{"id":2880,"date":"2016-09-09T13:43:28","date_gmt":"2016-09-09T13:43:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/commonenglisherrors.com\/?p=2880"},"modified":"2017-12-15T09:56:25","modified_gmt":"2017-12-15T09:56:25","slug":"business-emails-grammar-rules","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/commonenglisherrors.com\/business-emails-grammar-rules\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write Effective Business Emails at Work"},"content":{"rendered":"
There\u2019s a difference between writing emails to friends and writing emails to your boss at work.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s the quality of grammar and correct spelling, and tone that matters a lot in business email writing.<\/p>\n
We tend to be laid-back while writing emails to friends and family because it\u2019s a casual or semi-casual communication – \u00a0there\u2019s nothing to lose if they\u00a0find a few errors<\/a>.<\/p>\n However, you can\u2019t afford to do so when, for example, you\u2019re applying for a job to your prospective employer.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, a lot of people don\u2019t really write their business emails seriously enough even when they know it\u2019s crucial to their job.\u00a0Many don\u2019t even know how to write a proper business email.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s in this article, I\u2019m going to share with you a few tips which will help you write proper business emails without committing any silly English errors.<\/p>\n First off, let\u2019s look at an outline of a typical business email with different fragments.<\/p>\n The opening of a business email usually carries an informal or casual tone.\u00a0For example:<\/p>\n Hey Rand,<\/p>\n I hope you\u2019re doing well! \/ How was your weekend? \/ How was your day off? \/ Hope you had a restful weekend! \/ How are you doing today?<\/p>\n Before stating the purpose of your email, relate it to any of your previous correspondences. It usually carries a formal tone.\u00a0For example:<\/p>\n After referring to the previous correspondence, you need to state the purpose of your email. It usually carries a formal tone.\u00a0For example:<\/p>\n If you\u2019re requesting the recipient of something, you need to use a formal tone and articulate your voice to make the best impact possible.\u00a0For example:<\/p>\n This is one of the most crucial parts of business emails. Many tend to phrase their sentences incorrectly while referring to attachments.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve written a very comprehensive post<\/a> on how to refer to email attachments.<\/p>\n Here are some examples:<\/p>\n Depending on the context of your email, you can promise some action in order to set an impetus to your communication. You should usually use a formal\u00a0tone here.\u00a0For example:<\/p>\n You can close a business email with a casual or informal tone. This is a business courtesy.\u00a0For example:<\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: Remember to sign off your business emails in the following ways:<\/p>\n The way you write your business emails reflects a lot of your professionalism. There are a number of online resources (including Google Search) to help you hone your email writing skills.<\/p>\n There are no excuses for making mistakes.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s take a look at some business email writing mistakes frequently committed at workplaces.<\/p>\n Today, the workplace ambience is increasingly becoming more politically correct than ever. Using male pronouns<\/a> while referring to female recipients is highly uncalled for.<\/p>\n To avoid this, use \u201chim\/her\u201d or \u201chis\/hers\u201d.<\/p>\n However, with the emergence of non-binary pronouns, you need to be more careful about referring to genders. Here\u2019s an insightful article<\/a> on BBC.<\/p>\n There are quite a few similar sounding words that easily confuse many. However, when you write business emails in a professional environment, you should brush up your elementary grammar to avoid any confusion. Keep a list of those common mix-ups<\/a> and learn how to avoid them while writing emails.<\/p>\n Learn the Difference Between:<\/em><\/p>\n Using all upper case is considered a\u00a0lack of etiquette in the online world, unless, of course, you want to yell at someone.<\/p>\n Similarly, don\u2019t use multiple exclamation points\/ questions marks\/ dots.<\/p>\n The following examples sound odd in business emails.<\/p>\n Always proofread your emails before sending them. Install Grammarly\u2019s browser extension<\/a> \u2013 I\u2019ve found this extremely useful. The good news is it\u2019s totally free!<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a screenshot of Grammarly browser extension in action.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n
Opening of a Business Email<\/h2>\n
Referring to Previous Emails<\/h2>\n
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Stating the Purpose of Your Email<\/h2>\n
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Making Requests in Business Emails<\/h2>\n
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Referring to Attachments<\/h2>\n
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Promising Actions<\/h2>\n
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Closing a Business Email<\/h2>\n
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Avoid the Following Mistakes in Business Emails<\/h2>\n
Including Exclusive Pronouns<\/h2>\n
Being Confused about Similar Sounding Words<\/h2>\n
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Using CAPS<\/h2>\n
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Proofread Your Business Emails<\/h2>\n