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11 / 10 / 17
How to know if you should write ‘public is’ or ‘public are’
The English language is littered with grey areas and apparent paradoxes that cause confusion. One of our readers, Richard, got in touch to ask our advice on just such a troublesome topic. Hello Emphasis What do you think of this sentence? ‘We need to balance the need for security with the ability of the public […]
24 / 08 / 17
The one phrase you should (almost) never use to start an email
Most of us write tens or even hundreds of them a week, but the question of how to start an email (or letter) can still leave us floundering. In fact, one of our readers asked us to settle an office argument on this very matter. We’re very fond of workplace debates – especially about language […]
07 / 07 / 17
How to know if you should write ‘practice’ or ‘practise’
Do you need to write practice or practise? The short answer is, it depends. Many find it tricky to know when to use one or the other. So, in order for you to be able to practise using the right one every time, let’s look at the facts. Are you American? If you’re American, or […]
20 / 06 / 17
Why you should always include ‘sent from my iPhone’ in your mobile signature
While conducting some research recently, I discovered a question in a web forum that got me thinking. In a nutshell, the question was: should you include ‘Sent from my iPhone [or Android phone etc]’ at the foot of an email if you’re composing it on a mobile device? I confess that, until a few weeks […]
19 / 06 / 17
Sunburned or sunburnt?
With the summer holidays fast approaching (hooray), there’s a question you might soon find yourself pondering. Perhaps it’ll be when you’re penning a postcard from more tropical climes. ‘Having a lovely time,’ you write. ‘Though I haven’t been able to sit down for two days, as I’ve managed to get terribly sunbur—’ Oh. Hang on. […]
04 / 08 / 16
Thanks in advance? No thank you
Look through your inbox or an online forum, and it won’t be long until you hit someone making a request and concluding with ‘thanks in advance’. But they’re probably making a big mistake. What’s more, they may have no idea about the hornets’ nest of irritation they’re poking just by using a few short words. […]