CHAPTER 2.

PRACTICE

To encourage language precision, find an appropriate synonym for get in the

numbered sentences. Consider the following synonyms:

achieve earn obtain receive

bring encourage pay secure
buy find produce succeed
construct gain provide understand
deliver generate purchase win/won

1. To get a copy of the new medical plan, send an e-mail. generate

2. Three excellent candidates applied, and our department hopes to get one of them. find
3. If you can get the lumber to the building site, we can begin construction. deliver
4. Getting a college degree leads to greater opportunities. Obtaining/earning
5. You never know when your manager may go into your computer to get a file. find
6. In leading a meeting, you should get everyone to participate. encourage
7. Our salespeople must get results immediately. produce
8. You can get greater contributions if your fundraising letter lists specifics. obtain
9. We expect to increase sales by getting customers to visit our new Web site. motivating
10. Only when you get all the facts, can you fully comprehend the problem. collect
11. We can get an advantage over our competitor with snappy online sales messages. gain
12. The Department of Transportation promises to get guardrails at the most dangerous
spots. construct
13. If you get stocks at a low price and sell at a high price, you will make a profit. purchase
14. Because of heavy traffic, we didn't get to the meeting on time. Arrive at/reach
15. Our company can definitely get the contract if we produce the best proposal. win

Making Negative Writing Positive

People respond better to messages that are phrased positively. That is why careful business
writers convey information positively whenever possible. This doesn't mean disguising or
misrepresenting the facts. It means avoiding negative words (such as complaint, fail, mistake)
and finding positive ways to express ideas. You provide more options to readers when you tell
what can be done instead of what can't be done.

Negative: You failed to tell us your color choice, so we are unable to complete your order.
Positive: As soon as we receive your color choice, we will complete your order.

___________________________________________________________________
Try your skill at converting the following from negative to positive messages.

1. You cannot submit your application until January 1.

=> You can submit your application starting from January 1.

2. We can't send the digital camera you ordered because we are out of stock until March 1,
when we will begin shipping again.

=> We will be able to send the digital camera you ordered starting from March 1, as we'll have
stock available for shipping.

3. As we gather customer information, we would like to know if you have any complaints
about our products or services.

=> As we gather customer information, we would appreciate hearing about any positive
experiences you've had with our products or services.

4. Your June 2 letter claims that you were treated rudely by our customer service agent.

=> Your June 2 letter highlights some concerns about the interaction with our customer
service agent.

5. We will have to refuse your claim if we don't receive your application before September 1.

=> To ensure your claim is processed, please make sure to submit your application before
September 1.

6. The footings on this new home can't be poured until it stops raining.

=> The footings on this new home will be poured as soon as the rain stops.

7. In the event that a client is unable to submit a completed enrollment card, we cannot enroll
a spouse as a dependent in the group insurance plan.

=> If a client is unable to submit a completed enrollment card, we can still enroll a spouse as
a dependent in the group insurance plan.

8. Liberty Mutual refuses to process any claim not accompanied by documented proof from a
physician showing that the injuries were treated.

=> Liberty Mutual requires documented proof from a physician indicating that the injuries were
treated for claim processing.

9. You won't be sorry that you applied for a Capitol One credit card.

=> You'll be glad you applied for a Capitol One credit card.

10. Without the support of the entire community, the new athletic field cannot be built.

=> With the support of the entire community, the new athletic field can be built.

11. Because of the numerous flaws in your proposal, we cannot accept it. It didn't compare
favorably with the other proposals that were submitted. Other finalists were accepted.

=> While your proposal had some areas for improvement, we appreciate your effort. We'll be
moving forward with other finalists.

12. If you fail the entrance examination, you cannot be admitted to the program.

=> Passing the entrance examination ensures your admission to the program.
13. We are withholding payment of your fees until the manager informs us that the work is
completed satisfactorily.

=> Payment of your fees will be released once the manager confirms the work has been
completed satisfactorily.

14. We regret to announce that the special purchase laptop computers will be available only
to the first 25 customers.

=> We're excited to announce that the special purchase laptop computers are exclusively
available to the first 25 customers.

15. All employees who appear without photo identifications will be turned away.

=> All employees with photo identifications will be welcomed and assisted.

20 Words and Expressions That Good Writers Avoid

You can improve your writing by avoiding the following wordy expressions and poor word
choices.

1. And also. This expression is usually redundant.

2. And/or. Outside the legal field this expression is unnecessary. Use one word or the other.
3. As to whether. The single word whether is sufficient.
4. Basically, essentially, and totally. Eliminate these overused and empty words because
they seldom add anything useful to your writing.
5. Being that, being as. Replace these nonstandard expressions with because.
6. Considered to be. Eliminate to be for concise expression.
7. Due to the fact that. Convey your meaning concisely with because.
8. Each and every. Use one or the other but not both words.
9. Equally as. Something can be equally important or as important as, but not equally as
important.
10. Etc. This abbreviation suggests that you could provide more examples but you don't want
to bother.
11. Firstly, secondly, thirdly. Instead of these adverbial forms, use first, second, and third.
12. Get, got. Use more precise words to avoid the ugly and meaningless verbs get and got.
13. Kind of, sort of. These expressions are appropriate in informal communication. In
business writing substitute somewhat, rather, or slightly.
14. Lots, lots of. Instead of these colloquial words, use many or much.
15. Nature. Instead of movies of a violent nature, describe them as violent movies.
16. On account of. Replace with because.
17. Per. In legal and technical documents, per is acceptable. Elsewhere, use according to.
18. Plus. Don't use this word as a conjunction. Use and or in addition.
19. The reason is because. Replace with the reason is that.
20. Utilize, utilization. Replace with use.
 Name ___________________________

Words and Expressions to Avoid

Revise the following sentences to avoid the poor expressions discussed here.

1. Many companies are limiting the use of personal cell phones in the workplace on account
of the jangle of beeps and tunes coming from them.
2. A total of 53 percent of employees said that they felt impatient and/or angry when a
coworker stops a conversation because of an incoming wireless call.
3. A lot of employees said that their No. 1 pet peeve at work was the ringing of cell phones.
4. Plus, employers are worried about the drain on productivity.
5. More than a third of companies have gotten policies to address the utilization of personal
cell phones.
6. Companies cited lots of reasons for limiting the use of cell phones on the job.
7. Firstly, cell phones in the workplace are noisy. Secondly, they disrupt the work
environment. Thirdly, they reduce productivity and etc.
8. Employees are totally exasperated at coworkers who leave a cell phone essentially
blasting away unanswered.
9. Equally as important is the safety issue, as per a recent report.
10. Being that employees are driving and conducting business while talking on cell phones,
employers are concerned.
11. The reason is because employers may be held liable when accidents occur.
12. It is not important as to whether the employee is using a personal cell phone.
13. It is also considered to be unimportant as to whether the employee is conducting
business outside of normal working hours.
14. Employers are basically afraid that they will be responsible for injuries and damage
caused by employees using cell phones.
15. Due to the fact that employers fear all accidents, whether of a serious nature or not, they
are limiting cell phone use.