audience to read further.
2) Involve Your Reader

Using words like "you" and "your" is better than using "they" and "their." "You" words aim your blog directly at your reader by involving them personally. Compare the following sentences: "People with children need to choose the best school that's right for their family." "Your children need a school that's right for your family." Both sentences convey the same information, but the second sentence narrows in on the audience reading your blog. Although it's tempting, there is no point in trying to make your blog appeal to a broader audience by using non-personal language. Remember that the people who are interested in your topics will likely be your only readers, so direct your blog right at them.
3) Use Lists and Bullets

If you've got a bunch of related information to convey, consider making a list. Lists are easy to read and pass on a lot of information without too

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many words. For example, if your blog is about a supermarket sale, it's better to make a list of what items are on sale instead of writing, "Lettuce, cereal, frozen pizzas, toilet paper" A list clearly states relevant information in a concise, easy-to-read fashion.
4) Mind Your Spelling and Grammar

Do not underestimate the power of your words. Do not forget about spelling and grammar just because you aren't handing your blog in to a teacher. Proper spelling and grammar lend a degree of professionalism both to you and your blog. Even if your friends are your only audience, it will be frustrating to read your blog if you don't take care to remove typos and run a spell check. If you have time, it's always a good idea to have someone else proofread your blog before you post it. If not, put your blog away for a day or even a few hours and then go back and read it again. You're sure to find mistakes that you missed when you were first writing.
5) Be Consistent with Your Format

When you're posting your writing online, there are unlimited combinations of fonts, colors, formats, etc. Resist the urge to make your blog too flashy. Choose one font that is easy to read and keep the size of your body text uniform (your headlines should be slightly larger).

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Make sure you keep your paragraphs short and put one line space between them. It only takes a split second for a potential reader to decide if they'll read your blog or not. One mass of text with a complicated font will not appeal to your audience. Even an informative and entertaining blog will be overlooked if it's too hard on the eyes. Remember, blogs that are more readable enjoy larger and more loyal audiences.
Brochure
Brochures are fantastic sales tools for many businesses. However, a hardto-read brochure can turn potential customers off, so you need to make it as appealing as possible to your customers. The following simple guidelines will help you get the best out of your brochures.
1) A Picture Says a Thousand Words

A good brochure has very little text. To convey a strong message without being wordy, choose a few effective pictures to include in your brochure. A picture delivers an instant message to your readers because it takes less time to process than reading. The best brochures will have relatively selfexplanatory pictures coupled with a few lines of eye-catching text.

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2) The Value of Call-Outs

Call-outs are phrases in a slightly larger font that are embedded in a body of words, similar to a picture. For sections of your brochure that simply must have a fair amount of text, try using a call-out to steer your readers' eyes to something that will really grab their attention. Choose something particularly interesting. For example, imagine a paragraph in a technical brochure that contains a lot of data about hardware specifications. These details are important to your brochure, but are nevertheless fairly mundane to read. A well-placed call-out, like the one in this paragraph, can highlight an interesting bit of information that will help hold your audience longer. (Call-out in the above paragraph: A great call-out spices up your brochure.)
3) Make an Impact with Bullets

A brochure offers a limited amount of communication space, so use bulleted lists to get people's attention efficiently. Readers will gravitate toward anything that stands out, which is why lists are a perfect way to convey important information. For example, it's better to write: a) Friendly service b) No waiting c) Satisfaction guarantee

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than it is to say "Our business provides friendly customer service with no waiting and a 100% satisfaction guarantee." Both methods deliver the same information, but the second method is very wordy and harder to process than the above bulleted list.
4) Focus on Formatting
We've said it before, we'll say it again: do not put too much text into your brochure. Too much text overwhelms your audience. It's better to have some empty space to make your brochure easier on the eyes and give your readers some room to digest what your business has to offer. Don't try to cram more words in by using a tiny font size, either; your audience won't be fooled! In terms of font styles, be careful about how creative you get. In a brochure it can be interesting to have a couple of unique-looking fonts, but too many will take away from the overall effect. Try using a very simple font for your body text and a slightly more "fun" font for your headlines. Similarly, use caution with colors. It's great to have a nice background color to accent your pictures and text, but one that's too loud will distract readers from your brochure's message. Before sending your brochure to the printers, experiment with color combinations and get the opinions of colleagues you trust.

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Finally, consult your printers before choosing a paper type. The quality and finish of the paper will affect the readability of your brochure. Ask for advice about which finishes will look best with your brochure's colors, pictures, and text. Finally, don't be afraid to ask for a sample before you commit to a certain finish; your brochure is an important sales piece that needs just the right look to showcase your business.
Business Email
Sending e-mails is a routine task that many businesspeople take for granted. Keep in mind, however, that every e-mail you send reflects upon your business, so it's critical that you make them as readable as possible. Below you will find several useful ways to get the most out of your business e-mails.
1) Get Back to Basics

Nothing gives a terrible first impression like spelling and grammar errors. It doesn't matter if it's simply a typo; failing to correct errors intentional or not undermines your professionalism. Make no mistake: spelling and

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grammar errors negatively affect (and can even alter) the content of your message. These days, virtually every e-mail program contains at least a built-in spelling checker. Often, these programs come with grammar checkers too. These tools make it so simple to send a flawless e-mail that there is no excuse for anything less than grammatical perfection. At the very least, proofread before you send! Remember, if there are flaws in your e-mails, your recipients are bound to expect flaws in your work, too.
2) Keep the Layout Simple

