FUNDAMENTALS OF GRAMMAR AND USAGE

1.0 Grammar 1.1 Nouns 1.1.1 Proper Nouns and Common Nouns 1.1.2 Plural Nouns 1.1.3 Possessive Nouns 1.2 Pronouns 1.2.1 Multiple Antecedents 1.2.2 Unclear Antecedents 1.2.3 Gender-Neutral Pronouns 1.2.4 Case of Pronouns 1.2.5 Possessive Pronouns 1.3 Verbs 1.3.1 Verb Tenses 1.3.2 Irregular Verbs 1.3.3 Transitive and Intransitive Verbs 1.3.4 Voice of Verbs 1.3.5 Mood of Verbs 1.4 Adjectives 1.5 Adverbs 1.6 Other Parts of Speech 1.6.1 Prepositions 1.6.2 Conjunctions, Articles, and Interjections 1.7 Whole Sentences 1.7.1 Commands 1.7.2 Longer Sentences 1.7.3 Sentence Fragments 1.7.4 Fused Sentences and Comma Splices 1.7.5 Sentences with Linking Verbs 1.7.6 Misplaced Modifiers 2.0 Punctuation 2.1 Periods 2.2 Question Marks 2.3 Exclamation Points 2.4 Semicolons 2.5 Colons 2.6 Commas 2.7 Dashes 2.8 Hyphens 2.9 Apostrophes 2.10 Quotation Marks 2.11 Parentheses 2.12 Ellipses 2.13 Underscores and Italics 3.0 Mechanics 3.1 Capitals Fundamentals of Grammar and Usage Business Communication Page 1 of 24

3.2 Abbreviations 3.3 Numbers 3.4 Word Division 4.0 Vocabulary 4.1 Frequently Confused Words 4.2 Frequently Misused Words 4.3 Frequently Misspelled Words 4.4 Transitional Words and Phrases NOTES Nouns name a person, place, thing, or idea. Types of nouns include the following: Common nouns refer to general classes of things. Proper nouns refer to a particular person, place, or thing and are capitalized. Plural nouns are usually created by adding s or es. Possessive nouns show ownership and are generally created by adding s. Pronouns are words that stand in for nouns. Some rules for using pronouns include the following: When you have multiple antecedents, use a plural pronoun (Jack and Jill spilled their water). When the antecedent is unclear, rewrite the sentence or repeat the noun to clarify. To avoid sexism, use gender-neutral pronouns. Use the nominative case (I, we, he, she, they, who, whoever) when the pronoun performs the action. Use the objective case (me, us, him, her, them, whom, whomever) when the pronoun is being acted on. Be careful with who and whom in questions (to see the proper usage, recast the question into a declarative sentence). Possessive pronouns show ownership or automatic association. Verbs describe an action or a state of being. Verbs have six possible tenses: Present (I help) Past (I helped) Future (I will help) Present perfect (I have helped) Past perfect (I had helped) Future perfect (I will have helped) Verbs can have two possible voices: Active (The buyer paid a large amount) Passive (A large amount was paid by the buyer) Special verbs include the following: Irregular verbs (such as to be) form tenses in irregular ways. Fundamentals of Grammar and Usage Business Communication Page 2 of 24

