business writing: grammar workshop 3
TRANSCRIPT
Improving Business Writing
Writing Workshop Series: Grammar Skills
December 3, 2015 Rachael Walker
Overview
Part 2: Context
ConditionalProblems hit listDescribing change
Conditional and Subjunctive
Conditional and Subjunctive
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future Possible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win tomorrow.
Possible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win tomorrow.
I hope
Possible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win tomorrow.
I hope I win tomorrow.
Possible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win tomorrow.
I hope I win tomorrow.
Possible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future Possible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
You will give a mouse a cookie.
Possible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
You will give a mouse a cookie.
If you give a mouse a cookie, he will want a glass of milk.
Possible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
You will give a mouse a cookie.
If you give a mouse a cookie, he will want a glass of milk.
Possible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
You will give a mouse a cookie.
If you give a mouse a cookie, he will want a glass of milk.
Possible
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future (possible)Future or present (impossible)Past
In use
Conditional and Subjunctive
Present
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Present impossible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Present
I have a dog.
impossible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Present
I have a dog now.
I wish
impossible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Present
I have a dog now.
I wish I had a dog now.
impossible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Present
I have a dog now.
I wish I had a dog now.
impossible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
impossible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win $1million.
impossible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win $1million.
I wish
impossible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win $1million.
I wish I would win $1million.
impossible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win $1million.
I wish I would win $1million.
impossible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future impossible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win $1million.
impossible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win $1million.
If I won $1million,
impossible
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win $1million.
If I won $1million, I would be happy.
impossibleFuture possible
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win $1million.
If I won $1million, I would be happy.
impossibleFuture possible
I will win tomorrow.
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win $1million.
If I won $1million, I would be happy.
impossibleFuture possible
I will win tomorrow.
If I win tomorrow, I will be happy.
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win $1million.
If I won $1million, I would be happy.
impossibleFuture possible
I will win tomorrow.
If I win tomorrow, I will be happy.
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win $1million.
If I won $1million, I would be happy.
impossibleFuture possible
I will win tomorrow.
If I win tomorrow, I will be happy.
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win $1million.
If I won $1million, I would be happy.
impossiblePresent impossible
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win $1million.
If I won $1million, I would be happy.
impossiblePresent impossible
I have a dog.
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win $1million.
If I won $1million, I would be happy.
impossiblePresent impossible
I have a dog.
If I had a dog, I would be happy.
Conditional and Subjunctive
BE
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
BE
I am taller.
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
BE
I am taller.
I wish I were taller.
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
BE
I am taller.
I wish I were taller.
If I were taller I would play basketball
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future (possible)Future or present (impossible)Past
In use
Conditional and Subjunctive
Past
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Past
I studied in high school.
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Past
I studied in high school.
I wish I had studied in high school.
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Past
I studied in high school.
I wish I had studied in high school.
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Past
I studied in high school.
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Past
I studied in high school.
If I
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Past
I studied in high school.
If I had studied
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Past
I studied in high school.
If I had studied, I would have graduated early.
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Past
I studied in high school.
If I had studied, I would have graduated early.would did
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win $1million.
If I won $1million, I would be happy.
impossible
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win $1million.
If I won $1million, I would be happy.
impossiblePast
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win $1million.
If I won $1million, I would be happy.
impossiblePast
I studied.
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future
I will win $1million.
If I won $1million, I would be happy.
impossiblePast
I studied.
If I had studied, I would have graduated early.
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future PossibleIf I win tomorrow,
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future PossibleIf I win tomorrow, I will be happy.
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future PossibleIf I win tomorrow, I will be happy.
Future ImpossibleIf I won $1million,
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future PossibleIf I win tomorrow, I will be happy.
Future ImpossibleIf I won $1million, I would be happy.
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future PossibleIf I win tomorrow, I will be happy.
Future ImpossibleIf I won $1million, I would be happy.
PastIf I had won $1million,
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future PossibleIf I win tomorrow, I will be happy.
Future ImpossibleIf I won $1million, I would be happy.
PastIf I had won $1milliom, I would have been happy.