Flashy fonts and bold colors are distracting and, in most cases, very unprofessional. When writing an e-mail, make sure you stick to an easy-toread font and use it throughout your message. Avoid any color other than black and, in most cases, your font size should be no bigger than 12 points. In terms of the overall layout, keep both your sentences and your paragraphs short. Long sentences and paragraphs can confuse and/or lose the attention of readers. Also, remember to separate each paragraph with a line space so that you don't overwhelm your recipient with one big block of text.
3) Consider Your Target Audience

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If you are writing to a client or a supplier, you must use polite and professional language. A paying customer usually expects respect and courtesy. Similarly, a supplier needs to know that you are a trustworthy customer, so it's best to keep those messages professional, as well. Slang and casual language can be very off-putting to a client receiving an e-mail from your business. Also, don't forget to say "please" and "thank you!" If you are writing a colleague, bear in mind that it is still a work e-mail, and therefore should maintain a certain level of decorum. Personal material combined with business communication can weaken the impact of your message. It's best to restrict the content of your business e-mails to business-related information only.
4) Use Lists to Improve Readability

You send business e-mails to communicate, accomplish tasks, and ask questions. Make sure that you clearly outline what you expect from your recipient by separating your expectations from the rest of your e-mail. Numbered lists are a great way to ensure that your recipient understands your expectations. For example, instead of just writing your needs in paragraph form, try listing them like so: a) When will the stationery be delivered? b) Please drop off your clerical report before you leave today. c) Let me know when Ms. Anderson gets back to you regarding the annual meeting.

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By stating your expectations in clear language, point by point, your e-mails will be more successful in helping you accomplish your business goals. Remember that each e-mail represents your company, so spend the time to get them right.
Resume
Your resume is a potential employer's first impression of you, so don't underestimate its influence. Businesspeople can tell a lot about you from your resume, and we aren't just talking about employment history. Your resume's presentation - not just its content - has a great deal to do with whether or not you get called for an interview.
1) Spelling and Grammar are #1!

Proofread, proofread, proofread. Use the grammar and spelling checkers in your word processor. Ask your friends and family to look your resume over before you call it a finished product. Typos and other mistakes have a way of escaping the eyes of their author. Once you're finished your best draft,

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have someone with an eagle eye go over your resume again to spot any straggling errors. Perfect spelling and grammar in your resume may seem obvious, but it really can't be stressed enough. Your resume tells your future employers if you're a quality worker. Anything less than top grammatical quality on your resume will leave them with doubts. It's worth saying again: get your spelling and grammar right!
2) Keep Your Format Consistent

There are dozens of ways to design a resume. Choose one that's right for you and stick with it. It's confusing to a reader if your resume is not laid out in a consistent fashion. For example, say you choose to format one employment history item like this:
Cashier -- Fast n' Fresh Supermarket -- Boston, MA I processed grocery transactions and trained new employees. The next item should be in the same format: position, company name, and location on one line, with each detail separated by a dash. On the next line should be a brief description of your duties at that job. Keep the format identical throughout your resume so that your reader doesn't have trouble figuring out what you're trying to say.

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3) Create the Right Tone

Your resume is meant to showcase the best of you, so choose the information your recipient will most want to hear and represent it strongly. In the example above, the writer uses active language ("I processed," "I trained") to report about his cashier job. This tone is much more persuasive than writing: "My job was training," or "I was responsible for handling cash." Make yourself the doer to convince employers of your competence.
4) Consider Your Target Audience

Not every bit of personal information, education, and job experience will be relevant to every employer. Therefore, tailor each resume you create to its intended audience. It may seem tedious, but if you really want a job, it's best to write your resume in a way that appeals to that job specifically. For example, if you are a certified lifeguard, that fact will be crucial to someone looking to hire a lifeguard. It may even be interesting to someone looking for an employee with elements of that training, such as a childcare provider. It will likely not be compelling to an employer looking for an accountant. This is not to say that your skills are not transferable. Most experience or training can be translated into something useful to your reader. However,

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you have such a small amount of space to impress your potential employer that you must trim the details that will have the least likelihood of helping you get the job. Remember, your resume reflects you as a professional, so choose the details that show you're just the professional they need.

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Plain English
Business Writing
At the office, it's critical that you know how to write well. Businesses need to hold their writing to the same high standard they demand of their products and services. Your clients and suppliers judge you on your documents, so read on to learn about making your business writing competent and professional.
1) Use the Right Tools

Even before your readers start reading, they will draw conclusions about your document based on its physical characteristics. Text printed correctly on the right stationery makes a great first impression. Choose heavy enough paper. Standard copier paper is flimsy, slightly translucent, and holds ink poorer than heavier paper. Documents printed on quality paper convey a degree of elegance and professionalism. Also, brighter paper makes text stand out better on the page. You can check the brightness of the paper right on the packaging before you buy. Before you print anything, invest in a good quality printer. The end result will show whether you've used an old, cheap printer or a high-end machine,

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so spend the money to make your documents look amazing. Also, make sure your ink cartridges are full before printing. Your documents will be harder to read if the ink is faded. If you're printing irregularly sized documents or you have a large volume, consider using a printing company. They can provide samples of their work and references, so you can be sure you're getting the quality you need. Often, this option is less expensive for you than buying all of the ink and/or special equipment you would need to do it yourself.
2) Layout Makes an Impression

Even a compelling message won't read well if it's poorly presented on the page. Before you send any writing on its way, take note of the following: a) Separate your ideas with paragraphs. Keep your paragraphs short and to the point, and make sure there is one line space in between each one. b) Use headings when you can. Headings get an idea across right away and encourage your readers to learn more about it. c) Be consistent with your font size. Choose a reasonable size (usually 10 to 12 points) and don't stray from it unless your document contains headlines. Even your headlines should not be oversized; make them only slightly larger than your body text.

