English Grammar Software - RSS Feed http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/englishgrammarsoftware.rss en EnglishGrammarSoftware.com 2007 120 How to compile a Bibliography or Reference List for your essay http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/how-to-compile-a-bibliography
When you are creating a bibliography you should remember that its primary function is to allow the reader to find the sources that you have referenced. This will allow them to check your facts and arguments. Its other important function is to give credit to those writers whose work has helped you write your essay. There are several different styles of citation that you can choose from. APA, for example, is commonly used for the social sciences. Once you have chosen a style you should be consistent.

To create your bibliography you will need to consult library catalogues, article indexes and other bibliographies. For books, the citations should contain the author’s name, the date of publication, the publisher’s name and the location of the publisher. If you are including references to magazine articles then they should contain the name of the magazine, the issue number and page numbers. When citing a website you should try to include the author’s name, last update or copyright date, title of the page, title of the site, the URL and the date accessed.

Microsoft Word contains a feature that allows you to generate your bibliography automatically in the format that you require. There are also a number of English writing software packages on the market that offer to help you acquire the skills needed for good essay writing. These packages cover a wide range of skills and one of these will be creating a bibliography.
This article belongs to EnglishGrammarSoftware.com - the original article can be viewed here - How to compile a Bibliography or Reference List for your essay]]> Thu, 01 Jan 1970 02:00:00 +0200 http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/how-to-compile-a-bibliography http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/ How to write a conclusion http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/how-to-write-a-conclusion An essay has three main parts; an introduction, a main body and a conclusion. The conclusion is where you bring the reader to the end of your essay, sum up your points and give a final perspective on the topic you have just been discussing. The conclusion should be concise and clear. Scientific papers use a conclusion to state clearly and simply their findings and to suggest any further investigations that they would carry out. However, you should not just re-state your main points again in the conclusion, rather you should use it give your feelings or perspective on your chosen subject. Reiterate, reply, recommend and reflect are the four rules for a complete conclusion.  You may not do all of these in your conclusion but you can use them as a guide.

It is sometimes suggested that you end your essay on a memorable thought, an interesting quotation, a strange twist of logic or a call to action. Do you want your readers to read your article and then feel that they should do something? This may be the place to provide a suggestion for further action that the reader might take.

There are various English writing software packages on the market that offer to teach you the important skills required in essay writing. These packages cover a wide range of skills including writing conclusions to essays. If you are unsure whether these packages are right for you then you can download some of the free software for a trial period and then purchase one when you are satisfied that you have found the right one for your needs.
This article belongs to EnglishGrammarSoftware.com - the original article can be viewed here - How to write a conclusion]]> Thu, 24 Dec 2009 09:59:53 +0200 http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/how-to-write-a-conclusion http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/ Letter of Condolence http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/how-to-write-a-letter-of-condolence Letters of condolence are among the most difficult to write usually because we feel very uncomfortable dealing with the often raw pain that accompanies someone’s loss of a close friend or relative.  So, we struggle to write words that will express our feelings of sympathy without appearing in some way insensitive.  This is very difficult since it is sometimes almost impossible to relate to the pain that the recipient of our letter is going through.  How can you possibly find the words to convey feelings that you struggle to understand, let alone convey?

Sometimes the best way to write a letter of condolence is to use one of the many guidebooks put out for just this purpose.  Often these guidebooks will include actual letters that one can use as an example.  In them, the proper words can often be found to help you convey feelings you may have difficulty putting into words.

There are also a variety of online English letter writing software packages that can be of some help when writing such letters.  These software packages will often include sample paragraphs that you can adapt to the specific situation at hand, such as the death of a parent, or worse, a young child.

Usually, a letter of condolence will be included with a card.  The card itself will be simple, yet elegant.  “My sincere condolences on the passing of your mother…” on the front with the actual letter included inside.  The effect to be strived for in a condolence card is understated elegance.  Stay away from gaudy colors.  Instead, rely on simplicity of design accompanied with heartfelt text describing your feelings, “Please understand that, while no words can bring you true comfort at a time like this, I am always here to lend an ear or a hand, whichever you may need.  All you need to do is call and here is my number.”