Backslide
Conditional and Subjunctive
Future (possible)Future or present (impossible)Past
In use
Conditional and Subjunctive
Stating a general rule
Conditional and Subjunctive
Stating a general ruleFuture speculations
Conditional and Subjunctive
Stating a general ruleFuture speculationsPromises and threats
Conditional and Subjunctive
Stating a general ruleFuture speculationsPromises and threatsImagining
Conditional and Subjunctive
Stating a general ruleFuture speculationsPromises and threatsImaginingBargaining
Conditional and Subjunctive
Stating a general ruleFuture speculationsPromises and threatsImaginingBargainingPast speculation
Conditional and Subjunctive
Stating a general ruleFuture speculationsPromises and threatsImaginingBargainingPast speculation
Varying language
Conditional and Subjunctive
Stating a general ruleFuture speculationsPromises and threatsImaginingBargainingPast speculation
Varying language
Conditional and Subjunctive
Stating a general ruleFuture speculationsPromises and threatsImaginingBargainingPast speculation
Varying language
Conditional and Subjunctive
Stating a general ruleFuture speculationsPromises and threatsImaginingBargainingPast speculation
Varying language
Conditional in Context
Stating a general rule or habit
Conditional in Context
Stating a general rule or habit
Simple present:
Conditional in Context
Stating a general rule or habit (Zero Conditional)
Simple present:
Conditional in Context
Stating a general rule or habit (Zero Conditional)
Simple present:
When she arrives at work, she checks her email.
Conditional in Context
Stating a general rule or habit (Zero Conditional)
Simple present:
When she arrives at work, she checks her email.
If you order bulk, you get a discount.
Conditional in Context
Stating a general rule or habit (Zero Conditional)
Simple present:
When she arrives at work, she checks her email.
If you order bulk, you get a discount.
If the paperwork is incomplete, the order is usually delayed.
Conditional and Subjunctive
Stating a general ruleFuture speculationsPromises and threatsImaginingBargainingPast speculation
Varying language
Conditional in Context
Speculating about the future
Conditional in Context
Speculating about the future
Future possible:
Conditional in Context
Speculating about the future
Future possible:
If we implement the new system, there will be a marked increase in efficiency.
Conditional in Context
Speculating about the future
Future possible:
If we implement the new system, there will be a marked increase in efficiency.
If we fail to update the database, we will lose revenue.
Conditional and Subjunctive
Stating a general ruleFuture speculationsPromises and threatsImaginingBargainingPast speculation
Varying language
Conditional in Context
Unless and if
Conditional in Context
Unless and ifUnless = if + not
Conditional in Context
Unless and ifUnless = if + not
If we do not update the database...
Conditional in Context
Unless and ifUnless = if + not
If we do not update the database...
Unless we update the database...
Conditional in Context
Unless and ifUnless = if + not
If we do not update the database...
Unless we update the database...
we will lose revenue.
Conditional in Context
Promises, warnings, and threats
Conditional in Context
Promises, warnings, and threats
Future possible
Conditional in Context
Promises, warnings, and threats
Future possible
Promise
Conditional in Context
Promises, warnings, and threats
Future possible
Promise
Warning
Conditional in Context
Promises, warnings, and threats
Future possible
Promise
Warning
Threat
Conditional in Context
Promises, warnings, and threats
Future possible
Promise If you order now you will get a free gift!
Warning
Threat
Conditional in Context
Promises, warnings, and threats
Future possible
Promise If you order now you will get a free gift!
Warning We will not continue with production unless the factory complies with our request.
Threat
Conditional in Context
Promises, warnings, and threats
Future possible
Promise If you order now you will get a free gift!
Warning We will not continue with production unless the factory complies with our request.
Threat
Conditional in Context
Promises, warnings, and threats
Future possible
Promise If you order now you will get a free gift!
Warning We will not continue with production unless the factory complies with our request.
Threat Unless we receive payment this week, we willbe forced to pursue legal action.
Conditional and Subjunctive
Stating a general ruleFuture speculationsPromises and threatsImaginingBargainingPast speculation
Varying language
Conditional in Context
Imagining
Conditional in Context
Imagining
Unlikely or impossible
Conditional in Context
Imagining
Unlikely or impossible
If we hired an agency, we would recover debt more easily.
Conditional in Context
Imagining
Less probable situations
Conditional in Context
Imagining
Less probable situations
If we hired an agency, we would recover debt more easily.
Conditional in Context
Imagining
Less probable situations
If we hired an agency, we would recover debt more easily. we could recover debt more easily.
Conditional in Context
Imagining
Less probable situations
If we hired an agency, we would recover debt more easily. we could recover debt more easily. we might recover debt more easily.
Conditional in Context
Imagining
Less probable situations
If we hired an agency, we would recover debt more easily. we could recover debt more easily. we might recover debt more easily.
What would happen if the stock market crashed?
Conditional and Subjunctive
Stating a general ruleFuture speculationsPromises and threatsImaginingBargainingPast speculation
Varying language
Conditional in Context
Bargaining
Conditional in Context
Bargaining
If you give a us a 5% discount, we will make a repeat order.
Conditional in Context
Bargaining
If you give a us a 5% discount, we will make a repeat order.
If you gave us a 5% discount, we would make a repeat order.
Conditional and Subjunctive
Stating a general ruleFuture speculationsPromises and threatsImaginingBargainingPast speculation
Varying language
Conditional in Context
Past speculation
Past
If the price-earnings ration had been higher, we would have purchased more shares.
