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Stop Constipated Writing

I’m a business writing instructor.  So, when I see articles on “how to avoid colloquial  (informal) writing,” I cringe. Truth is, I like informal writing, especially in business.

We spend too much of our professional lives trying to measure up to someone’s constipated view of the English language. Forget about it. If you want to connect with your customers, write to them like human beings – not robots.   

Actually, I agree with much of the article I hyperlinked. Yes, “filler” words, sentences ending in prepositions and clichés are all bad. But contractions – what’s so wrong with them?

There’s a middle ground when it comes to business writing.  Use proper grammar. Just don’t be so darn stuffy that you aren’t writing to your audience. And writing to your audience is the number one rule of any form of writing.

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