Such a simple form of condolence does not try to offer words of comfort at a time when there is no comfort to be had.  Rather, it offers to provide whatever the recipient needs.  Whether it is someone to watch the kids for a few hours or someone to share a cup of coffee with and a shoulder to cry on.

As always, be sure to take advantage of whatever assistance you need in drafting such a letter; from English letter writing software to the second pair of eyes of a friend who can scan your letter for any inconsistencies, especially if English is not your native language.
This article belongs to EnglishGrammarSoftware.com - the original article can be viewed here - Letter of Condolence]]> Wed, 23 Dec 2009 09:58:06 +0200 http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/how-to-write-a-letter-of-condolence http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/ Letter of Fundraising http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/letter-of-fundraising
To write an effective fundraising appeal letter, it is often a good idea to first introduce the “prospect” to the charity involved in the fundraising effort.  Before approaching the individual, tell them that you want to introduce them to the work done by the particular charity.  You may even wish to use a sophisticated graphics program to import photographs into the letter.  For example, if your charity is involved in setting up preschool programs for children, include some photographs of the children having a great time at preschool – sitting in a circle listing to stories being told, enjoying a snack, playing on the jungle gym during recess periods, etc.  Remember, a picture is often worth a thousand words.  Get the most bang for your buck by including photos with your fundraising appeal letter.

Only after you have written a bit about the charity and provided a few photographs highlighting its work, should you move in for the “close” or asking the prospect to make a commitment for a charitable gift.  Finally, at the very bottom of your letter, you should include a pledge form asking to return the form in the handy, postage paid envelope enclosed.  You may also want to provide alternative ways to make a donation, such as online.

A fundraising letter should never be intrusive.  It should never demand the reader’s attention.  Rather, it should make an appeal to the recipient’s sense of goodwill.  It should convince the person that they would feel extra good about themselves if they give.

It is never fun to ask for money, but sometimes there is no alternative to doing so.  If we believe in the work of the charity we represent, we should not find it too difficult to approach our peers and business colleagues for money to support the charity.  Just remember to keep your appeal professional and your approach friendly.  If you need help with the specifics of writing such a letter, see if the charity has past examples of fundraising letters.  Do not hesitate to enlist the help of someone well-versed in using computer graphics packages if you wish to include special graphics and photographs in your appeal letter.

Finally, if you struggle with English or with writing letters, there are plenty of software packages available that can assist you in composing a professional letter for just about any purpose.  Many online grammar checkers and spell-checkers can help with catching these types of errors as well.
This article belongs to EnglishGrammarSoftware.com - the original article can be viewed here - Letter of Fundraising]]> Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:50:45 +0200 http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/letter-of-fundraising http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/ Letter of Resignation http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/how-to-write-a-letter-of-resignation We all love writing letters to accept a new job.  Unfortunately, we must also occasionally write them when we need to resign from one.

Letters of resignation need not be elaborate affairs.  They need not be filled with long-winded explanations as to why we are resigning our position.  The letter should instead be written in a professional, though friendly, tone.  Even if we are leaving the job due to unresolved grievances, we should not use the occasion of a letter of resignation to air them.  In other words, don’t burn your bridges.  You may need to return to that employer someday or require some sort of service from them.

The letter of resignation should be short and to the point: 

“I am writing this letter to inform you that unfortunately I will have to resign my position with your company effective June 12, 2008.  Another opportunity has opened up that I feel I must accept in order to further my professional growth.  I thank you for the opportunities you provided me in this position and am sure my replacement will bring their own strengths to the table that will benefit your organization.  If possible, I would like to assume my new duties in two weeks but am willing to be to some extent flexible.  Let me know what works best for you.  Again, thank you for a rewarding association with the Jackson Company and for the opportunity to serve under your leadership.”