Transitive verbs (lay, laid, laid) convey or transfer action to an object. Intransitive verbs (lie, lay, lain) have no objects. Verbs have three possible moods: Indicative: To make a statement or ask a question Imperative: To issue a command or a request Subjunctive: To express a possibility or a recommendation Adjectives modify nouns or pronouns. Adjectives come in three forms: Simple (good, beautiful) Comparative (better, more beautiful) Superlative (best, most beautiful) Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Other Parts of Speech include Prepositions such as of, to, for, with, at, by, from, about, and so on Conjunctions (which join various parts of a sentence) such as and, but, because, yet, if, although, and so on Articles such as the, a, an, and so on Interjections (which express emotion) such as Wow! Well! and so on Sentences contain a subject and a predicate (noun and verb). Commands are sentences in which the subject (you) is understood. Rules governing longer sentences include the following: The subject and verb must agree. A singular subject requires a singular verb. A plural subject requires a plural verb. A compound subject requires a plural verb. Phrases are groups of words that do not contain both a subject and a predicate and so are unable to stand alone as a sentence. Clauses are groups of words that contain both a subject and a predicate: Independent clauses can stand alone as sentence. Dependent clauses cannot stand alone without alteration. Sentences have some common problems: A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence. Fused sentences are several sentences run together as one. A comma splice occurs when a comma is used to link two independent clauses. In sentences with linking verbs, the structure is always A (verb) B. Place modifiers as close as possible to the noun or verb being modified. Punctuation Fundamentals of Grammar and Usage Business Communication Page 3 of 24

End punctuation includes periods, question marks, and exclamation points. Use periods At the end of sentences that are not questions With certain abbreviations Between dollars and cents in amounts of money Use question marks after any sentence that requests an answer. Use exclamation points after highly emotional language. Use semicolons to separate Two closely related independent clauses Items in a series when they have commas within them Independent clauses when a sentence begins with words such as however, therefore, and so on Use colons After the salutation in a business letter At the end of a sentence or a phrase that introduces a list, a quotation, or an idea (unless the list, quotation, or idea is part of the introductory sentence) To separate the main clause and another sentence element that explains, illustrates, or amplifies the first (contemporary writers frequently use a semicolon instead of a colon) Use commas To separate items in series Between clauses After introductory words or phrases Between adjectives modifying the same noun To separate a quotation from the rest of a sentence To enclose parenthetical words or phrases After an informal salutation in a letter to a personal friend Before and after Ltd., Inc., Ph.D., and the like Before and after the year when you write the month, day, and year Whenever necessary to avoid confusion Use dashes to Surround a parenthetical comment Emphasize a particular word or phrase Set off a phrase that contains commas Use hyphens to Separate parts of compound words starting with prefixes such as self, ex, quasi, and all Link compound adjectives containing two or more words that precede the noun Break a word that is too long to be written at the end of a line Use apostrophes to Show possession in nouns Stand for missing letters in contractions Use quotation marks to Fundamentals of Grammar and Usage Business Communication Page 4 of 24

Enclose words in a direct quotation Set off the title of an article or book chapter Indicate special treatment for words or phrases When using quotation marks with other punctuation, you Place final periods and commas inside quotation marks Place final colons or semicolons outside quotation marks Place question marks inside quotation marks if the quotation is a question Use parentheses to Enclose incidental comments Enclose arabic numerals that follow and clarify the same amount spelled out in words Use ellipsis points (or dots) to indicate that material has been left out of a direct quotation: Always use three periods for ellipsis. At the end of a sentence, precede three ellipsis dots with a period. Use underscores and italics For emphasis To indicate the title of publication Mechanics Use an initial capital At the beginning of a sentence For proper nouns and adjectives For official titles For the first word of a salutation For the first word of a complimentary close For the first word after a colon (if it begins complete sentence) Use abbreviations In tables, charts, lists, and forms Within parentheses Only sparingly in prose When handling numbers, follow your companys style guidelines, or Spell out numbers one through ten Use numerals for numbers greater than ten Use numerals for numbers one through ten if they are in the same context as larger numbers Spell out numbers at the beginning of a sentence (never begin a sentence with a numeral) Use numerals for percentages, time of day, dates, and dollar amounts Use commas to separate thousands from hundreds (1,000) Use a period to separate dollars from cents ($3.45) Use no punctuation if no cents are involved ($3) To divide words properly, remember the following: Do not divide one-syllable words. Divide words between syllables. Put at least three letters on the second line. Fundamentals of Grammar and Usage Business Communication Page 5 of 24

