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Mastering Intercultural Communication in Business Writing

Mastering Intercultural Communication in Business Writing

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, May 15, 2025
All writing is culturally influenced. This is true of literature as well as business writing, where the consequences are potentially expensive. Let’s take a look at the specifics of intercultural communication in business.
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How to Write an Executive Summary: Step-by-Step Guide (+ Templates)

Posted by Mary Cullen, Mar 26, 2025
In business writing, clarity and efficiency are everything—and that’s exactly where an executive summary comes in. Whether ...

SOP vs. Work Instructions: Understanding Key Differences

Posted by Mary Cullen, Mar 03, 2025
In any organization, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions play crucial roles in maintaining ...

The Dangers of Using AI for Business Writing (and How to Use It Well)

Posted by Elisabeth O'Quinn, Feb 13, 2025
I lead many virtual and in-person business writing trainings. Unsurprisingly, AI has become a hot topic during these ...

How to Become a Medical Writer in 7 Easy Steps

Posted by Mary Cullen, Nov 20, 2024
Are you passionate about science and skilled at communication? A career in medical writing might be your perfect fit! If ...

20+ Business Writing Examples to Enhance Your Writing Skills

Posted by Mary Cullen, Nov 15, 2024
Effective professional communication is the backbone of business success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to attract ...

Technical Writer Salary Guide: Average Earnings & Growth

Posted by Mary Cullen, Nov 07, 2024
Technical writers play a vital role in information-driven industries. Whether it's creating user manuals, product ...

How to Introduce Yourself in an Email With Examples

Posted by Mary Cullen, Nov 06, 2024
How to write an email to introduce yourself is a critical communication skill. A strong first impression in professional ...

7 Business Writing Tips to Improve Corporate Writing Skills

Posted by Mary Cullen, Oct 17, 2024
One of the most important aspects of communication in business is strong writing. Whether drafting an email, crafting a ...

Correct Sentence Structure for Business Writing

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Aug 14, 2024
We've reviewed literally thousands of client writing exercises in our business writing courses. The most common grammar ...

How to Write a Software Specifications Document (SSD)

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jul 19, 2024
A well-written Software Specifications Document (SSD) is the cornerstone of successful software development. It serves as a ...

The Unsung Heroes of Safety: The Importance of User Manuals

Posted by Elisabeth O'Quinn, May 23, 2024
In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, user manuals are the unsung heroes that guide us through the complexities of ...

Essential Operational Management Skills

Posted by Grace Cuddy, May 22, 2024
In any organization, operational managers are crucial for success. To be a strong operations manager, you need a unique ...

Professional Writing for Real Estate: Best Practices and Tips

Posted by Grace Cuddy, May 09, 2024
A strong writing presence is essential for success in the real estate industry. Business writing helps you establish ...

Communication Skills for Excellent Managers

Posted by Grace Cuddy, Apr 22, 2024
Good communication is the lifeblood of any successful team, and for managers, it is the essential skill that underpins all ...

What Does a Financial Writer Do?

Posted by Mary Cullen, Mar 20, 2024
The financial services industry is a vast expanse of numbers, markets, and money, with a shared language. Within this ...

What Is an Environmental Policy?

Posted by Mary Cullen, Feb 27, 2024
Environmental policy refers to the principles and actions governments, organizations, and individuals adopt to address ...

What Does a Government Proposal Writer Do?

Posted by Mary Cullen, Feb 20, 2024
Government proposal writing is an important skill for companies vying for government contracts. As a professional proposal ...

How to Write a Government Proposal

Posted by Mary Cullen, Feb 19, 2024
What Is a Government Proposal? A government proposal is a written document submitted by a private company to win a contract ...

What Is the Purpose of a Policy Summary?

Posted by Elisabeth O'Quinn, Feb 16, 2024
Have you ever heard of the “hit by the bus” rule?

What is Plain Language?

Posted by Mary Cullen, Dec 20, 2023
Plain language is a crucial part of excellent business writing. Plain language eliminates confusion and focuses on making ...

6 Steps for Writing an SOP

Posted by Elisabeth O'Quinn, Nov 15, 2023
Step instructions or standard operating procedures are vital for consistent and safe operations -- but they are not always ...

How To Write a User Manual

Posted by Kara Latz, Sep 19, 2023
Whether you are compiling a user manual (also known as instruction manuals) for a service or product, be it a system, tool, ...

Guide to Selecting Credible Sources for Business Writing

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jul 27, 2023
In a world inundated with information at our fingertips, the need for discernment and critical thinking in writing has ...