The above letter remains at all times friendly and does not highlight any grievances with the Jackson Company or with the immediate superior to whom the letter is written.  In actuality, the letter writer could be resigning due to a dispute over salary or working conditions but chose not to air that dispute in the resignation letter.  The professional tone adopted in the letter ensures that, should the letter writer ever desire to work again for the Jackson Company, chances are the opportunity would be available to them.

If you require help writing a letter of resignation, there are books filled with examples that will help you to find just the right words to write an effective letter.  As with all business letters, always use a good spell and grammar checker and never hesitate to ask for help if you struggle with the English language or with the mechanics of letter writing.



This article belongs to EnglishGrammarSoftware.com - the original article can be viewed here - Letter of Resignation]]> Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:08:10 +0200 http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/how-to-write-a-letter-of-resignation http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/ How to make your essay stand out http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/how-to-make-your-essay-stand-out In order to make your essay stand out you should consider some of the following points. The first thing that you need to get right is spelling and grammar. If the essay you submit is full of spelling mistakes and grammatical errors then it is likely to be discarded or marked down. If you are submitting the essay for professional reasons then it simply looks as if you have not taken the time to check your work. If you do not excel at spelling and grammar then you can use online spell checkers and online grammar checkers to help you. You should also ensure that you use a font that is easy to read and space your work out. Remember that whoever is reading your essay may be reading many others and what they want is something that is easy to read, concise and interesting. 

The second thing you need to do is to develop your own style. Do not be tempted to copy someone else’s work as this will be a reflection of someone else’s talents and not your own. If you are writing an article that is going to be online then you need to ensure that you include keywords in your essay. The reason for this is that search engines such as Google rank articles based on their keywords. You also need to select a good title for your essay. Most readers decide whether they are going to read an article based on its title and maybe the first paragraph, so these must be interesting. 

There are various English writing software packages that can help you with the writing of your essay. These packages offer to help you acquire skills such as structuring an essay, writing an introduction, editing, proofreading and presentation. 

This article belongs to EnglishGrammarSoftware.com - the original article can be viewed here - How to make your essay stand out]]> Thu, 01 Jan 1970 02:00:00 +0200 http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/how-to-make-your-essay-stand-out http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/ 4 Secrets for Improving Your Writing http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/4-secrets-for-improving-your-writing Spelling and grammar mistakes happen all the time. You write an email to your boss and it says, “I think the new client is a fiend”, when you meant to say, “I think the new client is a friend”. This level of writing, while acceptable in casual communications makes you look sloppy at work for not proofreading it and can cost you your job. At best it will tarnish your professional image and your chances of promotion will drop significantly. Any employer will have to ask themselves why you are not checking for grammar and spelling errors before you submit. If you are a student, simple errors can have just as serious consequences, such as lower grades or even failing classes.
 
Here are a few tips to help you improve your writing before small errors lead to large negative impacts on your life.
 
  1. If you write a great deal, buy a good suite of writing software. Make sure that the grammar checker and spell checker are using the most updated version. If you are a student, use the spell and grammar checkers found in MS Word or other packaged suites.
  2. After letting the language check run, slowly and carefully proofread the text. Read it out loud and make sure you are paying attention to every word.
  3. When you are ready to check your spelling, read everything backwards. If the spelling is correct you should have no problem.
  4. Your English software, if stand alone, should come with spell checker, online and community based with up to date word trends; grammar checker (with grammar error explanations); punctuation correction and templates for everything from presentations to letters in different styles. Find the version that is best for your needs. Versions come in general writing, business writing, creative writing, legal writing and several others like technical writing. 
In the information age, effective communication is vital. Use the many tools at your disposal for checking for grammar and spelling errors and make all of your communications effective and professional looking. 


This article belongs to EnglishGrammarSoftware.com - the original article can be viewed here - 4 Secrets for Improving Your Writing]]> Thu, 01 Jan 1970 02:00:00 +0200 http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/4-secrets-for-improving-your-writing http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/ Verbs http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/verbs

Action verbs


Action verbs are used to express an action. Use this verb type to tell what someone or something is doing or has done.

