Gems of Language Archives

title graphic stating "email or emails: is 'email' plural or singular?"

Email, Emails–Singular or Plural?

Email is? Email are? Emails are? In yesterday’s writing class, attendees argued about whether the word email is singular or plural and how to use it. One day no doubt all style manuals will jump in to provide an opinion, but now only the Microsoft… continue reading

Plain English in Oregon

Today the state of Oregon’s lawmakers are discussing a bill that would mandate plain English in official state communications. If they pass a bill requiring plain English, Oregon will join the U.S. federal government and Florida and Washington state governments in outlawing obfuscation. Oops–I mean… continue reading

“Timely” or “On Time”?

I recently led a Better Business Writing class for a corporate tax department. It was a highly educated group–people with MBAs, master’s degrees in taxation, and other impressive credentials. I am happy to say that they were educated and sophisticated enough to realize that improving… continue reading

Want Some Fun? Why Not Diagram a Sentence?

Updating the links in my Writing Resources, I visited an old favorite site and experienced the nostalgia of diagramming sentences. The site is Guide to Grammar and Writing, sponsored by Capital Community College. Use this link for its useful, free PowerPoint presentations, including one on… continue reading

Business Cards & Principals

At this time of year, many people decide to move forward on plans to start their own business. As a first step in making their dream a reality, they design their business card. If you are in that exciting phase, please read this caution: You… continue reading

“Through-Put Maximization” or Grains of Rice?

Congratulations to science writer Paul Haase. He just won $1,000 for explaining "through-put maximization" in plain language using grains of rice. According to today’s Seattle Times, Haase won the money in a challenge sponsored by Doug MacDonald, secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation.… continue reading

Do Something Different!

Today in a business writing class, I worked with nine people in sales in a successful global firm. When I showed them a slide with 24 acronyms and abbreviations they use in their writing, they admitted that they could not define or recognize all of… continue reading

Look Out Below!

Today as I was reading samples of writing for two upcoming classes, I noticed that two people from two different companies had used the word below incorrectly. Based on this experience, I decided to provide the lowdown (the truth) on below. Here are the problem… continue reading

When Errors Cost Money

My husband recently received a notice from one of our credit card companies. It began like this: You recently received a notification that your credit line was increased on your Our Company credit card. Because of a system error, your notice stated that your credit… continue reading

Can vs. May–Not So Simple!

The correct places to use the words can and may are not as easily determined as we often imagine. I was reminded of the subtleties in my seminar with the Association of Legal Administrators last week, when an attendee questioned two of my uses. (Thanks,… continue reading