Do not divide the last word on a page. Divide between double letters (unless the root word ends in double letters). Divide hyphenated words after the hyphen. If a syllable consists of a single vowel, divide the word after that syllable (unless the syllable is part of a suffix such as -able ,-ible, -ity). Vocabulary Avoid confusing words that sound alike, such as accede, exceed access, excess principal, principle Learn the correct usage for frequently misused words, such as a lot correspond with, correspond to disinterested, uninterested imply, infer Learn the correct spelling of frequently misspelled words (such as absence, benefited, canceled, grievous, indispensable, judgment, noticeable, maintenance, precede, tangible, vacuum). Transitions show the relationship between adjacent sentences, clauses, and phrases. PRACTICING USAGE AND GRAMMAREXERCISES 1. Possessive nouns Review Section 1.1.3. Then, beside each noun below, write its possessive form. a. women b. secretaries c. worker ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________

d. Matthew Kitsos ______________________________________ e. editor-in-chief ______________________________________ f. children ______________________________________

g. Betsy Daniels ______________________________________ h. Daily Times I. j. nobody month ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________

k. Jules

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l.

desks

______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________

m. office n. today o. the Rosses

2. Antecedents Review Section 1.2.1. Then, for each sentence that follows, underline the correct pronoun, circle its antecedent, and then write its number (S for singular, or P for plural) in the left-hand column. Number ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ a. Joe, Frank, and Bob gave (their, his) opinions. b. Any company worth (its, their) salt has one. c. Los Angeles, as well as San Francisco, has (its, their) advantages. d. Because office decor is important to employees, (it, they) should be planned by professionals. e. Neither newcomers nor veterans knew (his, her, their) way around. f. Was it Marilyn or Lupe who sent (her, their) rsum? g. Both candidates did well in (his, their) interviews. h. Each of the sales representatives went (his or her, their) own way. i. j. This ad campaign, despite excessive costs, has had (its, their) successes. Nancy is one of those people who know (her, their) business.

3. Case of pronouns Review Section 1.2.4. Then underline the correct pronoun choice in each of the following sentences. a. (We, Us) sales representatives are overworked. b. When the auditors arrive, make sure (they, them) have your cooperation. c. Just between you and (I, me), the pay is poor. d. The document is right, according to both (he, him) and Sam. e. Give Terry and (I, me) that office. f. The best positions went to Randolph and (she, her). g. Its (he, him) who should get the raise. h. Ill give the project to (whoever, whomever) isnt busy with another one. i. j. He turned as large a profit as (I, me) did. With (who, whom) were you speaking?

4. Possessive pronouns Review Section 1.2.5. Then underline the correct word choice in each of the following sentences. Fundamentals of Grammar and Usage Business Communication Page 7 of 24

a. (Its, Its) imperative that we close escrow today. b. In (its, its) final clause, the contract states that we are accountable for defects. c. BGT and Ramp Industries have recently changed the design of (there, their, theyre) brakes. d. It is (are, our) conviction that we can complete this job before the deadline. e. Always be sure that (your, youre) employees understand what is expected of them. f. Give each secretary a copy of (her or his, their) new schedule. g. Do you know what (there, their, theyre) planning for the sales meeting? h. Take note of (your, youre) mistakes. i. j. If (its, its) warranty has not expired, we will not charge you for fixing it. (Your, youre) mistaken if you think she will budge on that issue.

5. Verb tenses Review Section 1.3.1. Then write the correct form of each verb in the space provided. TO PROVIDE a. present: I b. past: you c. future: we d. present perfect: they e. past perfect: she TO ALLOW f. present: he g. past: it h. future: you i. present perfect: they j. past perfect: I TO SHRINK k. present: they l. past: she m. future: it TO BECOME p. present: we q. past: I r. future: you s. present perfect: he t. past perfect: it TO BE u. present: you v. past: she w. future: we x. present perfect: they y. past perfect: I

