Archive: Editing
Structure Sentences for Variety and Emphasis
We are familiar with the subject-verb-object sentence structure, but a series of consecutive sentences constructed that way is boring to read. Add a little variety to make the writing more lively and more emphatic. Part of what distinguishes good writing is that...Where Clear Writing Comes From: Words, Sentence Structure, Punctuation
Clarity is always the preeminent concern when writing, and the most important factors that determine a clear sentence are word choice, sentence structure, and punctuation. People often associate clarity with sentence length, but a 55-word sentence can be immediately...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...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
Accomplishments or Potential to Achieve: Which is More Persuasive?
If you want to persuade your superior to promote you over someone else, you could emphasize what you have accomplished, …