Why Critical Thinking in Writing Matters for Professionals

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jun 16, 2023
Critical thinking involves reflective and independent thinking. It utilizes reasoning skills to learn rather than relying on ...

How To Write a Technical Specifications Document

Posted by Kara Latz, May 16, 2023
Specifications documents are comprehensive documents that should contain all the necessary information to enable developers, ...

Tips on using ChatGPT for Business Writing [With Examples]

Posted by Mary Cullen, Apr 24, 2023
AI output is only as good as the questions (and follow-up questions) that are inputted. Crafting clear and specific prompts ...

How to Write a Statement of Work

Posted by Kara Latz, Mar 30, 2023
It doesn’t matter whether you are in the tech realm or another industry, a statement of work, commonly referred to as an ...

40 Top Business English Idioms (and those you should avoid)

Posted by Elisabeth O'Quinn, Mar 28, 2023
Business English Idioms, like all idioms, can be tricky to understand and use correctly. Before looking at Business English ...

12 Business English Vocabulary Words and Phrases to Know

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Mar 20, 2023
Business English relies on clear, direct, and simple language to effectively and efficiently communicate complex and ...

ChatGPT Risks in Business Writing

Posted by Mary Cullen, Feb 27, 2023
ChatGPT is a natural language processing tool driven by AI technology. The language model can answer questions, write code, ...

How to Improve Your Business English Writing Skills

Posted by Elisabeth O'Quinn, Feb 13, 2023
The advice to improve your business English writing skills is no different for a native speaker versus a non-native. But the ...

How to Write an Operations Manual [+ Template]

Posted by Elisabeth O'Quinn, Dec 07, 2022
You've been tasked with writing an operations manual for your organization. An operations manual ensures that work tasks, ...

How to Improve Your Procedure Writing

Posted by Elisabeth O'Quinn, Nov 29, 2022
Procedures are necessary documents to ensure that policies are followed and that organizational tasks run smoothly. As a ...

19 Common Business English Abbreviations to Know

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Nov 09, 2022
There are SO MANY business English abbreviations, or acronyms, out there. No one can know them all, and I’ve often had to ...

How to Write an Effective Policies and Procedures Manual

Posted by Elisabeth O'Quinn, Oct 29, 2022
Policies tell readers what to do and why it's done. Procedures tell readers how to do it. Together, they define an ...

11 Grammar Exercises for Business English

Posted by Grace Cuddy, Aug 24, 2022
Correct, clean grammar in the English language is crucial for strong business writing. Major grammatical errors can confuse ...

Guide to Strong Policy Writing

Posted by Elisabeth O'Quinn, Aug 04, 2022
So, you've been tasked with writing a policy for your company. Policy writing can sometimes feel unnecessary, outlining ...

How to Use the Word Read Aloud Tool for Editing

Posted by Bailey Lang, Aug 02, 2022
If you use Microsoft Word for drafting entire documents, you might have been overlooking a useful tool—the Read Aloud ...

English Grammar 101 for Business Writing

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Jul 05, 2022
English grammar for business writing is actually a bit easier than grammar for other types of writing. Business writing in ...

What Computer Science Teams Should Know About Technical Writing

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Jun 28, 2022
Technical writing is a broad and varied category used by many different fields and teams, including computer science teams. ...

How to Write in Business English in 4 Steps

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Jun 28, 2022
Learning how to write in Business English may seem daunting at first, but it’s probably one of the easier types of English ...

5 Steps to Write a Technical Proposal

Posted by Elisabeth O'Quinn, Jun 21, 2022
Writing a technical proposal can feel like a daunting task. Questions fill your head.

7 Examples of Technical Writing Style Guides

Posted by Elisabeth O'Quinn, Jun 17, 2022
A strong technical writingstyle is informative, clear, and concise. It guides the reader through a complex topic so they ...

How To Improve Your Technical Writing

Posted by Grace Cuddy, Jun 08, 2022
Technical writing is very different from other writing rhetoric. Every writing style has its own demands and requires its ...

What is the Purpose of Technical Writing?

Posted by Kara Latz, May 24, 2022
In order to understand the purpose behind technical writing, go back in time and reflect on the teachings of your high ...

10 Types of Technical Writing [with Strong Examples]

Posted by Elisabeth O'Quinn, May 19, 2022
A technical writer is often tasked with writing types of documents that may include project documentation, general business ...

Business Letter Format

Posted by Mary Cullen, May 18, 2022
A business letter is typically a document you send to a reader outside of your organization. A memo is used internally in ...

