most common errors in english, pakistan
DESCRIPTION
It describes most common errors or mistakes done when writing English. It tells about colloquialism and the difference between en dash and a hyphen.It focuses on written mistakes.This presentation usually refers to mistakes done in letters particularly in Pakistan.TRANSCRIPT
MOST COMMON ERRORS IN BUSINESS WRITING
BY HIRA NOOR
CONTENTS• Introduction• Common errors: ColloquialismPossessive form and
contractionsssss En-dash and hyphenMore than and overDated Using wordy expressions• Conclusion
INTRODUCTION
• Most of the errors in business writing are grammatical.
• Errors leave bad impression on the reader.
• They raise doubts about the person’s professionalism.
COLLOQUIALISM
• Use of informal phrases in business writing is a major error.
Ex:
Mr.brown kicked the bucket on x day.
Mr. Brown died on x day.
EN-Dash and Hyphen
• It has been observed that many writers don’t differentiate between En-dash(–) and hyphen(-).
• EX:
En-Dash Hyphen
Cost–benefit analysis Quaid-e-Azam
Part C–E blue-green
DATED
• Writing Dated on is incorrect but is used commonly.
• Ex:
Thank you for writing the letter dated on 17-March-2010. (Incorrect)
Thank you for writing the letter dated 17-March-2010. (correct)
Over and More Than• The word over is used for describing a
physical position.
Ex:
The bridge led over
the pond.
• Wrong usage:
Over 50 males participated in the race.• Correction:
More than 50 males participated in the race.
Possessive form and contractions
• The possessive form of it is often mixed with its contraction.
• Its possessive form of it• It’s Contraction for it is
EX:
When is our next meeting.Please confirm its date. ( )
When is our next meeting.Please confirm it’s date.( )
Using Wordy Expressions
• When wordy expressions are used, the true message entangles in the heavy traffic of words and the reader can’t interpret the right meaning.
• It will make you feel
just like this fish which has
trapped its body (message) in net
by itself (words).
Wordy Expressions
• Using wordy expressions when a small one can do, is another common mistake.
EX:
Due to the fact that she was attending the
meeting…
Or
Since she was attending the meeting…
CONCLUSION
Small mistake! Funny for you! Big embarrassment for the one who made it! Don’t let small mistakes make big impact on your customer!