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3) Order Your Topics

Determine what topics your document will cover and order them appropriately. It's always best to deliver the good news first. Keep the first part of your document relatively light-hearted in order to draw in your readers. Difficult news, negative results, or boring statistics should always come after a more cheerful part of your document. People will be more likely to pay attention to the bad news if they aren't bombarded with it right off the bat. Deliver negative information concisely and clearly so people understand the details. Always follow up negative or uninteresting news with a few positive sentences before you close. Doing so will make the information more digestible for your readers.
4) Grammar and Spelling

Make sure you run a spelling and grammar check before your documents are read to avoid any miscommunication. You've heard it a million times, but spelling and grammar truly are critical to the readability of your business writing. Don't forget that a perfect business document makes a great impression, regardless of your intended audience.

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Website Copy
A website is very important to a business. The 21st century way to buy virtually anything is through the Internet, so your website must reflect your business in the best way possible. This article will help you turn your website into a powerful sales tool that attracts your target market and turns them into loyal customers.
1) Use Plain English

It's tempting to use fancy words in an effort to introduce your products and services with flair. However, complicated language actually can prevent your website visitors from really connecting with your business. Your potential clients need to identify with the language on your website in order to be compelled to buy. Simple English will help you clearly communicate the consumer benefits of your business, so use difficult words sparingly. A good rule of thumb: if it's got more than two syllables, consider choosing another word. (Potential call-out: If it's got 3 syllables, try choosing another word.)

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2) Keep it Short
Passionate entrepreneurs often make the mistake of over-describing on their websites. Yes, you do want to give your customers enough information about your business. However, too many words or too many web pages will be so daunting to them that they won't bother to read what you've written. If you want to "wow" your website visitors, remember: a) Short sentences b) Short product/service descriptions c) As few web pages as possible
3) Make Your Words Stand Out

Use interesting adjectives, not run-of-the-mill descriptions. Words like "dynamic" and "stunning" will motivate your visitors to buy more than words like "great" and "nice." Again, you do not want to over-complicate your language, but words that are too ordinary will bore your customers. What other tool can you use to make your words "pop"? Pictures! It may surprise you, but interesting pictures persuade people to read what's on your website. A picture takes less effort for your visitors to absorb, so the right picture can capture their interest much more quickly than words. Place relevant pictures close to your text to encourage a more captive audience.

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4) Pack a Punch
Now that you know you've got to keep your website short and simple, you must make the space you do have as attention-grabbing as possible. Pick the best parts of your business and highlight them right on your homepage. To decide which areas to write about, ask yourself the following questions: a) What is the best thing about my company? b) What do I offer that people need the most? c) What's the most important thing my customers need to know? Although there are no hard and fast rules about what to put on your homepage, the above questions will get you thinking about what should be there. It's much better to describe a couple of the strongest aspects of your business than to overload your homepage with secondary information. Get them interested right off the bat, and they'll stay to look at the details found in other areas of your website. Remember, successful websites motivate people to buy using the quality -- not the quantity -- of their words.

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Misused Words
1) ACCEPTA CE, ACCEPTATIO .Acceptance is the act of accepting; also favorable reception: as, The acceptance of a gift, She sang with marked acceptance. Acceptation now means the sense in which an expression is generally understood or accepted. ACCESS, ACCESSIO .Access has several meanings authorized by good use: () outburst; () admission; () way of entrance. Accession means the coming into possession of a right; or an addition. ACTS, ACTIO S.Acts, in the sense of things done, is preferable to actions, since actions also means processes of doing. ADVA CE, ADVA CEME T.Advance is used in speaking of something as moving forward; advancement, as being moved forward. ALLUSIO , ILLUSIO , DELUSIO .An allusion is an indirect reference to something not definitely mentioned. Roughly speaking, an illusion is an error of vision; delusion, of judgment. In literary and popular use an illusion is an unreal appearance presented in any way to the bodily or the mental vision; it is often pleasing, harmless, or even useful.... A delusion is a mental error or deception, and may have regard to things actually existing, as well as to illusions. Delusions are ordinarily repulsive and discreditable, and may even be mischievous.
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6)
AVOCATIO , VOCATIO .Vocation means calling or profession; avocation, something aside from ones regular calling, a by-work. COMPLETIO , COMPLETE ESS.Completion is the act of completing; completeness is the state of being complete. OBSERVATIO , OBSERVA CE.Observation contains the idea of looking at; observance, of keeping, celebrating. We speak of the observation of a fact, of a star; of the observance of a festival, of a rule.
7)
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9) PROPOSAL, PROPOSITIO .A proposal is something proposed to be done, which may be accepted or rejected. A proposition is something proposed for discussion, with a view to determining the truth or wisdom of it. 10) RELATIO SHIP, RELATIO .Relationship properly means the state of being related by kindred or alliance: as, A relationship existed between the two families. Relation is a word of much broader meaning. It does not necessarily imply kinship. 11) SOLICITUDE, SOLICITATIO .Solicitude is anxiety; solicitation is the act of soliciting or earnestly asking. 12) STIMULATIO , STIMULUS, STIMULA T.Stimulation is the act of stimulating or inciting to action; stimulus, originally a goad, now denotes that which stimulates, the means by which one is incited to action; stimulant has a medical sense, being used of that which stimulates the body or any of its organs. We speak of ambition as a stimulus, of alcohol as a stimulant.

