This one paragraph contains a business grammar error. Find and correct it.The partners will all be in agreement that we need to make a comparison of our vendors by next month. (20 words)
Explanation:
These are smothered verbs, and correcting them is the most effective way to create concise, active business writing. There were 6 unnecessary words in that single sentence.
Smothered verbs are action words that are buried in a group of other words. Eliminating the other words creates a clearer, more forceful sentence. Smothering phrases often begin with a form of be, give, have, make or take. The noun in the phrase often ends with -ion or -ment. Here are some examples of smothered verbs with their clearer alternatives:
- have a suspicion / suspect
- make an agreement / agree
- hold a discussion / discuss
- give instruction to / instruct
- make a choice / choose
Solution:
- The partners will agree that we need to compare our vendors by next month. (14 words)