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n. present perfect: you o. past perfect: we 6. Transitive and intransitive verbs Review Section 1.3.3. Then underline the correct verb in each sentence. a. After the walls are poured, there must be a way to (rise, raise) them into position. b. (Sit, Set) up your display against that wall. c. The contract has (laid, lain) forgotten in our safe for months. d. I could see when I (lay, laid) it on Marys desk that she was surprised. e. Its important to know why production costs have (raised, risen). 7. Voice of verbs Review Section 1.3.4. Then rewrite these sentences so that their verbs are in the active voice. a. The delivery was made by Mercury Message Service. _______________________________________________________________________ b. Your report has been read by three of us. _______________________________________________________________________ c. A choice of color must be made by the buyer. _______________________________________________________________________ d. Complaints are handled by Jane Harper. _______________________________________________________________________ e. New ideas were picked up at the trade fair by our representatives. _______________________________________________________________________ 8. Adjectives Review Section 1.4. Then, for each simple adjective in parentheses, give the comparative or superlative (whichever is more appropriate) in the space provided. a. Of the three, Pauls sales record is (good) __________________. b. Which check is the (large) ___________________ of the two? c. Inspect our five branches before choosing the (promising) ___________________ one. d. Send the (practical) ___________________ frame you have from the group. e. Having lifted both, I can pick out the (heavy) ___________________ one. Fundamentals of Grammar and Usage Business Communication Page 9 of 24

9. Adverbs Review Section 1.5. Then turn these adjectives into adverbs. a. intense b. poor c. real d. full _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ f. good _______________ _______________ _______________

g. whole h. busy i.

secondary _______________

e. complete _______________ j. due _______________ 10. Prepositions Review Section 1.6.1. Then underline all the prepositions in these sentences. a. Providing a few samples of cheese created better sales in many areas. b. Lead into the letter without a break. c. He brought with him the habit of using quick-freeze equipment. d. If the right people are informed of your offer, word of mouth will take care of the rest. e. The board will meet behind closed doors for several reasons, none of which are secret. 11. Conjunctions, articles, and interjections Review Section 1.6.2. Then, beside each of the following items, write C, A, or I to indicate whether the word or phrase is a conjunction, article, or interjection. a. although b. Oh no! c. but ___ ___ ___ d. because e. an f. Good! ___ ___ ___ g. if h. unless i. and ___ ___ ___

12. Longer sentences Review Section 1.7.2. Then underline the word that makes each sentence correct. a. His presentation, coming after two really boring speeches, (was, were) refreshing. b. When the full slate of officers (is, are) present, she doesnt write out their names. c. (Although, However,) it was over by the time we got there. d. The (secretary, secretaries) working at headquarters the longest will be recognized. e. All who are in the group (meet, meets) the selection criteria. 13. Sentence fragments Review Section 1.7.3. Some of the following are sentence fragments; others are correct as they stand. Rewrite the sentence fragments to make them complete sentences, and write correct in the space following sentences that are complete. a. In just 14 days, with lots of promotion, the new outlet will open. Fundamentals of Grammar and Usage Business Communication Page 10 of 24

b. At least ten one-week sessions, beginning the first week in June, with no breaks.

c. Drop the economy model.

d. Who of all our employees?

e. Although Joan is well grounded in office procedure.

f.

Charging our office with the task of counting supplies.

g. Having ordered a large quantity of wheat from the United States.

h. Our coats, water-repellent, sleek, and undeniably tough.

i.

Because this action would absorb the available supplies of short-term government securities.

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14. Fused sentences and comma splices Review Section 1.7.4. Some of the following are fused sentences; others are correct. Rewrite the fused sentences to make them correct, and write correct in the space following correct sentences. a. You like the idea of owning your own business, especially because you have the capital to begin one.

b. Having met at a previous sales convention, we often had lunch with him you never know where you stand.

c. The big question is financing, will you have enough money?

d. If satisfaction is not forthcoming, we will be forced to cancel our order, find another supplier, and take legal action.

e. Over half of them are badly damaged, it looks like water damage.

15. Misplaced modifiers Review Section 1.7.6. Then rewrite each of the following sentences so that modifiers are placed correctly. a. Deliver the fastback to the customer with the leather upholstery.

b. An unauthorized caller cannot get through this smart telephone, no matter how clever.