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13) ABILITY, CAPACITY.Ability is the power of doing; capacity, the power of containing, of understanding, of acquiring. 14) ADHERE CE, ADHESIO .Adherence is used of moral relations, adhesion, of physical connection. We speak of the adhesion of glue to wood, of a mans adherence to the principles of his party. 15) AMOU T, QUA TITY, UMBER.Amount means sum total, and is used of numbers or quantities; quantity is used of things which are measured; number, of things which are counted. 16) ARGUME T, PLEA.Plea (in the legal sense) is properly used of the pleadings or the arraignment before a trial, not of the argument at a trial. A plea is always addressed to the court; an argument may be addressed either to the court or to the jury. A similar remark applies to the verbs plead and argue. 17) BALA CE, REST, REMAI DER.Balance, meaning the difference between two sides of an account, is a commercial term, and cannot properly be used for rest or remainder. Rest is used of persons or things, and of large as well as of small parts. Remainder is used only of things, and denotes a comparatively small part. 18) CE TRE, MIDDLE.The centre is a point, or a definite place; the middle is a line, or a space, and is less definite than centre. 19) CHARACTER, REPUTATIO .Character is what a man is; reputation is the prevailing opinion of his character.

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20) COMPLEME T, COMPLIME T.A complement is a full quantity or number or that which is needed to complete; a compliment is an expression of praise. 21) CO SCIE CE, CO SCIOUS ESS.Conscience is that within us which distinguishes right from wrong. Consciousness is the state of being aware of ones existence, thoughts, and surroundings. 22) COU CIL, COU SEL.A council is a body of persons convened for consultation. Counsel denotes advice, or a person, as a lawyer, engaged to give advice. 23) CUSTOM, HABIT.Custom denotes the frequent repetition of the same act, and may be used of a number of persons taken together. Habit is the effect of custom in a person. Custom is voluntary; habit is involuntary, often uncontrollable, sometimes unconscious. 24) DECEPTIO , DECEIT.Deception is the act of deceiving; deceit is deceitfulness, a trait of character; or a trick, an artifice. 25) EGOISTS, EGOISM, EGOTISM.The disciples of Descartes were egoists, the ego being the basis of their philosophy. Egoism is the name of their system. Egoism is sometimes used also in the sense of undue admiration of self, the outward expression of which is egotism. But egotism, in the sense of self-worship, is preferable to egoism, since egoism also designates a system of philosophy. 26) EMIGRATIO , IMMIGRATIO .Emigration is the moving out from a country; immigration, the moving into it.

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Foreigners who come to live in America are emigrants from their fatherland, immigrants to America. 27) E ORMITY, E ORMOUS ESS.Enormity is used of deeds of unusual horror; enormousness, of things of unusual size. We speak of the enormity of Csar Borgias crimes, of the enormousness of the Rothschilds wealth. 28) ESTEEM, ESTIMATE, ESTIMATIO .Esteem as a noun seems to be going out of use; the word now commonly used in the sense of opinion or regard is estimation. An estimate is an approximate judgment, based on considerations of probability, of the number, amount, magnitude, or position of anything. 29) FALSITY, FALSE ESS.Falsity, in the sense of nonconformity to truth, without any suggestion of blame, is preferable to falseness, since falseness usually implies blame. 30) IDE TITY, IDE TIFICATIO .Identity is the state of being the same. Identification denotes the act of determining what a given thing, or who a given person, is. 31) IMPORT, IMPORTA CE.Import, in the sense of meaning, must be distinguished from importance, the quality of being important. 32) I VE TIO , DISCOVERY.We invent something new, contrived or produced for the first time. We discover what existed before, but remained unknown.

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33) LIMIT, LIMITATIO .Limit, in the sense of bound, is preferable to limitation, since limitation also means the act of limiting, or a restriction. 34) LOT, UMBER.Lot denotes a distinct part or parcel: as, The auctioneer sold the goods in ten lots. The word does not mean a great number; therefore it is improperly used in the sentences: He has lots of money, and I know a lot of people in New York. 35) MAJORITY, PLURALITY.A majority is more than half the whole number; a plurality is the excess of votes given for one candidate over those given for another, and is not necessarily a majority when there are more than two candidates. 36) EGLIGE CE, EGLECT.Negligence is used of a habit or trait; neglect, of an act or succession of acts. 37) OVICE, OVITIATE.Novice properly means one who is new in any business or calling; novitiate, the state or time of being a novice. 38) ORGA ISM, ORGA IZATIO .An organism is a living body composed of a number of essential parts. Organization denotes the act of organizing, or an organized body of persons, as a literary society. 39) PART, PORTIO .Part is the general word for that which is less than the whole: as, the whole is equal to the sum of all its parts.... Portion is often used in a stilted way where part would be simpler and better; portion has always some suggestion of allotment or assignment: as, this is my portion; a portion of Scripture. Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me.

