James Smith, Author at BusinessWritingBlog

A picture of a squirrel with a nut and the expression "even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while"

Common Expressions

What Does The Expression “Even a Blind Squirrel Finds a Nut Once in a While” Mean?

An idiom is an expression that has an understood meaning utterly different from what the words say. “Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while” implies that a person experienced success due to luck more than skill, often because a person often… continue reading

A green graphic with the words verb adverb and verb to signify the question of whether the adverb goes before or after the verb

Grammar and Usage

Adverb Placement – Before or After the Verb?

Let’s talk adverb placement. Does the adverb go before or after the verb? Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Keep adverbs as close to their modifiers as possible. Placing adverbs in different locations can change the sentence meaning. Adverbs are one of the eight… continue reading

A medieval torture device with the words "racking your brain"

Common Expressions

(W)racking Your Brain on Whether It’s “Wracking” or “Racking” Your Brain

“Wrack” comes from a form of “wreck” and has meanings relating to ruin or destruction. “Rack” has several meaning varieties, one of which references the torture device that stretches out people on a wooden frame. The correct spelling of the phrase is “racking your brain.”… continue reading

A question mark with the words Satisfied, Unsatisfied, Dissatisfied

The Satisfactory Usage of Unsatisfied and Dissatisfied

“Satisfied” means that a person is content, happy, fulfilled, or that their needs are unmet. “Unsatisfied” means just the opposite – something is missing or unfulfilled relating to a person or object. “Dissatisfied” is used in specific situations where a person is disappointed with a… continue reading

Grammar and Usage

So, Can You Start a Sentence with So?

“So” can function as different parts of speech, most commonly an adverb or coordinating conjunction. When speaking, using “so” in casual conversation is generally accepted. However, in writing, “so” should not start sentences unless used in dialogue. Throughout conversation and writing, the word “so”… continue reading

Graphic showing a woman yawning with the words 'Disinterested or Uninterested'

Similar Words

Is the Difference Between Disinterested and Uninterested Interesting to You?

“Disinterested” means that while interest in the subject is a possibility, currently, there is none. When someone has no interest in the subject matter at all, they are “uninterested.” Often, you will see two words used interchangeably within text or speech: disinterested and uninterested. While… continue reading

A picture of an embarrassed woman with the words 'Dangling Participle'

Grammar and Usage

I Know This is Embarrassing, but Your Participle is Dangling

Let’s discuss the dangling participle, shall we?… While improper modifier usage can sometimes be amusing, these mistakes are a moderately serious grammar transgression as they can confuse the reader. No worries – we won’t leave you dangling. Read on to learn what is involved in… continue reading

Graphic of a line of people waiting with the words cue vs. queue

The Queue Vs. Cue Conundrum

Let’s discuss Cue vs. Queue… A cue is anything that serves as a trigger for a specific action. Cue the Meaning of “Queue” While it may look intimidating as one of the relatively uncommon “Q” words followed by an unusual construction of repeated “ue”… continue reading

Graphic showing an old parchment with a pen, a stamp and the words "faithfully yours"

Etiquette

Yours Faithfully, Should I Use It?

When finishing an email or snail-mail letter, the closing provides various opportunities. Should you use “Sincerely” or the two-word variant “Sincerely yours?” What about “Yours truly,” where does that feature? Maybe a simple “Thank you” will be sufficient or should you should express your “Warmest… continue reading

a graphic with scattered pieces of papers with various prepositions, along with the words "Object of a Preposition"

Grammar and Usage

Pinpointing the Object of a Preposition

Prepositions themselves can cause hair-pulling frustrating for some people – factoring in identifying that preposition’s object makes baldness a real risk. Fortunately, with a bit of instruction and a few handy tips, your hair will be safe, and you can identify this part of speech… continue reading