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c. We interviewed several applicants with great speed.

d. The letters should be filed in the green cabinet from clients who have complaints.

e. I passed the new business center driving through Emerson City.

16. Punctuation A Review Section 2.0. Then, in the space provided, write C if the sentence is punctuated correctly, I if the sentence is punctuated incorrectly. a. _____ Johnson and Kane, Inc., is gone, comments one Wall Street merger expert. b. _____ OPECs uncertain outlookits production has fallen drastically since 1978makes attempts to defend the cartels official price appear futile. c. _____ Over half of the combined debt loads of Argentina; Brazil; and Mexico fluctuates with the movement of the U.S. prime rate. d. _____ About 100 products bore the Can-Man trademark last May; there are nearly 300 today. e. _____ Stephen Raken says Oak Tree Realty now: realizes that it cant keep up if it does it all in-house. f. _____ Seasoned, well-managed companies should explore this alternative. As they search for capital.

g. _____ Several insurers (Gaston, Regis, DMA) maintain offices in Tennessee. h. _____ Is the private placement extinct? Yes. And no. i. j. _____ Bricks and mortar, Johnson says, are history.

_____ At Simtex, however, the union recently gave up a three-year-old profit-sharing planwhich has produced no bonusesbecause the workers wanted an immediate wage increase; they had not had a raise in nearly two years. 17. Punctuation B Review Section 2.0. Then correct the punctuation in the following sentences.

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a. Will you please send us a check today so that we can settle your account? b. I find it hard to believe that we could miss such a promising opportunity! c. His writing skills are excellent, however he still needs to polish his management style. d. Wed like to address the issues of: efficiency, profitability, and market penetration. e. During the highest level trials we will resume operations. f. The letter should be dated no later than April 14 2002 if it is to prove the point. g. All along the production designers have insisted on using robots. h. Mark is a bright competent young man. i. j. My boss the most senior executive in the company is well known for her concern for employees. What is your career goal the interviewer asked.

18. Punctuation C Review Section 2.0. Then insert correct punctuation in the following business letter: Hardball Bearing Company 2206 Wheeler Boulevard Newark New Jersey 07127 November 13 2002 Mr James R Capp Accounts Payable Manager The Rollem Company 21 Clearspring Way Boston Massachusetts 02109 Dear Mr Capp We are happy after five years of pleasant dealings with you to announce a change in our billing procedure one that will prove helpful to both of us Until recently we have billed all our customers on the first of each month beginning January 2003 we will mail billings in alphabetical order you will enjoy the following benefits of this change For the month of January the balance of your account with us will be in effect an interest-free loan Because most other suppliers continue to bill on the first our bill will not arrive during your peak accounting period Our company newsletter Bearing Up will continue to be enclosed with our billing We know that an accountants life is never simple but we are doing our best to make it so

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Yours very truly Now count the number of punctuation items you inserted and enter the total here: _______. Your instructor will tell you if you have missed some. 19. Capitals Review Section 3.1. Then capitalize the appropriate words below by putting three short parallel lines under each letter that should be capitalized. (The first item in the first sentence is done for you.) a. he was questioned about lifting the post-afghanistan embargo on grain sales to russia. b. what did the senate foreign relations committee say about her as a human rights official? c. at northern natural gas company, for one, president samuel f. segnar holds monthly luncheons with employees who have hit the five-year service mark. d. margaret d. steele, head of faribault colleges business department, recently conducted a semester-long program involving monthly lunches with professors. e. book me a flight to atlanta on airtrans airlines, he said, so that i can visit our southern wholesalers. 20. Word division Review Section 3.4. Then correct the way the following words are divided by crossing through inappropriate hyphens and inserting slash marks where the words could more correctly be divided. a. cal-lable b. a-gainst c. self-anal-ysis d. controll-ing e. hasti-ly