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40) PLE TY, ABU DA CE.Plenty is enough; abundance, more than enough. 41) PRODUCE, PRODUCT, PRODUCTIO .Produce is always collective, and is used only of raw products: as, the produce of the soil, of the flock. Product denotes the result of some operation, usually physical labor. Production, meaning the act of producing, is also applied to a work of literature or art, as a book, a statue, or a painting. Product, in the sense of thing produced, is preferable to production, since production is also used in an abstract sense. 42) PROMI E CE, PREDOMI A CE.Prominence means a standing out from something, so as to be conspicuous. Predominance denotes ascendency, a superiority in strength or influence, an over-ruling. There may be many prominent traits in a persons character; there can be only one predominant trait. 43) RECEIPT, RECIPE.Receipt, in the sense of formula for a pudding, etc., is preferable to recipe, since recipe is commonly restricted to medical prescriptions. 44) RELATIVE, RELATIO .Relative, in the sense of member of a family, is preferable to relation, since relation is also used in an abstract sense. 45) REQUIREME T, REQUISITE, REQUISITIO .A requirement is something required by a person or persons. A requisite is something required by the nature of the case. A requisition is an authoritative demand or official request for a supply of something. 46) RESORT, RECOURSE, RESOURCE.Resort denotes the act of going to some person or thing; or that which is resorted to or

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habitually visited. Recourse means resort for help or protection. Resource denotes something which is a source of help or support. 47) SECRETI G, SECRETIO .Secreting is the act of hiding; secretion, a physiological process or fluid. 48) SEWAGE, SEWERAGE.Sewage means the contents, sewerage, the system, of sewers. 49) SITUATIO , SITE.Situation embraces all the local aspects and relationships in which a thing is placed. The site is confined to the ground on which it is erected or reposes. 50) SPECIALITY, SPECIALTY.Speciality, in the sense of distinctive quality, is preferable to specialty, since specialty is also used in the sense of distinctive thing. 51) U IO , U ITY.Union is the joining of two or more things into one. Unity means oneness, harmony. 52) VISITA T, VISITOR.Visitant was formerly used to denote a supernatural being; visitor, a human one. Visitant seems now to be going out of use, visitor being used in both senses.
53) ACCREDIT, CREDIT.To accredit means to invest with credit or authority, or to send with letters credential; to credit means to believe, or to put to the credit of.

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54) ARISE, RISE.The choice between these words was primarily, and still often is, a matter of rhythm euphony. The literal meanings, however, or those which seem literal, have become more associated with rise, and the consciously figurative with arise: as, he rose from the chair; the sun rose; the provinces rose in revolt: trouble arose; music arose with its voluptuous swell. 55) CAPTIVATE, CAPTURE.To captivate means to fascinate; to capture, to take prisoner. 56) DEPRECIATE, DEPRECATE.To depreciate means to bring down in value, to disparage; to deprecate means to argue earnestly against or to express regret for. 57) IMPUG , IMPUTE.To impugn means to call in question; to impute means to ascribe to. 58) Loan, lend.The use of loan as a verb is not sanctioned by good use. Properly the word is a noun. A loan is money which a person lends.
59) A TAGO IZE, OPPOSE.To antagonize means properly to struggle against, to oppose actively, or to counteract. In England, antagonizing forces must be of the same kind, but in the political phraseology of the United States a person may antagonize (i.e., oppose) a measure.

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60) CALCULATE, I TE D.To calculate means properly to compute mathematically, or to adjust or adapt for something. In the sense of intend it is not in good use. 61) CARRY, BRI G, FETCH.To carry means to take along in going; to bring means to take along in coming; to fetch means to go, get, and bring. 62) CHAMPIO , SUPPORT.The word champion is very much overworked, being often used in the general sense of support. It should be restricted to cases in which there is the idea of entering the lists as champion of a cause. 63) CLAIM, ASSERT, ALLEGE, MAI TAI , DECLARE, AFFIRM, STATE.To claim means properly to demand as ones own or ones due. It is often loosely used, especially in the United States, for assert, allege, maintain, declare, or affirm. To assert is to say or declare in the face of implied denial or doubt. To allege is to assert without proof. To maintain is to uphold by argument. To declare is to say publicly, clearly, or emphatically. To affirm is to assert on ones reputation for knowledge or truthfulness. To state, which is also often misused in the sense of say, assert, allege, declare, or affirm, means properly to express formally and in detail; it always implies detail. (See Foundations, pp. , , and Practical Exercises, p. .) 64) CO FESS, ADMIT.Admit, in cases into which the idea of confession does not enter, is preferable to confess. On grounds of idiom, however, I must confess and the parenthetical I confess are exempt from the operation of this rule.

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65) DEMA D, ASK.To demand means to ask for with authority or with insistence. The use of demand in the sense of ask is borrowed, possibly, from the French use of demander. 66) HIRE, LET, LEASE.To hire means to obtain the use of; to let, to give the use of. To lease means to give the use of by lease. The owner of a house leases it; the person who occupies it takes a lease of it. 67) LEAR , TEACH.Learn means to acquire knowledge, not to impart it. In the latter sense the proper word is teach. 68) I have more information to-day than I had before, said Mr. Sheehan. 69) 70) This has learned you something, said Mr. Goff. Oh no, replied Mr. Sheehan, it has taught me something.
71) LIKE, LOVE.Like and love differ greatly in strength or warmth, and may differ in kind. Like may be feeble and cool, and it never has the intensity of love. We may like or even love a person; we only like the most palatable kind of food. With an infinitive, like is the common word, love being appropriate only in the hyperbole of poetical or rhetorical feeling. 72) MATERIALIZE, APPEAR.To materialize properly means to make or to become physically perceptible; as, by means of letters we materialize our ideas and make them as lasting as ink and paper; the ideas of the sculptor materialize in marble.