How to Write Effective Technical Documentation

Posted by Kara Latz, May 04, 2022
Success in technical writing is based on your readers' comprehension of your output. The same holds true for an instruction ...

How to Choose the Best Technical Writing Course

Posted by Grace Cuddy, Apr 20, 2022
You’ve decided to search for a course to help boost your technical writing expertise—congratulations! Although an exciting ...

How to Achieve Grammatical Correctness in Technical Writing

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Apr 19, 2022
Accuracy is the most important trait of all business writing, but it is absolutely critical to technical writing. Any ...

10 Bad Technical Writing Examples

Posted by Kara Latz, Apr 15, 2022
Who said that you can’t have fun with technical writing? Some may be under the pretense that technical writers are ...

Definition of a Technical Writing Process

Posted by Kara Latz, Apr 12, 2022
We all have different approaches to our writing. Some of us do the crux of our writing in one fell swoop, dedicating long, ...

5 Technical Writing Skills Teams Need to Hone

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Mar 30, 2022
Technical writing, like business writing, is a broad category with a lot of nuances. Technical writing, obviously, transmits ...

How is Technical Writing Used Today?

Posted by Kara Latz, Mar 24, 2022
Most of us are technical writers. People don’t realize that every one of us is a technical writer in our own right. We may ...

What are the First Steps in Creating a Business Document?

Posted by Haley Larsen, Feb 16, 2022
When it comes to any writing project, the hardest part is usually getting started. So what are the first steps you take when ...

What is a Comma Splice and How Do I Fix It?

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Feb 15, 2022
A comma splice is the most common way to form a run-on sentence. It happens when you combine two complete sentences with a ...

How to Format Your Business Document

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Feb 14, 2022
You are ready to craft your document. You’ve taken the time to connect the content to the needs of your audience, and you ...

Business Communication Skills You Need to Succeed

Posted by Elisabeth O'Quinn, Feb 10, 2022
The potential list is exhaustive when it comes to determining the right business communication skills to hone. Here are just ...

3 Steps to Succeed at Business Letter Writing

Posted by Haley Larsen, Jan 26, 2022
Better business letter-writing skills are necessary for the 21st century. They’re the go-to form of communication when ...

When Should Passive Voice Be Used In Business Writing?

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Jan 25, 2022
Business writing leans heavily on the active voice because it is shorter, clearer, and easier to understand. Business ...

How to Deliver Bad News in Business Writing

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jan 24, 2022
Inevitably, we all have to deliver bad news in business writing. A large global healthcare company CEO sent a memo to his ...

Is Business Writing the Same as Technical Writing?

Posted by Tom DuPuis, Jan 22, 2022
No matter your job, you need to be able to write. Whether it’s quarterly financial reports or daily safety records, writing ...

How to Write a Business Report with Skill and Ease

Posted by Grace Cuddy, Jan 20, 2022
Writing a business report can be a daunting task, no matter how comfortable you are as a writer. They are often longer, more ...

What is the Purpose of Improving Your Business Writing?

Posted by Haley Larsen, Jan 20, 2022
What is the purpose of improving your business writing? Improving business writing enhances communication, professionalism, ...

How the Right Training Can Make You a Better Business Writer

Posted by Mary Cullen, Dec 20, 2021
So much of our daily work is repetitive. While the challenges and goals we face at work certainly evolve over time, the way ...

4 Types of Business Writing Styles

Posted by Tom DuPuis, Dec 12, 2021
The world of business writing can seem vast. Each office seems to have variations of documents, each with its personalized ...

What is Business Writing?

Posted by Mary Cullen, Dec 10, 2021
Business writing refers to the formal communication style used in professional settings to write documents such as reports, ...

10 Best Proposal Examples

Posted by Mary Cullen, Oct 08, 2021
Earning more business starts most often with an effective proposal. Preparing a winning proposal means writing for the ...

How to Write a Business Email

Posted by Mary Cullen, Oct 07, 2021
Business emails are a pillar of modern communication. On any given day, the average office worker receives over 80 emails.

How Many Spaces Should Be After a Period?

Posted by Mary Cullen, Oct 06, 2021
Here is a client question received today, which I often hear in business writing courses:

How to Stretch Your Business Writing Training Budget

Posted by Mary Cullen, Sep 16, 2021
Let’s face it: most employees do not care about free beer in the work fridge or a ping-pong table at the office. New ...

How to Write a One-Page Proposal

Posted by Mary Cullen, Sep 07, 2021
Proposals are an essential tool for winning new business. Writing a persuasive pitch summarizes the value of your offering, ...

Business Writing Training Delivery Options: What's Best for Your Team?

