Al P.’s Advice on Writing Correctly(grammar, spelling, etc.)

Writing is and has been one of the most important forms of communication, but when done incorrectly it can cause misinterpretation and miscommunication. It doesn’t matter if you are writing a resume for an employer or an e-mail to a co-worker, your writing should always be correct and concise. If you want to improve your writing you must start with the basics; Grammar, word choice, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling. One misspelled word or misused comma can cause a sentence or saying to have a totally different meaning. And if it’s a mistake as big as the ones below it could harm your business or chances of landing that dream job. Incorrect spelling and grammar on your resume is major turn off for potential employers.

If you would like to improve your writing and begin to write correctly here are a few things you should take into account the next time you compose a document.

· Grammar- Try to avoid run-on and incomplete sentences.

Incorrect/Fragment: Writing for the team blog.
Correction: Al is sitting at his computer writing for the team blog.

Incorrect/run-on: The five friends were half way to the concert when they realized they had forgotten the tickets at home they were only an hour from the house so they decided to turn around and go get the tickets.

Correct/(divide the run-on into multiple, independent sentences): The five friends were half way to the concert when they realized they had forgotten the tickets at home. They were only an hour from the house so they decided to turn around and go get the tickets.

· Word Choice- Make sure that your content will be understood by your readers. Try to avoid the use slang or jargon words.

Example/Incorrect(intro for job inquiry):
Hey, what’s up Mr. Smith:

Saw your ad up on your website, figured I would shoot you over an e-mail to see if the job is still available. I’ll talk to you later bro.

Peace

Correct(intro for job inquiry):
Dear Mr. Smith:

I am interested in learning more about the position advertised on your website. I believe my qualifications and job experience would make me a perfect candidate for this position.
Sincerely,
John Doe

· Punctuation- Periods should end all complete sentences. When sentence ends with parentheses the period should go on the outside. Question marks indicate interrogatives. Make sure you don’t misuse or overuse commas (Dorbin).

· Capitalization- Capitals should be used on the first letter of the first word of sentences, salutations, and closings. Capitals should also be used on letters that are part of a name(Dorbin).

Incorrect: john decided to take his dog for a walk.
Correct. John decided to take his dog for a walk.

Incorrect: vitamin e will help cover up your scar.
Correct: Vitamin E will help cover up your scar.

· Spelling- Be sure to check your spelling on all documents that you compose. One misspelled word can misrepresent what you’re trying to get across to your reader

Incorrect: The restrooms are for costumers only.
Correct: The restrooms are for customers only.

References:Dorbin, Sidney I., Christopher J. Keller and Christian R. Weisser. Technical Communication: In the Twenty-First Century. Upper Sadle,NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008.