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73)
PLEAD, ARGUE.See plea
74) STAY, STOP.Stay, as in At what hotel are you staying? is preferable to stop, since stop also means to stop without staying. 75) TRA SPIRE, HAPPE .To transpire means properly to escape from secrecy to notice, to leak out; it should not be used in the sense of to happen.
76) ACCEPT, EXCEPT.To accept means to take something offered; to except means to make an exception of. 77) ADVERTISE, ADVISE.To advertise is to announce to the public to advise is to give counsel or information to a person. 78) AFFECT, EFFECT.To affect is to act upon, to influence; to effect is to bring about. 79) ALLEVIATE, RELIEVE.To alleviate pain is to lighten it; to relieve it is to go further, and to remove it in a large measure or altogether. 80) ALLOW, ADMIT, THI K.Allow properly means to grant or permit, not to admit, think or intend. 81) ALLUDE TO, REFER TO, ME TIO .We mention a thing when we name it directly. We refer to it when we speak of it less directly. We allude to it when we refer to it in a delicate or slight way.

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82) ARGUE, AUGUR.To argue is to bring forward reasons; to augur is to foretell, to forebode. 83) COMPARE WITH, COMPARE TO, CO TRAST.Two things are compared in order to note the points of resemblance and difference between them; they are contrasted in order to note the points of difference only. When one thing is compared to another, it is to show that the first is like the second; when one thing is compared with another, it is to show either difference or similarity, especially difference. 84) CO STRUE, CO STRUCT.To construe means to interpret, to show the meaning; to construct means to build; we may construe a sentence as in translation, or construct it as in composition. 85) CO VI CE, CO VICT.To convince is to satisfy the understanding; to convict, to pronounce guilty. The jury having been convinced of the prisoners guilt, he was convicted. 86) DETECT, DISCRIMI ATE.To detect is to find out; to discriminate is to distinguish between. 87) DISCLOSE, DISCOVER.To disclose is to uncover, to reveal; to discover is, in modern usage, to find. 88) DOMI ATE, DOMI EER.To dominate is to rule; to domineer is to rule in an overbearing manner. 89) DRIVE, RIDE.We go driving in carriages, riding in saddles. We drive behind horses, we ride on them.

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90) ELIMI ATE, ELICIT.To eliminate is to remove, to get rid of; to elicit is to draw out. 91) ESTIMATE, ESTEEM.To estimate is to judge the value of; to esteem is to set a high value on, especially of persons. 92) EXPOSE, EXPOU D.To expose is to lay bare to view; to expound is to explain the meaning of. 93) FRIGHTE .Frighten is a transitive verb, and is used correctly in The locomotive frightened the horse; The horse was frightened by the locomotive; The horse became frightened. It should not be used intransitively, as in the sentence The horse frightened at the locomotive. 94) I QUIRE, I VESTIGATE.To inquire is to ask for information; to investigate is to make a thorough examination. 95) I SURE, SECURE.Secure, in the sense of to guard from danger, to make safe, is preferable to insure, since insure also means to guarantee indemnity for future loss or damage. 96) LET, LEAVE.Let means to permit; leave, to let remain, or to go away from. 97) LOCATE, FI D.Locate properly means to place in a particular position, or to designate the site of, as of a new building or purchased lands; it does not mean to find. 98) PERSUADE, ADVISE.To persuade is to induce, to convince; to advise is to give counsel or information.

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99) PREDICATE, PREDICT.To predicate is to affirm as an attribute or quality; to predict is to foretell. 100) PRESCRIBE, PROSCRIBE.To prescribe is to lay down as a rule or a remedy; to proscribe is to condemn to death or to loss of rights. 101) PURPOSE, PROPOSE.The verb purpose, in the sense of intend, is preferable to propose, since to propose also means to offer for consideration: the noun answering to the former is purpose; to the latter, proposal or proposition. 102) REPULSE, REPEL.Repulse usually implies hostility; repel is a milder term. We repulse an enemy or an assailant; we repel an officious person or the unwelcome advances of a lover. 103) START, BEGI , COMME CE.To start is to set out or to set going, and is not followed by an infinitive. Before an infinitive, begin or commence is used. Begin is preferred in ordinary use; commence has more formal associations with law and procedure, combat, divine service, and ceremonial. 104) SUSPECT, EXPECT, A TICIPATE.To suspect is to mistrust, to surmise. Expect, in the sense of look forward to, is preferable to anticipate, since anticipate also means take up, perform, or realize beforehand; as, Some real lives do actually anticipate the happiness of heaven. 105) GOOD, WELL.Good is an adjective: the adverb corresponding to it is well. We say, He had a good sleep; He slept well. Well is sometimes an adjective, as in You look well.

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106) LIKELY, PROBABLY, LIKE.Likely is now used as an adjective only, except in the phrase As likely as not; ad the corresponding adverb is probably. We say, He is likely to come; He will probably come. Like as an adjective means similar, as, Men of like excellence; He looks like his grandfather; He was a man of like passions as we are. In the sense of in the same manner as like is followed by a noun or a pronoun in the objective case, and is called by some an adverb, by others a preposition: as, He talks like her. 107) LESS, FEWER, SMALLER.Less refers to quantity, fewer to number, smaller to size. 108) MOST, ALMOST.Most denotes the greatest number, quantity, or degree. It is always superlative and never means nearly, which is the proper meaning of almost. We say, Most of the boys are here; the time has almost come. 109) EAR, EARLY.Near is an adjective; the corresponding adverb is nearly. 110) PLE TY is now in good use as a noun only, as Plenty of corn and wine. Shakespeare used the word as an adjective in Reasons as plenty as blackberries, but this use is obsolete. The use of plenty as an adverb, as The food is plenty good enough, is a vulgarism. 111) SOME, SOMEWHAT, SOMETHI G.Some is an adjective, as, Some water; Some brighter clime. Somewhat is an adverb, as, He is somewhat better. Somewhat is occasionally used as a noun, as, Somewhat of doubt remains, but in this sense something is more common.