Examples
Birds build nests in trees. ‘Build’ describes what the birds do.
The ball rolled down the hill. ‘Rolled’ tells what the ball has done.

To decide if a word is an action verb, just work out whether or not it is something you can do. You can build but you cannot bird, nor can you tree.

Linking verbs

These are used to link a subject in a sentence with information that concerns it. Another way to label linking verbs is as “state of being verbs”.

Examples

The strawberries taste sweet.
The baby is sleepy.

In the first example ‘taste’ gives information about the strawberries. It tells us that they are sweet. This is their state of being. In this instance ‘taste’ is used as a linking verb but it can also be used as an action verb.

In the second sentence ‘is’ links information about the baby to the fact that it is sleepy. This also is a state of being.

Auxiliary Verbs


These go with other verbs. They can also be called “helping” verbs, because they can help out or introduce the main verb.


Examples
The teacher is reading to the class.
The students should learn how to read.

In the first example the auxiliary verb would be ‘is’. ‘Is’ tells us that the action is happening at the moment.

In the second sentence ‘should’ is the auxiliary verb. The main verb in the sentence is ‘read’.

Some of the more commonly used auxiliary verbs include ‘be’, ‘have’ and ‘do’.

Check the function


Sometimes in the English language the same word is used for different functions. A word can be a noun when used as a person, place or thing. It could be a verb if used to indicate an action. The same word could even be an adjective in some cases, so it is wise to seek the help of an online grammar checker if you are at all unsure.

Examples

The children fish from the harbour wall.
Catching a huge fish is very exciting for the fisherman.

In the first sentence ‘fish is a verb. It is an action the children take when they are sitting on the harbour wall. In this case ‘fish’ is something you can do. In the second sentence ‘fish’ is a noun – it is an object.

You can find more information and examples of verbs by using online grammar checkers or English writing or grammar software.



This article belongs to EnglishGrammarSoftware.com - the original article can be viewed here - Verbs]]> Sun, 14 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/verbs http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/ Tense http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/tense Tense or verb tense refers to the time of a verb’s action.  Examples of tenses are past, present and future tense. For help with this you can use English grammar software. This will help with what you have written, but it is also important to have a basic understanding for when you are speaking.


Do not shift tense if the state of the action remains the same.


The main thing to try to remember is not to shift tense in the middle of a sentence or paragraph unintentionally. If you are telling a story, do not start by talking about what you did yesterday and switch to using a present tense verb indicating that you are currently doing what you had done.



Here is an example:
“At noon the clouds darkened and the wind picked up and announces the approaching storm.”

The tense of the verbs ‘darkened’ and ‘picked’ is past, but ‘announces’ is present. To correct this sentence you would say:
“At noon the clouds darkened and the wind picked up and announced the approaching storm.”

Do shift tense to indicate the change in time frame


When the state or action changes then you want to change the tense within the sentence. So if you are talking about how you feel about what you did in the past you change your tense.

Here is an example:
The ladies in the garden club love the flowers they planted.

‘The ladies love’ is present tense and tells how they feel today. They planted the flowers in the past. This is an appropriate shift in tense.

Controlling the change in tense in a paragraph or essay


When you are writing a paragraph or essay sometimes you have to change from past to present or future and back, perhaps several times. Make sure when you do this that it is done only when the state of event is in different time frames.

Hints

Firstly, there are various English writing software packages and English grammar checkers that will help you to obtain complete accuracy.

Generally use past tense to narrate events in the past. Anything that has already happened and is not perpetual or recurring would be past tense.

Present tense should be used for things that are currently happening and to refer to perpetual or habitual action. Present tense can also be used to describe any action in a literary work, movie or other fictional narrative. Ensure you only move tense as appropriate.

Future tense should be used to express things that have not yet happened but will in the future. These are usually expressed by using adverbs that include words like ‘will’, ‘shall’, ‘is going to’ and many others.