Posted by Mary Cullen, Sep 07, 2021
To truly develop stronger writing skills, your team needs more than a one-size-fits-all approach. That's why we offer ...

Bonsai Proposal Software Review

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 29, 2021
Bonsai offers freelancers a suite of small business products, which includes a proposal creation tool. The proposal ...

Better Proposals Review

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 29, 2021
Better Proposals lays out their pitch in the name: their focus is on improving your proposals. The emphasis on bid ...

PandaDoc Review

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 29, 2021
PandaDoc is an online proposal management tool that is a leader in the category. The sleek, effective platform that can cut ...

Proposify Full Software Review

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 29, 2021
Proposal creation is a critical process for any business. The once lengthy, paper-based process has been revitalized in ...

Error Hunt - Business Grammar and Usage

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 27, 2021
Quiz yourself on your business grammar and word use skills.

Bidsketch Proposal Software Review

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 27, 2021
Bidsketch offers the core elements of a useful proposal development software, including automation, templates, and basic ...

Nusii Proposal Software Review

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 25, 2021
Nusii's main advantage is the ability to help you automate proposals. The Nusii platform offers a user-friendly interface ...

Fiverr Workspace Proposal Software Review

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 25, 2021
Fiverr Workspace is a freelancer management software that includes a proposal creation tool. This software can produce sleek ...

Should You Put A Question in the Subject Line of an Email?

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Aug 24, 2021
Should you put a question in the subject line of an email? We recently received this comment from a course participant: “I ...

Effective Remote Communication: How to Communicate with Your Remote Team

Posted by Samantha Taylor, Aug 24, 2021
Remote work is rising in popularity but has suddenly become the global default due to COVID-19. Many workers in the United ...

Effective Global Business Writing Skills: Avoid Complicated Grammar

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Aug 24, 2021
As with all business writing, you want to be clear and to the point. Convey your message as simply as possible and move on. ...

Qwilr Proposal Software Review

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 24, 2021
Qwilr offers a sleek platform that produces beautiful proposals that can craft a compelling story for your client. The ...

14 Common Business English Email Questions Answered

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Aug 24, 2021
Some of the most common Business English questions have to do with how to craft a well-written and grammatically correct ...

How to Create a Video Sales Letter

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 23, 2021
Send avideo sales letter to differentiate your message, catch your reader's attention, and introduce yourself more ...

Since vs. Because [Are They Interchangeable?]

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 23, 2021
The word “since” often refers to how much time has passed. "Because" directly introduces a cause or reason. According to the ...

The Lie-Lay Confusion Explained

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 23, 2021
Lay and lie are two words often interchanged mistakenly in business grammar.

There, Their, They’re

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Aug 20, 2021
There, their, and they’re are homophones. Homophones are words that sound the same, but the meanings differ. While they ...

How to Write a Sales Email [Plus Free Template]

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 18, 2021
Sales emails are incredibly common. Strong sales emails that get results are far less common.

How to Write and Format a White Paper: The Definitive Guide

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 11, 2021
You’re ready to compile and share your company’s deep knowledge of your industry. A white paper seems like the perfect ...

How to Write a Linkedin Summary [Plus 4 Examples]

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 05, 2021
This article will review the core components of a compelling LinkedIn Summary, with some of our favorite real-life examples.

17 Proofreading Techniques for Business Communication

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 05, 2021
Finally. Your document is just about complete. It’s been written, reviewed, compiled, and re-reviewed. With the final edits ...

How To Write A Business Memo + PDF Template

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jul 31, 2021
A memo is a business document that communicates information internally in an organization. This article guides you through ...

How to Enable and Use Microsoft's Readability Tool

Posted by Grace Cuddy, Jul 27, 2021
A readability score is a number that tells you how easy it will be for someone to read a particular piece of text. The ...

Technical Writing for Engineers [The Ultimate Guide & Course]

Posted by Tom DuPuis, Jul 14, 2021
Technical writing or editing in engineering is important for effectively communicating essential information. Enhancing ...

5 Tips on How to Write a Professional Email in English

Posted by Elisabeth O'Quinn, Jul 13, 2021
A good business email is more than just using the correct grammar and vocabulary (though those are vitally important!). You ...

Idioms & Phrasal Verbs in English Business Writing [Common Mistakes]

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Jul 07, 2021
Strong English business writing is much the same as strong business writing in other languages. Key elements include reader ...

Everyday vs. Every Day

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jul 01, 2021
Everyday is an adjective to describe a noun that is common, routine, or typical. Every day is an adverb that describes a ...