21. Frequently confused words Review Section 4.1. Then underline the correct word in each sentence. a. To be successful, one must (accept, except) a certain amount of stress. b. Our plans were (all ready, already) when the news came in. c. The (incidence, incidents) of breakdowns has decreased. d. No manager can afford to (loose, lose) his or her self-control. e. Good lines of communication maintain company (moral, morale). f. Ive worked with both Tom and Rita, and I prefer the (later, latter). g. Civilized people can (defer, differ) in their opinions without getting angry. h. The (principal, principle) was sound, but the details were misleading. i. j. In the future, sales representatives will be assigned (routes, routs) by the Chicago office. See whether this regulation can be (waived, waved).

k. I would (advice, advise) you to hedge your investments. Fundamentals of Grammar and Usage Business Communication Page 15 of 24

l.

The color of that hat is a perfect (complement, compliment) to the colors in the dress.

m. Because employment matters are so sensitive, you will have to make some (discreet, discrete) inquiries if you want to find out about his previous performance. n. I have received no greater compliment (than, then) the one she gave me yesterday. o. That chair is (stationary, stationery), but the other one can be moved. 22. Frequently misused words Review Section 4.2. Then underline the correct or preferable word in each sentence. a. Each carton contained (fewer, less) packages than were indicated on the outside. b. His letter (inferred, implied) that there was no charge for the damaged items. c. We encountered no problems when we (laid, lay) the tiles. d. We will have (a lot, allot) of openings in six months. e. The usual mediator was formerly employed by one of the parties to the dispute, so a more (disinterested, uninterested) mediator was assigned to the case. f. All seated passengers must be able to see the sign, just (as, like) they can on a 747. g. Our popular poplin dress shirt is (as, like) our executive Essence shirt in many ways. h. (Many, Much) of our sales effort would be enhanced by a computer. i. j. Our Trade Division (corresponds to, corresponds with) their International Division; both have the same function. Apparently I only (implied, inferred) that opinion from her report.

23. Frequently misspelled words Review Section 4.3. Then underline the correct spelling of each word. a. indispensible b. permenent c. consensus d. benefitted e. changable f. noticeable g. medeocre h. catigory i. j. alignment prefered indispensable perminent concensus benifitted changeable noticable mediocer category alinement preferd indespensable permanent consencus benefited changible notisable mediocre cattegory alinment preferred

24. Transitional words and phrases Review Section 4.4. Then, from the following list of transitions, choose the most appropriate for each sentence, and write your choice in the space provided. for example in other words meanwhile furthermore Page 16 of 24

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on the contrary in the second place

on the other hand in that case

still

therefore

a. Ms. Siegel worked for you in a similar capacity during the past two years; ____________________ we are interested in getting your candid comments on her professional abilities. b. We have experienced difficulties with your shipments of candy before; ____________________ just last December, 5 of the 22 boxes you shipped arrived empty. c. The enclosed information sheet contains names and telephone numbers of prospective clients; ____________________ it includes mailing addresses and ZIP codes. d. Because you are a valued customer of Carrillo Images, we are rechecking the figures we used to prepare your invoice; ____________________ we are discounting the new price. e. Your acceptance of these conditions, signaled by your signing the enclosed check, will begin the process; ____________________ your signature on this check will release you to begin construction. 25. Grammar and usage Edit the following memo so that it complies with all the rules presented in this chapter, as well as the principles of good writing presented in Chapter 5.

MEMO DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: June 22 2002 All department heads Alan Kitchener, vice president of human relations In-house training program

Several new training programs have been developed in response to the training needs assessment conducted in February, 2002. (27 highly informative replies were received; I personally appreciated your comments).