When in doubt, find an English editing software programme or online grammar check site to help you.


This article belongs to EnglishGrammarSoftware.com - the original article can be viewed here - Tense]]> Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/tense http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/ Modal Verbs http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/modal-verbs Modal verbs will give some additional information about the mood of the main verb. They help to incorporate or add to the level of necessity.



Examples

‘Must’ would imply obligation, a requirement with no choice
‘Should’ is a recommendation
‘Can’ or ‘could’ says that something is possible

Many modal verbs have two different and distinctive interpretations or meanings. One expresses how certain the factual statement is. This one is called ‘epistemic’. The second meaning is ‘deontic’ and involves notion of permission or obligation.



Examples

“You must be tired.”
This is the epistemic version. It basically says “It is necessarily the case that you are tired.”

“You must go to bed now.”
This is the deontic interpretation. This says “You are required to go to bed now.”

“You must speak English.”
This one is ambiguous. It would depend on the context in which it was placed. For example:
“You must speak English, because you have lived in the UK your whole life.” That would be epistemic.
“You must speak English if you want to work at Scotland Yard.” This would be deontic. In the case of this example you need the context to figure out exactly what the statement meant.


Some of the more common modal verbs are ‘can’, ‘shall’, ‘will’, ‘must’, ‘may’ and ‘dare’. The past tense for each of these words is also a modal verb. The words ‘dare’ and ‘need’ have both a modal use and a non-modal use.



Examples

He dare not drive the care
This is the modal use.

He does not dare to drive the car.
This is the non-modal use.

Some other modal verbs in the English language include ‘want’, ‘wish’ and ‘hope’. These all differ from the main or usual modal verbs because they take the particle “to” in the infinitive. These like all other English verbs are followed by “to” when they are used as a modal.



Example

“You want to go “
This is an example of a modal verb.

Some other pointers

‘Must’ and ‘Have to’

These are used to express that something is imperative. The difference between "must" and "have to" is found in the source of the obligation. “Must” is usually chosen when the obligation stems from an internal source. Meaning this is an obligation the person imposes on himself or herself. “Have to” is used when the source is external. In this case someone else, like a parent or boss, has imposed the obligation on you.



If you find yourself needing more information on this or other topics in grammar there is a lot of help available. You can use English writing software, online grammar checkers or online punctuation checkers.


This article belongs to EnglishGrammarSoftware.com - the original article can be viewed here - Modal Verbs]]> Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/modal-verbs http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/ Tips for Writing an Interesting Essay http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/tips-for-writing-an-essay Writing an essay can first appear as something of a daunting task. The word essay instantly causes most people to think in terms of in-depth facts and elaborate description. It doesn’t have to be difficult though. A good essay should always be interesting and must hold the attention of the reader. Unfortunately, essays have gained a bad reputation as perhaps being boring and hard to read through. It can be misconstrued as something that is long and drawn out, so it’s essential that your essay is presented in an interesting fashion.



An essay writer must come across as an authority on the subject that they are writing about. The reader wishes to feel as if they are being taught, so you must have a good knowledge of the subject which you are attempting to communicate to the reader. Adequate research is the backbone of your essay. Many essays require more research time than actual writing time so plan your time accordingly.



Readers enjoy factual content that is based on truth. Facts that are not well known work best in winning the attention of the reader. Using interesting facts can work greatly in your favour as it spreads the joy of knowledge. Many people will share something that they have read with others if it excites their interest. Consider that when preparing a piece of work.



Any of the facts that you use in your essay should always be taken from a reputable source that is known for consistent and factual information. Making the mistake of using false information will portray you as a writer that does not invest time wisely or confirms validity of resources properly. This is seriously frowned upon in essay writing. Don’t trust everything that you read on the internet!



It’s perfectly fine to borrow information from other sources and use your own words to work it into your essay. However, most essays include a list of sources. If you use information then it’s essential to cite the source accurately. There are certain ways this must be done in a proper format. Many types of business writing software will be able to assist you in this area of essay writing.