Edit to Awesome

Posted by Terrance Collins, Jun 23, 2021
Do you hate to write? Some of the best writers, and many of the worst, say the same. Don’t worry: Writing that gets results ...

11 Best Proposal Creation Software Tools

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jun 19, 2021
We tested nine online proposal software tools to find the best options for small businesses, freelancers, and large sales ...

127 Top Business Jargon Examples [And How to Fix Them]

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jun 16, 2021
Skilled business writing rejects business jargon. Yet, industry-specific phrases and buzzwords are very commonly used. Even ...

What is Business English? [A Simple Definition + Examples]

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Jun 16, 2021
There’s much more to learning a second (or third or fourth!) language than just vocabulary and grammar because languages are ...

How to Become a Technical Writer: A Beginner’s Guide

Posted by Tom DuPuis, May 18, 2021
Technical writing is a highly valuable skill. It is crucial for anyone working in a tech-related business, for engineers and ...

How to Write a Performance Appraisal or Review

Posted by Mary Cullen, May 12, 2021
January is often the month that performance metrics are determined for the year. Whether writing an annual review or ...

Two Days’ Time or Two Days Time? (Inanimate Possessives)

Posted by Mary Cullen, May 09, 2021
A wise client business grammar question: Two Days' Time or Two Days Time? “There was always one grammatical mix up for me, ...

Business Letter and Business Email Salutations [Updated 2023]

Posted by Mary Cullen, May 09, 2021
Dear Reader: Dear Reader, Hi Reader, Good afternoon, Reader: Hey Reader! Are you confused about shaping salutations in ...

Professional Mobile Signature For Business Email [Examples]

Posted by Mary Cullen, May 09, 2021
One of the major benefits of my executive business writing coaching work is hearing first hand what bothers executives about ...

Fewer vs. Less [How to Use Correctly]

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, May 05, 2021
You might write that you want fewer mistakes and less inefficiency in your business writing or office. But, it would be ...

How to Say No in Business Communication [Top Technique]

Posted by Mary Cullen, May 05, 2021
We often have to say no and deliver bad news in business writing. Striking the right tone can be tricky. We need to be firm ...

How to Improve Your Written Communication Skills

Posted by Mary Cullen, May 04, 2021
Writing is an everyday activity for many people. So, you’d think that written communication would come almost naturally. ...

Me, Myself, and I - Business Grammar Rules Explained

Posted by Mary Cullen, Apr 30, 2021
Me, Myself, and I errors are one of the most common business grammar errors we see in business writing training sessions. ...

Who vs. Whom

Posted by Mary Cullen, Apr 29, 2021
Choosing between “who” and “whom” can be confusing for even experienced writers. This article will outline when to use who, ...

How to Write a Business Apology Letter

Posted by Mary Cullen, Apr 03, 2021
Here is a classic P.G. Wodehouse quote that so illustrates this misplaced focus of posturing to forge relationships: “It is ...

What is Technical Writing?

Posted by Kara Latz, Apr 03, 2021
Are you looking to understand what technical writing is and how you can become more proficient?

Business Email Salutations to a Group

Posted by Mary Cullen, Apr 03, 2021
If the group you are writing a business email to is small enough — five or fewer — the very best salutation is to use ...

How to Use I.e. vs E.g. Correctly

Posted by Mary Cullen, Apr 03, 2021
One of the most common questions we receive from clients is: "Are the abbreviations i.e. and e.g. interchangeable?"

Bear With Me or Bare With Me?

Posted by Mary Cullen, Mar 29, 2021
"Bear with me" is a phrase that essentially asks for patience and is often paired with a conjunction like "as" or "while" to ...

It's vs. Its - How to Correctly Use

Posted by Mary Cullen, Mar 15, 2021
Even the most experienced writers can confuse it’s and its. If you’ve made this common mistake, you’re not alone. Only one ...

Persuasive Proposal Titles and Subtitles

Posted by Mary Cullen, Mar 01, 2021
First impressions matter. To put your best foot forward, you need to make sure your proposal has a killer cover page. Title ...

Learn Business English - The Definitive Guide

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Feb 17, 2021
Learning business English, like any language, is a process that involves dedication and many different strategies. You need ...

How to Correctly Punctuate Bullet Point Lists

Posted by Mary Cullen, Feb 15, 2021
How to punctuate bullet lists can be tricky because various style guides contradict each other. Use a period after every ...

How to Write a Thank You Email After an Interview

Posted by Mary Cullen, Feb 15, 2021
This article will help you write a thank you email after an interview that helps you get the job. After a lengthy search ...