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112) THIS, THESE; THAT, THOSE.This (plural these) and that (plural those) are the only adjectives in English that have distinct forms for the plural. A common mistake is to use the plural forms with singular collective nouns, as kind, class, sort. 113) FIRST, SECO D, SECO DLY, etc.First is both adjective and adverb. Second, third etc., are adjectives only; the corresponding adverbs are secondly, thirdly, etc. Firstly is a vulgarism. 114) AGGRAVATI G, IRRITATI G.In good use aggravating means making heavier, more grave, worse in some way. It is often misused for irritating, exasperating, or provoking. 115) ALL, THE WHOLE.See page .
116) APT, LIKELY, LIABLE.Apt implies a natural predisposition, an habitual tendency. Likely implies a probability of whatever character; liable, an unpleasant probability. One is apt to speak quickly, likely to hear good news, liable to be hurt. 117) BOTH, EACH, EVERY.Both, meaning the two, and not merely one of them, groups objects, as, Both were men of hot temper. Each means all of any number, considered one by one, as, Each boy recited in his turn. Every means all of any number, considered as composing a group or class, as, Every pupil should have a dictionary and use it freely. Every directs attention chiefly to the totality, each chiefly to the individuals composing it. It may also be observed that each usually refers to a numerically definite group.... Thus, Each theory is open to objection relates to an understood enumeration of theories, but Every theory is open to objection refers to all theories that may exist.

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118)
MA Y, MUCH.Many refers to number, much to quantity.
119) MUTUAL, COMMO .Mutual properly means reciprocal, interchanged. It is often misused for common in the sense of belonging equally to both or all, especially in the phrase, A mutual friend. 120) PARTLY, PARTIALLY.Partly, in the sense of in part, is preferable to partially, since partially also means with partiality. 121) QUITE, VERY.Quite properly means entirely; in the sense of very or to a considerable degree it is not in good use. 122) SO-AS, AS-AS.Both so and as are used as adverbs of degree correlative with the conjunction as: unless there is a negative in the clause as is generally used; with a negative so is preferable to as. We say It is as cold as ice, It is not so good as it looks. 123) APPARE TLY, EVIDE TLY, MA IFESTLY. Apparently is properly used of that which seems, but may not be, real; evidently, of that which both seems and is real. Manifestly is stronger than evidently. 124) AVERAGE, ORDI ARY.Average implies an arithmetical computation; if four persons lose respectively $, $, $, and $, the average loss is $. The word is used figuratively by Dr. O.W. Holmes in The average intellect of five hundred persons, taken as they come, is not very high. In the sense of usual, common in occurrence, of the usual standard, ordinary is preferable to average.

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125) BOU D, DETERMI ED.Bound properly means obliged, fated, or under necessity: as, A man is bound by his word; We hold ourselves in gratitude bound to receive ... all such persons. In the sense of determined hound is not in good use. In the sense of sure it is in colloquial, but not in literary, use. 126) CO TI UAL, CO TI UOUS.Continual is used of frequently repeated acts, as, Continual dropping wears away a stone; continuous, of uninterrupted action, as, the continuous flowing of a river. 127) DEADLY, DEATHLY.Deathly, in the sense of resembling death, as, She was deathly pale, is preferable to deadly, since deadly also means inflicting death. 128) DECIDED, DECISIVE.A decided opinion is a strong opinion, which perhaps decides nothing; a decisive opinion settles the question at issue. A lawyer may have decided views on a case; the judgment of a court is decisive. 129) DUMB, STUPID.Dumb properly means mute, silent. Its misuse for stupid is partly due, especially in Pennsylvania, to its resemblance to the German dumm. 130) EXISTI G, EXTA T.That is extant which has escaped the ravages of time (used chiefly of books, manuscripts, etc.); that is existing which has existence. 131) FU Y, ODD.Funny means comical; in the sense of strange or odd it is not in good use.

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132) HEALTHY, HEALTHFUL, WHOLESOME.That is healthy which is in good health; that is healthful or wholesome which produces health. Wholesome commonly applies to food. 133) HUMA , HUMA E.Human denotes what pertains to man as man; as, human nature, human sacrifices. Humane means compassionate. 134) LATEST, LAST.Latest, like the word late, contains a distinct reference to time; that is latest which comes after all others in time: as, The latest news; The latest fashion. Last, which was originally a contraction of latest, is now used without any distinct reference to time, and denotes that which comes after all others in space or in a series: as, The last house on the street; The Last of the Mohicans. 135) LE GTHY, LO G.Lengthy is said to have originated in the United States, but the earliest quotations found are from British authors. In the introduction to the second series of The Biglow Papers, Mr. Lowell wrote: We have given back to England the excellent adjective lengthy ... thus enabling their journalists to characterize our Presidents messages by a word civilly compromising between long and tedious, so as not to endanger the peace of the two countries by wounding our national sensitiveness to British criticism. Lengthy is used chiefly of discourses or writings, and implies tediousness. Long is used of anything that has length. 136) MAD, A GRY.Mad means insane; in the sense of angry it is not in good use. 137) EW, OVEL.That is new which is not old; that is novel which is both new and strange.