The first draft of an essay often is quite a mess of thoughts and facts. A rough draft should always be prepared before the final copy is attempted. Proper essay presentation is necessary for the writing to even be considered an essay. English grammar software should be used to check and correct the piece before it is considered finished. An interesting essay begins with the topic. From there it is up to the writer to weave the relevant facts so that readers (often examiners) will find them interesting.


This article belongs to EnglishGrammarSoftware.com - the original article can be viewed here - Tips for Writing an Interesting Essay]]> Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/tips-for-writing-an-essay http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/ Places to Use a Comma http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/places-to-use-a-comma The correct use of the comma remains a grand mystery and topic of debate among writers of all skill levels. Where one person may feel a comma is perfectly justified, another may decide it doesn’t fit at all. When it comes to editing the use of commas, there are many instances where it must be included in order for the sentence to make sense to the reader. The misplacing of a comma can effectually ruin an entire sentence of work by creating a false impression of the meaning.



The main use for a comma is to create a pause of sorts. This can often be a dramatic pause, for example in the course of fictional dialogue or during a speech given by a politician. Of course, the comma must be placed in the correct spot in order to achieve that kind of pause effect. This use of the comma can be very effective during a sentence that is full of strength and meaning.  A dramatic tone is used and the comma creates a smooth flow of words.



Another appropriate time when commas should be used involves a sentence where it is necessary to add to one current thought. Instead of two very short sentences one can use a comma to turn it into one longer sentence that is appropriately broken up. If you’re uncertain about how to do this, consider the use of English grammar software to point you in the right direction. The punctuation checker will assist with comma related queries.



When listing items for any reason a comma should always be used to separate them. To neglect the addition of commas in between listed words is to allow them to jumble together into an unintelligible mess. A comma not only makes it make sense, it also clarifies the sentence for the reader.



An occurrence when commas tend to be forgotten is during an introduction of some kind. When listing a name or source, a comma is often used to add something descriptive immediately after, such as a job title or other informative detail. Proper placement is necessary for the description to be accurately written.



The best way to gain experience with commas is to do a lot of reading and writing. While reading, note where and how the commas are used. Books have gone through substantial amounts of editing and the punctuation should be correct. Plenty can be learned about the use of commas through studying published text.


This article belongs to EnglishGrammarSoftware.com - the original article can be viewed here - Places to Use a Comma]]> Sun, 07 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/places-to-use-a-comma http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/ Writing Reference Letters http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/writing-reference-letters Writing a letter of reference can sometimes be difficult, depending on whom they are for and why. Before you agree to write a letter, you must think about whether or not you are the best person to write it. Do you have enough information and personal experience with the person to be able to write positive things about their personality?


Before you begin to write the reference letter, sit down with the person requesting your reference and find out exactly what they would like to see in the letter in terms of accomplishments or other personal information. Taking a look at their resume may also give you some idea of how to write about their accomplishments without divulging too many personal facts or information.

 

Despite an extensive history with certain jobs or organizations, you should only write about what you have personally witnessed or experienced with the person in question. A reference letter is a personal voucher for what you have seen this individual accomplish.

 

Write a reference letter in a professional manner. Using Business English style is the best and most effective way to correspond when writing anything to an outside party. Be sure to use English grammar software to ensure the letter is written correctly. Use other tools such as an online grammar checker to double-check sentences and use a spell-check to confirm that all words are spelled correctly.

 

In the reference letter, you should explain the length of time you have known the person as well as the qualities they possess that would make them a good fit in the position for which they are applying. If you have seen any of these qualities, be sure to give exact examples of how and why they were used in order to offer the employers a background of how the person handles various situations.

 

Only positive things should be stated. If you find that doing so will be difficult, you should opt out of writing the reference entirely. Experience, achievements, social interactions, organizational skills, and logical skills should all be shared when writing a reference letter. While it is acceptable to add achievements or other experiences, personal facts such as race, gender, religious, or marital status are not necessary for inclusion in the letter.

