Archive: Editing
Comma Uncertainty: When to Use it Before “Because”
People frequently are unsure whether to put a comma before “and,” but how about using a comma before such words as because, when, where, and who? Essential clause – Words that are an integral part of the main thought of a sentence form an essential clause, and...Using “they” for singular reference: It has a long precedent
Purists who rail about the decline of grammar skills often point to the use of they when people refer to singular pronouns or nouns (anyone, manager, etc.) but a little history might surprise you. There is a longstanding precedent for using they to refer to singular...Editing: Take it in Steps
When you edit, resist the temptation to make corrections as soon as you spot flaws. Instead, edit in three steps because each time you read it, you should focus on something different. This process does not apply to a two-sentence email about grabbing a beer after...Good Writing is a Product of Revising
You don’t produce terrific writing the first time you sit down to write, but many people try to, and they waste valuable time in the process. People sit for hours sometimes in front of a blank screen, trying to give birth to flawless prose. You cannot write the...One Space after a Period
You occasionally still see two spaces after a period, because people tend to do what they were taught in school. But it actually has been obsolete for more than 100 years. People began using two spaces in the late 1800s because the printing press (1450) and even the...By Ken O’Quinn
Focus on Them
Perfect Phrases for Business Letters (McGraw-Hill)
TD at Work — Business Writing for Managers
As a contributing author in this book on leadership, Ken offers insights and tips for managing difficult conversations, providing effective feedback, and being authentic. Order here.
Perfect Phrases for Business Letters (McGraw-Hill)
Provides the right words and phrases for any situation - quickly. The book was reprinted in Japanese because of high-volume sales there.
TD at Work — Business Writing for Managers
The Association for Talent Development invited Ken to write this 22-page booklet for the TD at Work series.
Current Blog Post
Persuasion: Make Your Expertise Known
If you are trying to persuade someone on a topic that you are knowledgeable about, convey your expertise up front. …