Management Tip of the Day: Go Ahead and Break Some Grammar Rules

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile JUNE 18, 2013 Go Ahead and Break Some Grammar Rules When it comes to business writing, some people feel paralyzed by grammar. But it's important to distinguish between the rules that help writing and those that hinder it. There are some outdated "rules" that grammarians have long dismissed as ill-founded and unnecessary. For example, you may have been told in school never to begin a sentence with a conjunction. But look at how many times "and" and "but" begin sentences in high-quality prose. As sentence-starters, these words keep readers following a train of thought and are more colloquial than "additionally" or "however." It's also acceptable to end a sentence with a preposition. A sentence with a terminal preposition may sound far more natural than the same sentence forced into avoiding one. "What will the new product be used for?" sounds much better than "For what purpose will the new product be used?" Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Those Grammar Gaffes Will Get You" by Bryan A. Garner. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT The First 90 Days: Book and app HBR Press Just got promoted? Taking on a new role? Get the tools you need to succeed. The international bestseller gave you the secrets of a successful career transition. Now updated and more relevant than ever, the new edition of The First 90 Days gives you even more. Then, manage your transition with the all-new The First 90 Days app for iOS. Designed with your busy schedule in mind, the app will keep you inspired and on track with daily alerts, helpful exercises and exclusive video from author Michael Watkins. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Use Personal Stories in Your Next Presentation Make the Most of Webinars Customers Need More Than Products Be Just as Effective When You Work Remotely How to Make Time for Social Media Define the Playing Field Before Entering a New Market Brush Up on Your Grammar Communicate What You'll Accomplish in Your First 90 Days Think Positively About Stress Give a Meaningful Apology All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations Ebook + Video Case Study HBR's 10 Must Reads on Leadership HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done The First 90 Days App MAKE YOUR NEXT CAREER TRANSITION A SUCCESS. Download The First 90 Days App today to help you stay ahead of the game. » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2013 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)