 

Keep the reference letter concise and professional using Business English and make sure that the length is appropriate for entry, whether it may be a job or school admission reference letter.


This article belongs to EnglishGrammarSoftware.com - the original article can be viewed here - Writing Reference Letters]]> Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/writing-reference-letters http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/ Writing to Improve Your Skills http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/writing-to-improve-your-skills
Often people ask ‘How can I improve my spelling?’ Or, ‘How can I check that my grammar is correct,’ mainly because they are frightened that their written work will show that they don’t have much understanding of grammar or that they seem to have slept through spelling lessons at school.

Yet the power of the computer and the internet can ensure that when you produce a piece of written work, that the grammar and spelling are absolutely fine, since you just run your work through a spell checker or grammar checker and within seconds you have a quality piece of work.

Once started all you have to do is to keep writing, so that your writing becomes easier and more fluent and you will then grow in confidence the more you write.  It really is that simple.  So even if the prospect of writing fills you with dread, use the programs available to start you off and then simply keep writing, editing and proofreading your work so that it consistently improves and becomes a versatile invaluable skill.

This article belongs to EnglishGrammarSoftware.com - the original article can be viewed here - Writing to Improve Your Skills]]> Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/writing-to-improve-your-skills http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/ Writing a Resume or CV http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/resume-or-cv-writing
The information needs to be succinct so that a busy potential employer will read it.  You may think your life has been interesting enough to warrant thirty pages of a resume, but it is never going to be read by an employer - at least not seriously.  Obviously you also need to check that you have spelled everything correctly and that the punctuation is correct.

Basically you need to provide information about your education, your qualifications and a little about your interests and who you are, but only a little.  One good way of making yourself stand out is to have interesting or unusual hobbies. Many people list walking, reading or music.  But if you list an interest such as white water rafting or something just that little bit different, then you are more likely to stick in the mind of the employer. But again be honest as you never know what knowledge an interviewer may have about a subject.  You can very easily end up looking a fool, and a dishonest one at that.

Try to make your resume a little bit snappy and adopt a tone that is enthusiastic and seems to be full of energy.  If your resume comes across as being dull and boring then you are far less likely to be hired.

This article belongs to EnglishGrammarSoftware.com - the original article can be viewed here - Writing a Resume or CV]]> Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/resume-or-cv-writing http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/ Writing a Dissertation/Thesis http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/writing-a-dissertation-thesis
Be very careful with the grammar in your work.  This is not an essay and you are expected to produce something which is of a very high academic standard.  Slang or informal words will make your English look slapdash and give the impression that you don’t know when it is appropriate to use different types of words.  It is always advisable to use some kind of online computer package to both spell and grammar check your work.  Obviously, you are bright enough to be writing a dissertation or thesis, so you don’t want to let yourself down by having fundamental errors of grammar present in your work.  

As a final note, you should always ensure that your work is well presented, according to the rules that have been set by your academic establishment.  Failure to do this will simply result in your being marked down, due to lack of attention to detail.  In addition, if it looks like it was just thrown together at the last minute; your readers are likely to be more critical.
This article belongs to EnglishGrammarSoftware.com - the original article can be viewed here - Writing a Dissertation/Thesis]]> Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0300 http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/writing-a-dissertation-thesis http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/ Styles of Writing English http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/writing-styles-in-english
Yet there are times when it is not desirable to inject too much of our own personal style into written work.  Business reports, presentations, formal letters and so on, should not be personalised too much by individual style, otherwise the very essence of the message that you are trying to put across can be lost.  A personal style is more acceptable in less formal settings.

Other people may not see the funny side of something you write.  If your grammar is poor and your spelling bad, or you use poor punctuation, then this will also detract from your message.  You may think that ignoring the rules of language is not important and insist on using your own unique style and grammar, but, if you do this, you risk alienating whoever is reading your piece of writing. So keep humour at a minimum, make sure that your grammar and syntax is correct (as well as your spelling) and then write as best you can.  Some of your own unique style will still show through, but it will not dominate, if you write within the rules of English.  This will produce an end result that is much more professional and, more importantly, much easier to read. 