Conditional in Context
Past speculation
Past
Conditional in Context
Past speculation
Past
If the price-earnings ratio had been higher, we would have purchased more shares.
Conditional in Context
Past speculation
Past
If the price-earnings ratio had been higher, we would have purchased more shares.
Conditional in Context
Past speculation
Past
If the price-earnings ratio had been higher, we would have purchased more shares.
Had we anticipated the power failure, we would have updated sooner.
Conditional in Context
Past speculation
Past
If the price-earnings ratio had been higher, we would have purchased more shares.
Had we anticipated the power failure, we would have updated sooner.
Conditional in Context
Past speculation
Past
If the price-earnings ratio had been higher, we would have purchased more shares.
Had we anticipated the power failure, we would have updated sooner.
Conditional in Context
Past speculation
Past
If the price-earnings ratio had been higher, we would have purchased more shares.
Had we anticipated the power failure, we would have updated sooner.
The program could have succeeded if management had been competent.
Conditional in Context
Past speculation
Past
If the price-earnings ratio had been higher, we would have purchased more shares.
Had we anticipated the power failure, we would have updated sooner.
The program could have succeeded if management had been competent.
Conditional and Subjunctive
Stating a general ruleFuture speculationsPromises and threatsImaginingBargainingPast speculation
Varying language
Conditional in context
Varying language
Conditional in context
Varying language
Provided (that)
Conditional in context
Varying language
Provided (that)On condition that
Conditional in context
Varying language
Provided (that)On condition thatIn case of
Conditional in context
Varying language
Provided (that)On condition thatIn case of
Provided they don't renege on their offer, we will sign the contract next week.
Conditionals in Context
Varying language
Mixed conditionals
Conditionals in Context
Varying language
Mixed conditionals
If the factory weren't so far from here (present) we would have bought it already. (past)
If we had bought it earlier (past)we wouldn't need to deal with Mr. Smith. (present)
Conditionals in Context
Varying language
Mixed conditionals
If the factory weren't so far from here (present)
Conditionals in Context
Varying language
Mixed conditionals
If the factory weren't so far from here (present) we would have bought it already. (past)
I
Conditionals in Context
Varying language
Mixed conditionals
If the factory weren't so far from here (present) we would have bought it already. (past)
If we had bought it earlier (past)
Conditionals in Context
Varying language
Mixed conditionals
If the factory weren't so far from here (present) we would have bought it already. (past)
If we had bought it earlier (past)we wouldn't need to deal with Mr. Smith. (present)
Conditionals in Context
Polite requests
If you will come this way, I'll show you to your office.
Conditionals in Context
Polite requests
If you will come this way, I'll show you to your office.If you come this way,
We would be grateful if you would please refrain from spreading the news just yet.
Conditionals in Context
Polite requests
If you will come this way, I'll show you to your office.If you come this way,
Dear Abby Activity
Phase One – Write a letter to Dear Abby
1. You forgot to lock your car and as a result, your books were stolen from the back seat. How could you have avoided having your books stolen?
2. You were absent from class on Monday when the teacher told the class there would be a test on Tuesday. How could you have avoided failing the test?
3. Your dog always barks late at night. As a result, your neighbor has threatened to kill the dog. What will save your dog’s life?
4. You were out having a good time. On your way home, a policeman gave you a ticket for speeding. How could you have avoided getting a ticket?
5. Although you know that you are not a very good cook, you prepared dinner for all of your friends. As a result, all of your friends got sick and had to be taken to the hospital. How could this situation have been avoided?
7. Every time you go shopping, you go at 5:00 when the store is busiest. As a result, you always have to stand in a long check-out line. How can you avoid standing in a long line the next time you go to the store?
Phase Two – Switch and respond
Overview
Part 2: ContextConditionalDescribing changePrepositions activitySpeculationProblems hit list
Describing change
Past trends
Present trends
Key words
Describing change
Past trends
Present trends
Key words
Describing change
Past trendsFinished
Simple pastNike's market share increased by from April to May.
Describing change
Past trendsContext
Past ContinuousNike's stock was increasing when she bought the shares.
Describing change
Past trendsInterruption
Past perfect continuousNike's stock had increased by 5% when she bought the
shares.
Describing change
Past trendsUsing numbers
Past perfectNike's stock had been increasing when she bought the
shares.
Describing change
Past trends
Present trends
Key words
Graphics
Present TrendsOngoing change
Present continuous Nike's market share is increasing.Nike's market share increased.
Graphics
Present TrendsOngoing change
Present perfect Nike's market share has increased.Nike's market share has been increasing.Nike's market share is increasing.
Describing change
Present trendsUsing numbers
Nike's market share has increased by 5%.