Best Style Guides for Business Writing

Posted by Mary Cullen, Feb 13, 2021
The best style guide for your organization will depend on the type and application of your writing. In this post we share ...

How to Write a Condolence Email to Customers and Coworkers

Posted by Mary Cullen, Feb 04, 2021
Sadly, two past clients contacted me recently asking how to best phrase condolence emails to customers who have lost team ...

That vs Which? [Difference explained]

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jan 24, 2021
One of the trickier grammar rules in the English language is the difference between the words that and which. Both serve a ...

87 Advanced Business Writing Tips [That Actually Work]

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jan 22, 2021
I'm excited to share these top 87 business writing tips with you. They were honed while I studied English Literature and ...

Best Gifts for Writers

Posted by Mary Cullen, Dec 15, 2020
This year especially, I hope to give meaningful gifts to my family and other loved ones that make them happy. One benefit of ...

12 Best Business Writing Books

Posted by Mary Cullen, Dec 13, 2020
Because every business person needs to write well at work, there are hundreds of books specifically about business writing. ...

How to Use a Comma Correctly with an Appositive

Posted by Mary Cullen, Nov 09, 2020
An appositive is a word or phrase that refers to the same thing as another noun in the same sentence. It is placed beside ...

How to Use Hyphens Correctly in Business Grammar

Posted by Mary Cullen, Oct 21, 2020
Louise Julig wrote a wonderful post about hyphens in her Thoughts Happen blog. Although business writing requires correct ...

How to Present Graphics and Data in Technical Writing

Posted by Malcolm Stiefel, Oct 19, 2020
In technical business writing, the graphics and data – such as engineering drawings, numbers, tables, and process diagrams – ...

7 Capitalization Rules for Professional Business Writing

Posted by Mary Cullen, Oct 18, 2020
In business English writing, it's important to capitalize words correctly for professionalism. But when should you use ...

Is a Name Suffix Included in a Salutation?

Posted by Mary Cullen, Oct 16, 2020
Reader Question about Name Suffixes What would be the proper business email or business letter salutation for someone with a ...

Positive Language in Business Writing

Posted by Mary Cullen, Oct 07, 2020
Bestselling author and management consultant Tom Peters lauded the value of decency and grace in business communication at ...

18 of the Best Business Writing Tools [Updated 2024]

Posted by Mary Cullen, Oct 06, 2020
Business writing can be challenging! Happily, several new inexpensive or free business writing tools are available to help ...

How to Improve Your Employees' Business Writing Skills

Posted by Mary Cullen, Sep 14, 2020
Your employees' ability to write clearly and convert complex information into summarized, well-written business documents ...

HoneyBook Proposal Software Review

Posted by Mary Cullen, Sep 10, 2020
HoneyBook offers useful but basic proposals with the core automation that makes proposal management software valuable. ...

'I hope this email finds you well:' Emailing During Challenging Times

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 24, 2020
I’ve received a slew of sales emails and even some individual emails lately that open with a generic, surface-level ...

Business Email Writing: Conclusions That Work

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 24, 2020
Many strategies exist to improve your business emails. For example, write a persuasive email subject line. Use an ...

How to Write a Request for Proposal (RFP) Response

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 17, 2020
A request for proposals or RFP is a fantastic business opportunity. In the RFP process, a potential or current client ...

Using Nominalizations in Business Writing

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Aug 12, 2020
Avoiding nominalizations Nominalizations are nouns that refer to a process. In scientific writing and when writing to global ...

Professional Tone in Business Writing

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 12, 2020
“But, does it have the right tone?” You’ve likely asked yourself this question, if not your colleagues or friends. And, it’s ...

9 Technical Writing Tips Every Writer Needs to Know

Posted by Tom DuPuis, Aug 12, 2020
Technical writing takes high-level details and explains them clearly and concisely to an audience.

What is the Best Quarter Abbreviation Format? (Q1, First Quarter, IVQ, 1st qtr)

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 12, 2020
As we kick off a new year, many of us plan work and strategies across the entirety of the year ahead. Business typically ...

How to Improve Business Writing Skills

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jul 28, 2020
It can be confusing when we either realize or are told that we need to “improve our business writing skills.” “Better ...

Condolence Letter to Business Colleague for Lost Job

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jul 23, 2020
What to write when a colleague has lost a job? For any type of loss, including job loss, I recommend you err on the side of ...

8 Tools to Help You Create a Proposal [Free & Paid]

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jul 10, 2020
Looking for help with your next proposal? Preparing a proposal is an important but often daunting task. From preparation, to ...

