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Yearly Archives: 2012
“According to…” and “in accordance with…”
Although these phrases are often used interchangeably they have slightly different meanings, so we should be careful how we use them. “According to…” is usually used when you restate something someone told you or something you have heard or read … Continue reading
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Tagged Clear and concise writing, Commas, Useful everyday phrases
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Giving notice
There are two ways of expressing a notice period, as follows: Under Clause 4.2 one month’s notice is required in order to terminate the agreement. Under Clause 4.2 a one-month notice period is required in order to terminate the agreement. … Continue reading
Out of office messages
People often make mistakes in their automatic out of office messages. This can make a bad impression, especially if there are basic spelling or grammar mistakes – which is often the case, as such messages tend to be written at … Continue reading
The difference between “money” and “monies” (or “moneys”)
In everyday English the word “money” is uncountable. It is not used in the plural. We say, e.g. I found some money under the bed / There is some money under the bed, whether it is one 1 cent coin … Continue reading
How to use the word “consent”
In general, the word “consent” can be used in two different ways: (i) as an uncountable noun – this refers to the concept/idea of consent The management board must obtain prior written consent from the Shareholders’ Meeting in order to perform certain … Continue reading
How to use the word “consult”
The verb “consult” has three different meanings and accordingly behaves in three different ways. It is important to ensure your grammar and sentence structure match the meaning you intend. 1. “Consult” usually means “to seek advice or information”. It is … Continue reading
How to use the word “account” (part 2)
Meanings of “account” As I said in the previous post, the word “account” can mean a variety of things. Below is a list of common meanings and uses of the word. As a noun a bank account a record of … Continue reading
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Tagged Clear and concise writing, Idioms, Nouns, Useful everyday phrases
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How to use the word “account” (part 1)
The word “account” can mean a variety of things, depending on the context in which it is used. It also has many idiomatic uses. As a result, if not used with great care, the word can cause ambiguity and make … Continue reading
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Tagged Clear and concise writing, Idioms, Nouns, Useful everyday phrases
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The difference between “ton” and “tonne”
Both “ton” and “tonne” are units of weight, but a “ton” is a British and American measure, while a “tonne” is a metric measure. A “tonne” is equal to 1,000 kg. In the US it may be referred to as … Continue reading
Careful how you use the word “of” (part 3: Emails and letters)
A letter or email is always from the sender and to the receiver – never of. WRONG We would like to present our standpoint regarding the email of the Company dated 28 January 2011. RIGHT We would like to present … Continue reading
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Tagged Clear and concise writing, Prepositions, Useful everyday phrases
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Common Mistakes in Business English 