This article belongs to EnglishGrammarSoftware.com - the original article can be viewed here - Styles of Writing English]]> Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0300 http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/writing-styles-in-english http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/ How to Write a Job Description http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/how-to-write-a-job-description
So the job description needs to be very carefully drafted. It must contain all the tasks and responsibilities that the job entails, as well as some kind of statement about how you would expect the employee to ‘carry out any other duties commensurate with the post’. This means that you can ask the employee to do things that are not expressly mentioned in the job description (within reason).

However, the job description also needs to make the job look appealing, so that a potential employee will actually want to apply for the job. So it should be written in a style which is fairly formal, yet slightly upbeat to make people more willing to apply.

One important point to bear in mind is that the job description needs to be well written. This will ensure that it is clear, so that if any disputes arise with the employee in the future, then there can be no arguments that the job description is unclear.  Ensure that you use a spellchecker as well as a grammar checker, so that you can be certain that it is free from grammatical errors.
This article belongs to EnglishGrammarSoftware.com - the original article can be viewed here - How to Write a Job Description]]> Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0300 http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/how-to-write-a-job-description http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/ How to Write a Business Plan Successfully http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/business-plan-writing
Preparing a business plan may be divided into three separate categories: preparation; identifying sections that need to be included in the plan; followed by the actual writing of a business plan. The various elements of a business plan may include key points that include but are not limited to:

  • an outline of the business model
  • description of your product or service
  • market definitions that may include costs, production, marketing, and sales information
  • a product distribution plan
  • a plan for promotion
  • identifying various aspects of competition or competitors
  • financing
  • the business structure
  • short-term and long-term goals and strategies
  • revenue and returns projections

Of course, there is much more involved in creating a successfully constructed business plan.  This means paying careful attention to complete sentence structure and correct grammar and punctuation are essential of course. Make sure that you proofread your writing thoroughly and correct any grammatical errors that might have occurred throughout the document. Remember that even the best business plan document may run into problems if thought processes are not expressed in complete sentences or if the grammar and punctuation falls short of the required standard.

Writing clearly and concisely using easy to understand terms is an important aspect of creating a document that will be positively received by your audience. Successfully writing a business plan means carefully considering that potential audience before commencing work and then being willing to redefine or revise the plan through multiple drafts until it reaches the point where it will be understood by everyone who might read it.

It cannot be stressed forcefully enough that English grammar software should be used and English proofreading and editing be performed on the document. If you use an online grammar checker or grammar checker software, always have one or more people read through the document to check for sentence structure clarity and clear understanding prior to sending the document to print.

Successfully writing a business plan means following the basics, maintaining correctly constructed and clear sentences, followed by careful proofreading and grammar checks.
This article belongs to EnglishGrammarSoftware.com - the original article can be viewed here - How to Write a Business Plan Successfully]]> Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0300 http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/business-plan-writing http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/ How to Learn English http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/how-to-learn-english
The foundation to any language is the vocabulary which has to be learnt in order to communicate effectively.  Along with the vocabulary the grammar is also very important, since this holds the vocabulary together and ensures that what you are saying makes sense.

It is possible to learn online but probably learning in a class will help with pronunciation.  Then all you have to do is to practice and practice!  You need to practice both speaking the language and writing it, in order to perfect it.  The best way of practising spoken English is with other native English speakers, but failing this, try with other students who are also learning the language.

There are lots of computer packages and tools to help with this and also to help you get the most from your class.  So after you have written something run it through a grammar checker which helps you to see where you have made a mistake and will allow you to rectify this.  By doing this on a regular basis you will find that your confidence increases and that you become much more adept at the English language.  

This article belongs to EnglishGrammarSoftware.com - the original article can be viewed here - How to Learn English]]> Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0300 http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/how-to-learn-english http://www.englishgrammarsoftware.com/