Lynn Gaertner-Johnston, Author at BusinessWritingBlog

article title graphic stating "writing to jus. and srs." with a graphic of a father and son

Etiquette

Writing to Jrs. and Srs.

In the mailbag, the topic of salutations in letters comes up at least a few times a week. Recently Chris wrote to ask a question I had not heard before: If a person’s full name ends in Jr. or Sr., should I format it as… continue reading

Capitalization

Capitalizing Thanksgiving Day

Around individual holidays celebrated in the U.S., people often wonder about day. Specifically, should day be capitalized? Answer: Yes, day is capitalized. For example: Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day St. Patrick’s Day Kamehameha Day Columbus Day Election Day Presidents’ Day Father’s Day Veterans Day Martin Luther… continue reading

Punctuation

A Tip on Apostrophes

In all the classes on grammar and punctuation I teach, the punctuation mark that causes the most confusion is the apostrophe. It’s the little mark used to show possession: one employee’s house two employees’ cars I have already written Apostrophe Help Please! and More Apostrophe… continue reading

article title graphic stating "say 'thank you' to your customers"

Etiquette

Saying Thank You to Customers

Do you look for opportunities to thank your customers? If you have U.S. customers, November 24, Thanksgiving Day, is one of those occasions. Since it is a national holiday not allied with a particular group or religion, Thanksgiving is an excellent time to remember customers… continue reading

Punctuation

More Apostrophe Help!

Paula, an executive assistant, wrote to ask me to continue the discussion of apostrophes. She wants to know why boss’s has an apostrophe and an s but Chris’ has only an apostrophe. The truth is that Chris takes just an apostrophe only if you follow… continue reading

Mice? Meese? Mouses?

Maggie wrote to ask about the plural of mouse when the word refers to the electronic object we cup in our right or left hand. As a librarian, she needs to report regularly on the number of mice or mouses she has sent for repair.… continue reading

Punctuation

Apostrophe Help Please!

I just received an email from Heather, who is desperate to understand correct apostrophe use for possessives. Relax, Heather. It isn’t as tricky as it seems. We can cover the basics in just four simple rules. 1. Generally, we do not use apostrophes to make… continue reading

Punctuation

Using the Slash/Diagonal

Rita sent a great question today. She wanted to know the correct way to make combined titles plural when using a slash. Is it singer/producers? Or singers/producers? Singer/songwriters? Or singers/songwriters? The answer is this: Make it plural just once–not twice. These are correct: Singer/songwriters: Both singer/songwriters… continue reading

dear friends and coworkers how to express gratitude

Etiquette

Thanking a Group for Condolences

A reader wrote to ask for help on writing a thank you to her coworkers, who were extremely supportive when her son died tragically in an accident. I am very sorry for her and her family’s terrible loss, and I know that writing such a… continue reading

Etiquette

When Doctors Marry

Lately I have been getting email with questions about addressing married doctors: What is the proper way to address a letter to a husband and wife who are both doctors? If a married doctor couple has the same last name, what goes on the envelope?… continue reading

Author Archives: Lynn Gaertner-Johnston