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Our goal in developing these new programs was to give each employee the skills to do his job better, and to improve employees moral. These are the new programs, which will be available beginning July 1. 1. Making the Most of Microcomputers. Reviews microcomputer operations and provides hands-on experience in using the four main software packages owned by us: word processing, spreadsheet; database management and graphics. 2. Keeping Customers Happy. Covers methods for answering the telephone and correspondencepolicies for handling complaints and requests for adjustmentas well as general marketing goals as they relate to customer service. 3. Writing Better for Business. Deals with the organization of messages, analyzing purpose and audience, and style and tone. Each course will be offered once a month beginning at the first week and continuing for 4 sessions. Making the Most of Microcomputers on Tuesdays, Keeping Customers Happy on Wednesdays, and Writing Better for Business on Thursdays. They will be held in the second floor conference room from three to five p.m. In general these courses have been designed for clerical and supervisory employees; although everybody on your staff who could benefit are welcome to attend. To register an employee must bring a signed authorization form, a packet are included with this memo, to the human relations office, Room 117, at least a week in advance of the start of the course. Try and send all appropriate staff so that our organization can better meet its goals!

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PRACTICING GRAMMAR AND USAGESOLUTIONS 1. Possessive nouns a. womens b. secretaries c. workers d. Matthew Kitsos e. editor-in-chiefs f. childrens g. Betsy Danielss h. Daily Timess i. nobodys j. months k. Juless desks m. todays n. the Rosses f. g. h. i. j. herMarilyn or LupeS theircandidatesP his or hereachS itscampaignS theirpeopleP

l.

2. Antecedents a. theirJoe, Frank, and BobP b. itscompanyS c. itsLos AngelesS d. itoffice decorS e. theirnewcomers or veteransP 3. Case of pronouns a. We b. Whom c. me d. who

e. f. g. h.

me her he whoever

i. j.

I Whom

4. Possessive pronouns a. Its b. its c. their d. our e. your

f. her or his g. theyre h. your i. its j. Youre

5. Verb tenses a. provide j. had allowed b. provided k. shrink c. will provide l. shrank d. have provided m. will shrink e. had provided n. have shrunk f. allows o. had shrunk g. allowed p. become h. will allow q. became i. have allowed r. will become 6. Transitive and intransitive verbs a. raise b. Set c. lain d. laid Fundamentals of Grammar and Usage

s. t. u. are v. w. x. y.

has become had become was will be have been had been

e. risen Business Communication Page 19 of 24

7. Voice of verbs a. Mercury Message Service made the delivery. b. Three of us read your report. c. The buyer must choose a color. d. Jane Harper handles complaints. e. Our representatives picked up new ideas at the trade fair. 8. Adjectives a. best b. larger c. most promising d. most practical e. heavier 9. Adverbs a. intensely b. poorly c. really d. fully e. completely 10. Prepositions a. of, in b. into, without c. with, of d. of, of, of e. behind, for, of 11. Conjunctions, articles, and interjections a. C d. C g. C b. I e. A h. C c. C f. I i. C 12. Longer sentences a. was b. are c. However, d. secretaries e. meet 13. Sentence fragments (many other solutions are possible) a. correct b. At least ten one-week sessions are being offered beginning the first week in June, with no breaks. c. correct Fundamentals of Grammar and Usage Business Communication Page 20 of 24 f. g. h. i. j. well wholly busily secondarily duly

d. e. f. g. h. i.

Who of all our employees is the best person for the job? Joan is well grounded in office procedure. They are charging our office with the task of counting supplies. They ordered a large quantity of wheat from the United States. Our coats are water-repellent, sleek, and undeniably tough. This action would absorb the available supplies of short-term government securities.

14. Fused sentences and comma splices (other solutions are possible) a. correct b. Having met at a previous sales convention, we often had lunch with him. You never know where you stand. c. The big question is financing. Will you have enough money? d. correct e. Over half of them are badly damaged. It looks like water damage. 15. Misplaced modifiers a. Deliver the fastback with the leather upholstery to the customer. b. An unauthorized caller, no matter how clever, cant get through this smart telephone. c. With great speed, we interviewed several applicants. d. The letters from clients who have complaints should be filed in the green cabinet. e. Driving through Emerson City, I passed the new business center. 16. Punctuation A a. I d. C b. C e. I c. I f. I g. C h. C i. I j. C