How to Write a Winning Business Proposal

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jun 19, 2020
A strong business proposal is a top opportunity to win new business. It is the ultimate sales document, a condensed version ...

Racist Terms to Remove from Your Writing

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jun 15, 2020
This article will present common phrases with racist origins that have crept into business discourse. Likely, you are ...

The Pros and Cons of Asynchronous Communication

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jun 10, 2020
With the rise of mobile and remote work, you may have heard the term “asynchronous communication” thrown around. This type ...

How to Format a Business Proposal (With Examples)

Posted by Mary Cullen, May 23, 2020
You wrote a proposal that persuasively sells your solution to a client’s problem. Now, you need to make it look great. ...

What is the Best Proposal Length? [What the Data Says]

Posted by Mary Cullen, May 20, 2020
A great proposal can make or break a business deal. Your proposal lays out a persuasive plan regarding how you can help your ...

The Costs of Poor Business Writing [Statistics and Examples]

Posted by Mary Cullen, Apr 15, 2020
Writing is fundamental to business operations. While networking and negotiations set the foundations of corporate ...

Affect vs. Effect [What is the Difference?]

Posted by Mary Cullen, Mar 14, 2020
If you’ve confused affect and effect before, you’re not alone. This word pair is one of the most common errors in business ...

7 Subject Lines for Thank You Notes (After Interviews or Meetings)

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Feb 12, 2020
Writing a compelling subject line for a thank you email after an interview is an opportunity for you to shine, if it’s well ...

Ellipses: How to Use and Format Them and Common Errors to Avoid

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Nov 11, 2019
An ellipsis (ellipses is the plural) is the … you see all over social media. It has its place for sure, but it’s also wildly ...

10 Most Searched For Words in the Thesaurus

Posted by Mary Cullen, Oct 14, 2019
Here is a list of the top searched words in a thesaurus in the United States. Each item has the average number of searches a ...

Writing an Executive Summary that Emotes Confidence

Posted by Mary Cullen, May 16, 2019
This article illustrates a simple rhetorical strategy, to apply at the sentence level, to increase your readers’ perception ...

An Increasing Problem: Replying to Old Emails for a New Topic

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Apr 22, 2019
How many times have you received an email with an old subject line that is unrelated to the actual content of the email? The ...

Meet vs. See - Learn the difference [English Grammar Lesson]

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Apr 02, 2019
Quick answer: Use MEET for the first time you see someone or when you are seeing them because you have plans or an ...

Instructional Solutions Celebrates 20 Years: Here is What I Learned

Posted by Mary Cullen, Sep 26, 2018
I’d like to share with you why I founded Instructional Solutions 20 years ago this month and offer three tips about writing, ...

Instructional Solutions Launches Free Writing Tool to Eliminate Jargon

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jun 05, 2018
Writing a story? View the entire press kit here. Jargon grader launch Instructional Solutions, a leader in business writing ...

6 Advanced Grammar Mistakes

Posted by Mary Cullen, Mar 03, 2018
March 4th is Grammar Day and we are celebrating with a new infographic with six advanced grammar mistakes. Each year Grammar ...

Peak, Peek, and Pique. How to Use these Homophones Correctly.

Posted by Tom DuPuis, Jan 17, 2018
Homophones are words that sound the same when spoken but have different meanings and spellings.

Holiday Out-of-Office Email Tips [3 Copy and Paste Examples]

Posted by Mary Cullen, Dec 19, 2017
‘Tis the season for out-of-office emails! Yes, with all the holiday planning of feasts and gifts and decorations, there is ...

How to Use Singular They

Posted by Mary Cullen, Nov 21, 2017

What is the Difference Between Compliment and Complement?

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Sep 26, 2017
Compliment vs. Complement The confusion between these two words is so common!

How to Write a Formal Business Letter in English

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Mar 13, 2017
When you set out to write a business letter in a foreign language, there are a few steps that you should consider. But ...

How to Use Adverbs to Express Time [English Business Writing]

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Jan 23, 2017
As businesses become more international, so must our business writing. Fortunately, good business writing skills transfer ...

How to Write For a Global Audience [16 unexpected examples]

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Jan 23, 2017
As businesses become more international, so must our writing. Most of the time, good business writing skills transfer very ...

6 Tips When Writing for a Global Audience

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Jan 10, 2017
As businesses become more international, so must our writing. Fortunately, good business writing skills transfer very well ...

How to Correct Pronoun Antecedent Errors

Posted by Mary Cullen, Dec 20, 2016
This paragraph contains an error. Find and correct it: On July 28, managers presented second-quarter sales reports. Greg ...

