Better English writing requires you to follow common rules that have been universally accepted. There are many such rules that you need to follow. Although there are areas where flexibility is allowed, the rules allow for better presentation and readability.
Some of the common and simple rules require that you:
1. Begin each sentence with a capital letter.
Incorrect: the sheep jumped over the fence.
Right: The sheep jumped over the fence.
2. End each sentence with a punctuation mark.
Incorrect: Do your children visit you?
Right: Do your children visit you?
3. Use capital letters for proper nouns.
Wrong – they are members of the Golden Sands resort.
Right: They are members of the Golden Sands Resort.
4. Avoid short forms in formal writing.
Wrong: Please don’t overlook the importance of better English writing.
Right: Please don’t overlook the importance of better English writing.
5. Make sure each award represents a complete idea. It must have a subject or a verb.
6. Use the comma correctly to join a sentence that is made up of two statements that cannot stand on their own.
Wrong: I called her and there was no answer.
Right: I called her, but there was no answer.
7. Separate a list of items with a comma unless the list begins with a colon(:).
Wrong: Better English writing is made up of correct spelling and grammar punctuation.
Right: Better English writing is made up of correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Better English writing needs care and concern. You have to make sure that you check and proofread your written work. Have you followed all the rules that apply to your job? While the technical details are important, you should also pay attention to the overall quality of the document. How does it flow? Have you expressed your ideas clearly and concisely? Is it right for your reader or target audience?
It would be difficult to spend time checking the overall quality of your written work if technical details are holding you back. What you need to do is find enough time to check the overall quality of your work. How can you do this? Does this mean you have to get someone else to do routine checks? What are your other options? Learn about an option that has become increasingly popular even among those who are good at writing. Use the option for better English writing and your greatest success.