Lynn Gaertner-Johnston, Author at BusinessWritingBlog

Business Communication

How to Write for Senior Executives

When you and I don’t work efficiently, we may waste time, money, supplies, and opportunities. But imagine the waste involved when the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and other executives at “C-level” work inefficiently. Beyond the cost of their time, executive inefficiency can rock an entire… continue reading

Punctuation

Does Humming Attract Birds? A Punctuation Problem

My friend Eric W., a great sign spotter, sent me this photo for your enjoyment. He asks, “What does it hum?” I ask you, “What is the problem with the heading below?” It’s an easy problem for a snowy Monday in Seattle–and an opportunity… continue reading

A graphic of a woman jealously looking at someone holding a gold medal with the text "Jealous or Envious?"

Vocabulary

“Envious” vs “Jealous”

Envious? Jealous? Do you use these words interchangeably? Or do you make a distinction between them? Test your understanding by filling in these blanks: I am _______________ of my neighbors’ gorgeous backyard. Rob feels _______________ when he sees Carlos talking to their new supervisor so often, especially… continue reading

A green and white background with the words nauseous vs nauseated

Grammar and Usage

Nauseous vs. Nauseated–Which Is She?

Let’s have a quick look at the commonly confused nauseous vs nauseated. My dear friend just had major surgery in another city. Texting me to let me know how she is, her husband wrote, “She’s nauseous a lot.” But is she nauseous or nauseated? What… continue reading

Grammar and Usage

Which Mistakes Do You Make on Purpose?

If you can write a catchy sentence using I when the wording really demands me, do you choose I or me? If fewer fits your meaning but less sounds breezier, do you go with the correct fewer or the rhythmic less? I wondered about these questions the other day when I read an article about REI's… continue reading

I.e. vs E.g. – Which Do You Choose?

Do you use the abbreviations i.e. and e.g. in your business writing? Do you use them interchangeably, or does each expression have its place? How would you define them if a child asked you what they meant? To think about how to use e.g. and i.e., choose the correct abbreviation in these examples:… continue reading

Grammar and Usage

Amount ≠ Quantity: A Cautionary Tale

The other day my fitness coach went online to pay a $250 deposit on her daughter's high school trip. She found the website and the correct trip, clicked the link to pay $250, and then faced a cell marked Amount. In a hurry, she typed… continue reading

Etiquette

How to Write When You Can’t Change Things

I led a class for a group of writers who respond to citizen complaints about airplane noise. The writers cannot make the planes quieter, and they can’t make them go away. What can they do? They can respond in ways that help citizens feel heard… continue reading

Grammar and Usage

Timber! (or Timbre?)

I just finished reading another excellent mystery by Louise Penny: The Beautiful Mystery. Penny’s series of Inspector Gamache mysteries, which take place in Québec, gets better and better with each volume. I’m always looking forward to the next one. This time I read a library book. To my… continue reading

Grammar and Usage

Everything You Need to Know About Passive Verbs

Awhile back, I taught a friend all about passive verbs. I thought she understood. But her thank-you email said, “Much appreciated!” I hope she was teasing me. How about you? Do you understand the difference between passive and active verbs and know when to use… continue reading

Author Archives: Lynn Gaertner-Johnston