Michelle Baker

The word “orient” is a verb meaning “to become accustomed to one’s surroundings.” The word “disorientated” is an adjective means “not accustomed to one’s surroundings.” The verb “orientate” was mistakenly formed from the adjective. It is a longer (and a useless and a more irritating) form of the verb orient.

Dominant is an adjective meaning “having greater strength or numbers.” Dominate is a verb meaning “to be in control of.” The two sound similar, so editors should be aware that writers from oral traditions may confuse them.

Lists, including bullet points, should be presented in parallel structure, meaning all items should be in the same grammatical form. Sometimes that means we have to search our vocabulary banks.

X Current literature clearly indicates that authentic leaders have qualities such as being positive, optimistic, and self-assured, and possessing moral…[Read more]

“Effect” is most often used as a noun meaning “the result produced.” (The effect of the damp on his asthma was to make it hard for him to breathe.)

“Effect” also has use as a verb, when it means “to bring something into being.” (Through their tireless efforts, the NGO effected a change in policy.)

“Affect” is most often used as a verb meaning “to produce some result.” (The damp affected his asthma and made it hard for him to breathe.)

“Affect” also has use as an intransitive verb (without a direct object), when it means to “act as if, to adopt an air, or to pretend.” (She affected a superiority he neither felt nor possessed.)

Fi…[Read more]

Writers will sometimes use the word “impact” to substitute for “affect” or “effect.” The words are not exactly synonymous. As a synonym for result, “impact” carries the negative connotations of being strong and bad. “Impact” also has the secondary meaning of being hit with physical force.

Did you know that all government writers, except public affairs specialists, should use the Government Printing Office Style Manual to keep their documents consistent? The GPO, as it’s commonly called, contains guidance on everything from capitalization and commas to presentation of numbers. Check it out!

Are you using one space or two between sentences? The Government Printing Office Style Manual, 2.49 says that one justified space should be used between sentences in all government publications.

Today’s Daily Writing Tip: Differentiate Between the En Dash and the Em Dash

The two marks of punctuation look similar, but one is slightly longer than the other, and they each have specific uses. Government writers should check out the Government Printing Office Style Guide Manual 8.60-8.75 for a complete list of correct uses. For a more general…[Read more]

Today’s Daily Writing Tip: Differentiate Between the En Dash and the Em Dash

The two marks of punctuate look similar, but one is slightly longer than the other, and they each have specific uses. Government writers should check out the Government Printing Office Style Guide Manual 8.60-8.75 for a complete list of correct uses. For a more general…[Read more]

Hi Janna -I see you’re from the DHHS. I have not worked with your agency, but I would be willing to talk with you to determine what your needs are.

Lori – given my specialization in conservation writing and environmental scientists, we would probably be a good fit. I would welcome the chance to talk with you at your convenience.

Currently, I…[Read more]