When To Use Time Sensitive Salutations [Etiquette Mistakes]

Posted by Mary Cullen, Nov 20, 2016
Two participants in our Effective Business Writing course recently questioned why using “Good Evening” was not the best ...

Technical Report Writing Course Lessons Learned

Posted by Mary Cullen, May 16, 2016
"Risk being unliked. Tell the truth as you understand it. If you’re a writer you have a moral obligation to do this." ~ Anne ...

Business Grammar: Strengthening Preposition Use

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, May 09, 2016
Error Hunt: What is wrong with this statement? Dylan Minor, a visiting professor in Harvard Business School, and Michael ...

Formatting Dates Correctly for International Audiences

Posted by Katie Almeida Spencer, Feb 23, 2016
Various global regions abbreviate dates differently, which can be very confusing when writing to global business colleagues ...

How to Measure Employee Writing Skills

Posted by Mary Cullen, Dec 08, 2015
Of the many challenges a business faces when it comes to improving the business writing skills of its employees, the biggest ...

How to Use Pronouns Correctly

Posted by Mary Cullen, Oct 01, 2015
This statement contains a business grammar error. Find and correct it: You want a criminal attorney who spends 100% of their ...

How A Report Writing Course Can Tame Big Data

Posted by Mary Cullen, Sep 18, 2015
Once upon a time, there was a warning that Big Brother could be watching. Well, today, big data is doing its job. Big data ...

What Does Mise en Place Mean In A Business Writing Course

Posted by Tom DuPuis, Apr 23, 2015
“Mise-en-place is the religion of all good line cooks… As a cook, your station, and its condition, its state of readiness, ...

Business Writing: Short Writing Reaps Long Benefits

Posted by Mary Cullen, Mar 03, 2015
“Say all you have to say in the fewest words possible, or your reader will be sure to skip them; and in the plainest ...

Business Grammar: Using Ensure, Assure, and Insure Correctly

Posted by Mary Cullen, Dec 17, 2014
This one paragraph contains a business grammar error. Find and correct it. Most important is insuring your clients are well ...

Summarizing What Matters in Business Writing

Posted by Mary Cullen, May 27, 2014
One business writing skill separates advanced business writers from those who are merely functionally proficient. It is the ...

How to Write a Business Report with Colleagues Collaboratively

Posted by Mary Cullen, Feb 03, 2014
Do you collaboratively write reports with colleagues? Do you find it hard to keep a sense of coherence across the report and ...

How to Measure Employee Business Writing Skills

Posted by Mary Cullen, Dec 05, 2013
One of the challenges of improving business writing in an organization is actually measuring business writing skills. "Good ...

Personality vs. Professionalism in Business Writing

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jul 16, 2013
Where is the line between personality and professionalism in business writing tone? How much of our personality should ...

Techniques to Bring Clarity to Business Writing

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jul 10, 2013
Effective business writing translates complexity into clear language. This article will explain the basics of clarity as ...

#1 Business Writing Recommendation for Everything You Write at Work

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jun 27, 2013
There are two fundamental questions that you should ask yourself before you write anything in business. Actually, you should ...

Complement or Compliment?

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jun 25, 2013
This statement contains a business grammar error about using compliment or complement. Find and correct it.

How to Evaluate Writing Skills in a Performance Review

Posted by Mary Cullen, Feb 28, 2013
To accurately measure employee business writing, it is critical to link the business goals of the employee's key documents ...

What Not to Include in Your Business Email Signature

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 29, 2012
A business email signature I received today from a Human Resource manager included this somewhat inspirational quote: “Just ...

Should Contractions be Used in Business Writing?

Posted by Mary Cullen, Mar 08, 2012
A contraction is a shortened form of a word or phrase, with the omitted letters replaced with an apostrophe. For example, ...

4 Business Writing Lessons from Steve Jobs

Posted by Mary Cullen, Oct 06, 2011
Visionary Steve Jobs passed away yesterday from the same illness that took my father. I've long admired Steve Jobs' vision ...

Business Thank You Letter How To

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jun 20, 2010
When is the last time you received a special thank you as a customer? Sure, we all get those general template messages or ...

Proofreading Techniques When Time is Tight

Posted by Mary Cullen, Nov 30, 2009

Business Email: Is a Conversation Better?

Posted by Mary Cullen, Aug 26, 2009
An often overlooked technique to disentangle yourself from convoluted, unfocused, irate, or too lengthy emails is to shift ...

Is Grammar or Content More Important in Business Writing?

Posted by Mary Cullen, Jul 10, 2009
Is grammar or content more important in business writing?
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