Describing change
Past trends
Present trends
Key words
Describing change
Key wordsHow long
Time until now
Describing change
Key wordsHow long
DuringFromUntilFor
Time until now
Describing change
How long?During
During the first few years we broke even.During the first few years we were breaking even.
Describing change
How long?From
From 1991 – 1999 the economy improved dramatically.From 1991 – 1999 the .com bubble was inflating.
Describing change
How long?Until
The economy seemed healthy until the bubble burst.The economy was growing rapidly until the bubble burst.The economy had been growing rapidly until the bubble
burst.
Describing change
How long?Until
The economy seemed healthy until the bubble burst.The economy was growing rapidly until the bubble burst.The economy had been growing rapidly until the bubble
burst.
Describing change
How long?For
Length of time Length of time Length of time
Now Now Now
Describing change
How long?We will target the new demographic for 6 months.We targeted the new demographic for 6 months.We have targeted the new demographic for 6 months.We have been targeting the new demographic for 6 months.
Describing change
Key words
How long
Time until nowSinceOver
Describing change
Time until nowSince
The new system has been in operation since 2010.They have been learning to operate the machinery
since April.
Describing change
Time until nowOver
Over the last five years, the business has grown.Over the last five years, the business has been growing.Over those years, the business grew.
Overview
Part 2: ContextConditionalDescribing changePrepositions activityGetting things doneProblems hit list
Prepositions of change
____ the end of April, sales stood ____ $150 million, having risen _______ a low point ______ just _______ $100 million.
_______ the next couple of months, they rose steadily to reach a peak ______ $190 million. They then fell sharply _____ $35 million towards the end of July, but have crept up _____ $160 since then.
of to by at under from over
Overview
Part 2: ContextConditionalDescribing changePrepositions activityGetting things doneProblems hit list
Getting Things Done
Have something done
Emphasis
Language variety
Getting Things Done
PassiveThey are having their boilers cleaned.They get them cleaned every year.They have always had them cleaned on site.
Getting Things Done
PassiveRequests
Could you have this authorized for me?
Getting Things Done
Have something done
Emphasis
Language variety
Getting Things done
PassiveThe telephone was invented by Graham Bell.
We had the catering staff prepare the meal.They have had IT update the operating system twice.
I got maintenance to test to air conditioning.
Getting Things Done
Have something done
Emphasis
Language variety
Getting Things Done
Linguistic varietyDone:
attend to contend with deal with follow up onhandle process see to take care of
There are many things to attend to before the fair.All orders are processed in three days.
Overview
Part 2: ContextConditionalDescribing changePrepositions activityGetting things doneSuggestionsProblems hit list
Problems Hit List
Which / that
Lay / lie
Fewer / less
Amount / number
Then / than
Who / whom
Affect / effect
Continual / continuous
Nor
Whether / if
Different from / different than
Farther / further
eg. / i.e.
Problem Hit list
ThatRestricts – I don't trust fruits that aren't organic.
WhichQualifies – I recommend organic fruits, which are available in
most grocery stores.
Problem Hit list
ThatRestricts – The house that is burning is mine.
WhichQualifies –The house which is burning is mine.
Problem Hit list
LayDirect object Lay the pencil down.
LieNo direct objectI'm going to lie down.
Problem Hit list
FewerCountableThe firm has fewer employees.
LessUncountableI have less work to do today.
Problem Hit list
Number CountableThe number of employees is growing.
AmountUncountableThe amount of work is unbearable.
Problem Hit list
Than ComparativeThe price is higher than is was last year.
ThenTimeThey will change the system, then they will fix
unforeseen problems.
Problem Hit list
Who Subject pronoun (he)Who is coming? (He is coming.)
WhomPredicate pronoun (him)Whom should I invite? (I should invite him.)To whom should this be addressed?
Problem Hit list
Affect VerbThe situation affected earnings.
EffectNounThe situation had an effect on earnings.
Problem Hit list
Continual Always (repeatedly)They are continually monitoring safety.
ContinuousNo stopsThe continuous noise has caused employee
complaints.
Problem Hit list
Nor And not
Neither the manager nor the employees have the password.
The factory does not have a cafeteria or vending machines.
The factory has has neither a cafeteria nor vending machines.
Problem Hit list
Whether AlternativesIt is unclear whether the manager will be let go.
IfNo alternativesIf the manager is let go, they will have to replace him
quickly.
Problem Hit list
Different from Preposition (noun)The new manager is different from the last.
Different thanClause (clause indicator)The college is different than when I was in school.
Problem Hit list
Farther Measurable distanceThe new site is farther from HQ.
FurtherAbstract distanceThe policy was terminated before further damage
could be caused.
Problem Hit list
e.g. “For example”HR has several serious problems, e.g. the ability to
efficiently replace managers.
i.e.“In other words” He objects to the changes, i.e. he will not accept
them.