Writing clearer sentences
If you tend to put key information late in the sentence, you may lose your reader.Move the following highlighted words to earlier in the sentence… Read More »Writing clearer sentences
Carol Waites
Carol Waites is a writing skills consultant and trainer. She works with international organizations to help their writers communicate in a clear, concise manner appropriate to today's audience and reading style. Her students and guests receive weekly writing tip reminders when they sign up for the newsletter.
Commas with conjunctions
Conjunctions usually require commas to help the reader distinguish the different parts of a sentence. Here are some examples from Human Rights reports with the… Read More »Commas with conjunctions
Confusing words: ensure, insure, assure, affect, effect
Do you find these words confusing? Test yourself, then see if you need to refresh your knowledge. Choose the correct word in each sentence. Answer… Read More »Confusing words: ensure, insure, assure, affect, effect
Editing tools
When we have written several drafts, we need to edit our text. Here are some basic questions on editing and proofreading. The answers below are… Read More »Editing tools
How many Englishes are there and which is the right one?
English as a first language: We have all heard of US and UK English. And Canadian, Australian, South African and New Zealand varieties. But what… Read More »How many Englishes are there and which is the right one?
Style and style guides
For the new beginning after the summer, let’s start with a basic quiz about style guides.Discuss with yourself or a colleague, then check against the… Read More »Style and style guides
How to use AI as a writing coach
There’s nothing worse than getting a piece of writing where AI has clearly drafted it. It will be full of empty phrases and detached language.… Read More »How to use AI as a writing coach
Conjunctions with punctuation rules and journalistic usage
Where to put punctuation with conjunctions is often confusing. See this explanation given by Grammarly: Subordinating conjunctions Because, although, since, unless, while, if Examples from… Read More »Conjunctions with punctuation rules and journalistic usage
Test your editing skills
Proofread and correct these examples from United Nations writings. The United Nations and most international organizations in the UN system use the Editorial Manual online.… Read More »Test your editing skills
Switching between diplomatic and plain English writing
When writing to diplomatic missions or within international organizations, the goal is often clarity wrapped in courtesy and neutrality. Diplomatic language softens directness, avoids blame… Read More »Switching between diplomatic and plain English writing