17. Punctuation B a. Will you please send us a check today so that we can settle your account. b. I find it hard to believe that we could miss such a promising opportunity. c. His writing skills are excellent; however, he still needs to polish his management style. d. Wed like to address the issues of efficiency, profitability, and market penetration. e. During the highest-level trials, we will resume operations. f. The letter should be dated no later than April 14, 2002, if it is to prove the point. g. All along, the production designers have insisted on using robots. h. Mark is a bright, competent young man. i. My boss, the most senior executive in the company, is well known for her concern for employees. j. What is your career goal? the interviewer asked. 18. Punctuation C The correct punctuation marks (underlined) have been added to the following letter. The total number of added punctuation items is 28.

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Hardball Bearing Company 2206 Wheeler Boulevard Newark, New Jersey 07127 November 13, 2002 Mr. James R. Capp, Accounts Payable Manager The Rollem Company 8321 Clearspring Way Boston, Massachusetts 02109 Dear Mr. Capp: We are happy after five years of pleasant dealings with you to announce a change in our billing procedure , one that will prove helpful to both of us. Until recently, we have billed all our customers on the first of each month. Beginning January 2003 we will mail billings in alphabetical order. You will enjoy the following benefits of this change: For the month of January, the balance of your account with us will be, in effect, an interest-free loan. Because most other suppliers continue to bill on the first, our bill will not arrive during your peak accounting period. Our company newsletter, Bearing Up, will continue to be enclosed in our billing.

We know that an accountants life is never simple, but we are doing our best to make it so. Yours very truly, 19. Capitals a. He, post-Afghanistan, Russia b. What, Senate Foreign Relations Committee c. At Northern Natural Gas Company, President Samuel F. Segnar d. Margaret D. Steele, Faribault Colleges e. Book, Atlanta, Airtrans Airlines, I 20. Word division a. call-able b. against (no division) c. self-analysis (divide only at existing hyphen) d. control-ling e. hast-ily 21. Frequently confused words Fundamentals of Grammar and Usage Business Communication Page 22 of 24

a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i.

accept all ready incidence lose morale Latter differ principle routes

j. waived k. advise l. complement m. discreet n. than o. stationary

22. Frequently misused words a. fewer b. implied c. laid d. a lot e. disinterested

f. g. h. i. j.

as like much corresponds to inferred noticeable mediocre category alignment preferred

23. Frequently misspelled words a. indispensable f. b. permanent g. c. consensus h. d. benefited i. e. changeable j.

24. Transitional words and phrases a. therefore b. for example c. furthermore d. meanwhile e. in other words 25. The memo should be edited as follows: MEMO TO: FROM: DATE: All department heads Alan Kitchener, vice president of human relations June 22 2002

SUBJECT: In-house training program Several new training programs have been developed in response to the training needs assessment conducted in February, 2002. (27 highly informative replies were recieved; I personally appreciated your comments).

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Our goal in developing these new programs was to give each employee the skills to do his job better, and to improve employees moral. These are the new programs, which will be available beginning July 1. 1. Making the Most of Microcomputers. Reviews microcomputer operations and provides hands-on experience in using the four main software packages owned by us: word processing, spreadsheet; database management and graphics. 2. Keeping Customers Happy. Covers methods for answering the telephone and correspondencepolicies for handling complaints and requests for adjustmentas well as general marketing goals as they relate to customer service. 3. Writing Better for Business. Deals with the organization of messages, analyzing purpose and audience, and style and tone. Each course will be offered once a month beginning at the first week and continuing for 4 sessions. Making the Most of Microcomputers on Tuesdays, Keeping Customers Happy on Wednesdays, and Writing Better for Business on Thursdays. They will be held in the second floor conference room from three to five p.m. In general these courses have been designed for clerical and supervisory employees; although everybody on your staff who could benefit are welcome to attend. To register an employee must bring a signed authorization form, a packet are included with this memo, to the human relations office, Room 117, at least a week in advance of the start of the course. Try and send all appropriate staff so that our organization can better meet its goals!

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