Business Writing: Commonly Misused Words By Nicole Dean At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

We use writing every day in business. Does your writing make you look more professional or less professional?

There are some words that are commonly used interchangeably, when in fact they have different meanings. Here are a few of the words that are frequently used incorrectly.

You're and Your:

The word "you're" is a contraction for "you are".
Correct: You’re a good friend. (you are)

The word "your" is used to imply possession or ownership.
Correct: Is this yours? (possession)
Correct: I like your new car.

Sale and Sell:

The word "sale" and "sell" are not interchangeable. Sell is a verb, used to show what the noun (person, place, or thing) in the sentence is doing. “I am going to sell this.”

Sale is most commonly used as a noun, such as in the sentence "There is a big sale at the mall."

Correct use of both words: “I am going to sell this shirt at a garage sale.”

Too and Two:
The word “two” is the number 2.
Correct: There are two flowers in that vase.

The word “too” usually means “also”.
Correct: I would like to swim, too. (I would like to swim, also.)

Prefixes Such As "Un", "In", and "Non":

Each word has only one correct prefix.

Correct: Unpleasant
Incorrect: Impleasant, nonpleasant

Correct: Irreversible
Incorrect: Inreversible, nonreversible, unreversible

A Lot and Alot:

The words "a lot" are correct. "Alot" is incorrect and there is never an occasion in which it should be used.

Good and Well:

Good is an adjective. Adjectives are used to describe nouns.
Correct: You are a good dog.

Well is an adverb. An adverb is used to describe a verb.
Correct: You are behaving well.

You wouldn’t wear a dirty shirt to a business meeting, so don’t let your writing make you look bad, either.

Published At: Isnare Free Articles Directory http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=86696&ca=Writing

Important Notice DISCLAIMER: All information, content, and data in this article are sole opinions and/or findings of the individual user or organization that registered and submitted this article at Isnare.com without any fee. The article is strictly for educational or entertainment purposes only and should not be used in any way, implemented or applied without consultation from a professional. We at Isnare.com do not, in anyway, contribute or include our own findings, facts and opinions in any articles presented in this site. Publishing this article does not constitute Isnare.com's support or sponsorship for this article. Isnare.com is an article publishing service. Please read our Terms of Service for more information.