Questions

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One can be a good writer, but not be able to spell correctly.

I found this to be one of the largest deterrents for conveying any situation or scene to the reader, because the student has an inability to recognize his lack of correct spelling.

Many rely on the way they have spelled everything (no matter how wrong it is), simply because that was always the way they always had spelled it. It just seems natural to them.

One can’t allow the misspelling of a word when there is the slightest feeling that it doesn’t look correct. This is being careless. When that occurs, use the dictionary to be sure, and accurate.

No publisher, should you rely on them to publish your book, will read your manuscript when they detect misspelled words. There is no situation where it is acceptable.

Today, there should be no excuse for misspelled words with computers. In fact, if it’s your real desire to misspell a word your computer will have a fit.

Don’t be afraid of words, but don’t be too snobbish with them either. It doesn’t harm anyone if you use a word of four syllables which covers a full sentence.

But, doing it continually only makes the statement that your ego is showing.

 

To be sure, many a writer is enlightened by the meaning of a new word to add to his vocabulary, but overuse will deter the reader’s interest. This is a read and not a lesson in the English language.

 



 

Contractions

 

Anyone who reads is aware of the use of contractions. There was a time in the history of writing where these were frowned upon. It was considered laziness on the part of the writer.

Today, contractions are used in all forms of writing.

Example: He can’t do it because it’s not acceptable.

 

This would have been written like this in earlier writings:

Example: He can not do it because it is not acceptable.

 

It’s (it is) (its – without an apostrophe – is the possessive form.)

 

I’m (I am).

 

I’ve (I have).

 

We’d, (we had).

 

We’ve (we have).

 

You’ve (you have).

 

You’d (you would).

 

Weren’t (were not).

 

Mustn’t (must not).

 

Can’t (can not).

 

He’d (he had).

 

Won’t (will not).

 

Wouldn’t (would not).

 

Couldn’t (could not).

 

Wasn’t (was not).

 

Weren’t (were not).

 

They’d (they had).

 

They’ve (they have).

 

Wouldn’t (would not).

 

Shouldn’t (should not).

 

She’d (she had).

 

Notice in today’s writings:

 

Should’ve = should have

 

Could’ve = could have

 

Would’ve = would have.

These are all acceptable uses in today’s writing, provided it isn’t overdone. People speak this way, therefore most readers feel right at home when they read contractions.

It’s most acceptable in dialog, although I find contractions being used in ordinary text as well. I find no fault with that. After all, we are writers of today, trying to please readers of today and contractions are legitimate.

Some writers make the mistake of using “it’s” when, in reality, they mean “its” - the possessive form where no apostrophe should be used.

Example: It’s time for the class to go home – is correct. “It’s” means “it is”.

 

This book is not in its proper place – is correct. “Its” is the possessive form.

 



 

The Possessive Form

 

Names requiring the possessive form are the nemesis of many writers. Names that end in “S” are the worst.

Example: We met Charles’s friend tonight.

 

Somehow it just seems funny but it’s correct.

 

It would attack the ear to write something like: “Moseses, Laws” whereas changing it to: “Moses’ Laws” would work.

 

Most names ending in “S” should be made possessive by adding the apostrophe and another “S”. Other names ending in “S” need to add “es”.

 

But, when it becomes a struggle to pronounce it, use the apostrophe only.

Examples:

 

That’s Myers’ umbrella.

 

The Joneses house is beautiful

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- Elizabeth St Denny Mfa

Although many people tend to take it for granted, you should know that English is a language that can bring you a number of advantages. One of the reasons that this language is so taken for granted lies in the fact that so many people understand it. While other languages may be appealing to some people, this is sometimes because they tend to be elitist -their values are in the fact that few people speak certain languages. English, however, is a language spoken and understood all over the world.

What are the advantages of this? Well, for one thing, English is a language that can empower you to communicate all over the world. If you are looking for a job in the international field, then English is definitely a requirement. You may ask “why?” and “couldn’t I just hire an interpreter?” but what you must understand is that without knowing the language yourself, communication can be rudimentary at best. A great deal of meaning is often lost in translations, and certain subtleties in word usage can also be lost. If you know English yourself, then you will be able to hold conversations in the language and fully understand it.

Another reason that you should know English is in order to appreciate literature. People who know English can a better appreciate poetry and prose written in that language. Why? Well, as mentioned before, a great deal of meaning can be lost in translation. This is especially so if you are talking about word play. It is often the case that riddles, jokes and poetry rely on word play in order to make sense. Translations are just no good for this sort of thing.

Another advantage that you will gain if you know English is the power to gather and exchange information through the Internet. When you take a look online, you will realize that people who understand the English language have a huge advantage in using the Internet and actually getting information from the different Web sites. We are not simply referring to the usual email and chatting here, although those activities also require English in order to be fully enjoyed. We are talking about fully accessing the power of the Internet to provide knowledge and information. Most Web sites are actually in English, although a few offer multilingual options.

These and more are the advantages that understanding English and using an advanced checker can offer you.

There are many different reasons that you may find learning English to be of benefit in the business world. The most prominent of these reasons is that it helps you do business in America. Many international businesses are very interested in doing business in America because it can be a very profitable venture. America is generally seen as a materialistic, “spendy” nation, with more consumers than most other countries. Some of the reasons that learning English will help you do business in America include the following.

? Maintaining Professionalism: Learning English helps you and your company maintain professionalism when doing business with American companies. It can seem very unprofessional to present offers or talk about business in broken English. Learning English generally gives you a better chance of striking a deal than you otherwise would have had.

? No Translators: Translators create a rift between the negotiating parties. You can never be sure that a translator is relaying what you say in the most effective manner; and what they say is true: if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. This is also true with presenting business deals to a company who does business in a different language.

? Making a Connection: Most businesspeople feel that using a translator does not allow them to make a personal connection with a potential business or client. If you are able to have direct communication with the client, you are more likely to build a personal connection with them and bring them around for more lucrative deals in the future.

? Showing You Are Serious: Showing that you are serious about your business dealings, and that you have a genuine desire to do business with a particular company can go a long way toward getting a deal done.

Learning English shows that you are serious about doing business, and have taken many pre-emptive steps to ensure that a deal goes through.

If you are interested in learning English through one of our featured grammar check and writing software programs, take a look at the special offers on http://englishsoftware.org

So what are you waiting for? Grab the opportunity and learn English today!


- Jane Sumerset

Im based in London have worked as a secretary for more than 10 years and have an HND in Business Studies but am tired of admin work and office politics and would like to do something more creative- change careers.

I write in my spare time and have attended an advanced writing course for the past 3 years and am writing a novel. I would like to see if I could train to teach creative writing in further education colleges etc or and English /English literature. I would also be grateful if I could get any info on what qualifications you need to be able to teach English as a first language and Basic literacy skills and ESOL.
- travelbug

Im based in London have worked as a secretary for more than 10 years and have an HND in Business Studies but am tired of admin work and office politics and would like to do something more creative- change careers.

I write in my spare time and have attended an advanced writing course for the past 3 years. I like reading and would like to see if I could train to teach creative writing in further education or and English /English literature. I would also be grateful if I could get any info on what qualifications you need to be able to teach English as a first language and Basic literacy skills.

Thanks
Any advice would be great regarding training in London.
- travelbug