Category Archive: Business Writing

May 09

Its or It’s

Categories:

Academic Writing, Business Writing, English Language Usage, Grammar

May 9, 2013

I posted this a while ago but I felt like it needed to be posted again as I still see so many people making this error.

So, these two terms are relatively simple to use. Proper placement is EVERYTHING here.

Of course, the definition is most important. To define each of these equally confusing terms, let’s turn to Webster.

“Its” is an adjective. The term ‘its’ is used to explain something relating to itself. Here is an example of ‘its’ being used properly. “The dog placed its final paw print into the flower bed.”

Now, the term ‘it’s’ is a conjunction, you all remember School House Rock: Conjunction Junction (sings) “what’s your function.” Sure you do, but if you’re in denial, a conjunction is the act of combining, in this case words.

“It’s” is a contraction for ”It is” and/or “it has”. For example, “it’s a shame she didn’t think to eat before the wedding, look at that stain!”

Possession is nine tenths of the law.

“It Matters How You Say It!”

If you need writing or editing assistance with the very confusing English language rules, contact the professionals at Writing It Right For You. We’re here to help because “It Matters How You Say It”!

Permanent link to this article: http://writingitrightforyou.com/home/2013/05/09/its-or-its/

May 09

Etymology: Camouflage

Categories:

Academic Writing, Business Writing, Education, English Language Usage, Grammar, Usage

May 9, 2013

etymology: the study of word origins

Use of the word camouflage originated in Paris in the late 19th century. It is a combination of the Italian word camuffare, which means “to disguise”, and the French word camouflet, which means “a puff of smoke”. Back in ol’ Par-ee in the 1870s, thieves would put an attractive woman in a crowd and have her blow smoke in the face of the target of the thieves in order to distract him. “Blowing smoke” (another slang term) was thought to be sexually suggestive and distracting enough to allow the thieves to snatch the wallet of their victim.

In World War I, the British came up with disguises for their soldiers and equipment to hide them from those new-fangled aeroplanes, did the word camouflage come into common military use.

Around the same time, the U.S. and British navies painted bold stripes on their ships to make it difficult to ascertain in which direction the ships were traveling; the practice was called “disruptive camouflage”.

The professional wordsmiths at Writing It Right For You are ready to help you with writing or editing project. Contact us!

Permanent link to this article: http://writingitrightforyou.com/home/2013/05/09/etymology-camouflage/

Mar 25

Figuratively, literally!

Categories:

Academic Writing, Business Writing, English Language Usage, Grammar, Usage

March 25, 2013

“Literally” literally means exactly and according to the strictest sense of the word. “Figuratively” literally means as a figure of speech or in a descriptive yet metaphorically sense of the word. When you use the word “literally”, you are giving an exact description: if someone is literally six feet tall, the person is not 5’11″ or 6’1″. If what happened to you today at work “killed you”, but you’re still alive, then the work “figuratively” killed you.

Sometimes, in informal speech and writing, people use the adjective literally when they literally mean figuratively, but for formal academic and business writing and speaking, you should say what you mean and mean what you say.

Here at Writing It Right For You, we literally know that “It Matters How You Say It!” When you’re ready communicate effectively, contact us!

Permanent link to this article: http://writingitrightforyou.com/home/2013/03/25/figuratively-literally/

Mar 19

Etymology: monologue or soliloquy?

Categories:

Academic Writing, Business Writing, Education, English Language Usage, News and Views

March 19, 2013

Etymology: the study of word origins.

monologue is of Greek origin and soliloquy is of Latin origin, both words are defined as “single speech”. Today, a monologue is considered to be a speech given by one person in the company of others, while a soliloquy is given by a person who forgets or doesn’t realize that others are around. Stand-up comedians give monologues, for example; Hamlet’s “To Be or Not To Be” speech is a soliloquy.

If you need to give a single speech–be it a monologue or a soliloquy or a business or academic presentation–contact the professionals at Writing It Right For You. We are ready to help you to make it your best speech ever.

Permanent link to this article: http://writingitrightforyou.com/home/2013/03/19/etymology-monologue-or-soliloquy/

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Etymology: “awkward”

Etymology means “the study of word origins”.

“Awk” is an obsolete word meaning “turning the wrong way”. “Awkward” originally meant “in an awk direction”, just like forward means in a front (fore) direction and backward means in a back direction.

If the professionals at Writing It Right For You can help you to navigate awkward communications, fill out the “Contact Us” form, and we’ll be glad to be of assistance to you and your project!