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138) ORAL, VERBAL.Oral, in the sense of in spoken words, is preferable to verbal, since verbal means in words whether spoken or written. 139) PITIABLE, PITIFUL.Pitiable, in the sense of deserving pity, is preferable to pitiful, since pitiful also means compassionate, as, The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. 140) PRACTICABLE, PRACTICAL.That is practicable which can be done; that is practical which is not theoretical only: as, a practicable plan, a practical electrician. 141) PROMI E T, EMI E T.Prominent means conspicuous, standing out so as to be easily seen; eminent means distinguished in character or rank. 142) REAL, REALLY, VERY.Real is properly an adjective, meaning not imaginary or counterfeit, as, real diamonds. Its misuse for the adverbs really and very, as, This is real pretty, is a vulgarism. 143) SCARED, AFRAID.The participle scared means frightened; afraid is an adjective meaning in fear. Before of, the proper word is afraid: as, She is afraid of horses. Scared of is not in good use. 144) MAG IFICE T.Grand properly implies grandeur; gorgeous, splendid colors; awful, awe; elegant, elegance; splendid, splendor; lovely, surpassing loveliness; magnificent, magnificence. We talk, sometimes, with people whose conversation would lead you to suppose that they had lived in a museum, where all the objects were monsters and extremes.... They

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use the superlative of grammar: most perfect, most exquisite, most horrible. Like the French, they are enchanted, they are desolate, because you have got or have not got a shoestring or a wafer you happen to wantnot perceiving that superlatives are diminutives and weaken.... All this comes of poverty. We are unskilful definers. From want of skill to convey quality, we hope to move admiration by quantity. Language should aim to describe the fact.... Tis very wearisome, this straining talk, these experiences all exquisite, intense, and tremendous. 145) MISUSED PREPOSITIO S.--A writer, in choosing the proper preposition to express his meaning, must rely chiefly on his sense of idiom, that is, his knowledge of English usage. 146) AMO G, BETWEE .Among is the proper word when the reference is to more than two persons or things, or groups of persons or things; between, when the reference is to two only. 147) AT, I .Before names of places to denote where, at is used when the place is so small as to be treated as a mere point, or when, although large, it is viewed as a mere point; in is used when it is desired to make prominent the idea within the bounds of: as, He arrived at Liverpool in the morning and remained in that city two days. Before the name of the place in which the speaker dwells, if the place is of any size, in is generally preferred to at, unless the place is so remote that it dwindles in the mental vision to a point. 148) BACK OF.Back of, though frequently heard in conversation and sometimes seen in print, is not in good use.

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149) BESIDE, BESIDES.Beside means by the side of; besides is now used only in the sense of in addition to, other than: as, Who sits beside you? Who besides us knows this? 150) BY, WITH.To introduce the agent of an action by is now commonly used; the material instrument or tool is usually introduced by with: as, Duncan was murdered by Macbeth with a dagger. 151) DIFFERE T FROM, DIFFERE T TO.Different from is preferable to different to and different than. 152) I , I TO.In implies presence inside of, or within; into implies movement to the inside of. Before a man can move in a room, he must already have moved into it. 153) I , O .Before names of streets, in implies some reference to surroundings; on is less definite, indicating location only. 154) O TO, O TO.Good use does not support either on to or onto. 155) WAIT FOR, WAIT O .To wait for means to await, as, We will wait for you at the corner. To wait on means to attend on, as, At dinner the women waited on the men. 156) VULGARISMS.--Every educated person is expected to know the correct use of the following words:-157) LIKE, AS.In good use like is never a conjunction, and therefore it cannot be used instead of as to introduce a clause. It is

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incorrect to say, Walk like I walk, but one may say, He walks like me, or He looks like his grandfather. 158) EXCEPT, WITHOUT, U LESS.Except, which was originally a past-participle, was once in good use as a conjunction; but in modern use it has been displaced as a conjunction by unless, and is now a preposition only. We may say, All went except me, but we may not say, Except you go with me, I will stay at home. Another word not in good use as a conjunction, but often heard instead of unless, is without. 159) MISUSED CO JU CTIO S.--Conjunctions are few in number and are more definite in their meanings than prepositions. Most errors in using them spring from confused thinking or hasty writing. A close reasoner and a good writer in general may be known by his pertinent use of connectives. 160) A D.And has, generally speaking, the meaning of in addition to. 161) BUT.But implies some exception, opposition, or contrast. Equivalent, or nearly equivalent, expressions are however, on the other hand, yet, nevertheless. 162) AS.As has so many meanings that it is better, when possible, to use a conjunction that covers less ground. 163) BECAUSE, FOR, SI CE.The difference between these words is chiefly a difference in emphasis. We will not go, because it is raining is the strongest way of expressing the relation of cause and effect. In Since it is raining, we will not go, the emphasis is shifted from the cause to the effect, which becomes the prominent idea. In

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We will not go, for it is raining, the reason, it is raining, is announced as itself a bit of news. Often the choice between these words is decided by the ear. 164) HOW.How properly means in what manner or to what extent. It is often misused for that to introduce an object clause. 165) OR, OR.Nor is the correlative of neither, sometimes of other negatives. Or is the correlative of either. 166) THEREFORE, SO.In the sense of for this reason, therefore is preferable to so, since so has other meanings. 167) THOUGH.Though means notwithstanding, in spite of the fact that. 168) AS IF, AS THOUGH.As if is, on the whole, preferable to as though. 169) WHE , WHILE.When means at the time that; while, during the time that, as long as. When fixes attention on a date or period; while fixes attention on the lapse of time.
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