Includes glossary, bibliographical reference and index.

"This updated edition provides clear, concise instruction on every form of business writing, from traditional business letters, reports, and memos to e-mail and other electronic communications. The author emphasizes that effective business English begins with mastering grammar and sentence structure and presents a brush-up review of grammar and correct English usage. She also advises on achieving an appropriate business style that conveys the writer's message succinctly without resorting to stilted, overly formal language or meaningless jargon. This book is perfect for the modern businessperson since it's been updated for today's web-based world. Includes excellent examples of model business letters, résumés, employment letters, interoffice memos and e-mail, new releases, and business reports. Additional features include exercises with answers and a glossary of business terms" (Book cover).

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Table of Model Letters

Preface

PART ONE - GRAMMAR AND SENTENCE STRUCTURE

Chapter 1 – Identifying Verbs and Subjects
Recognizing Verbs
Recognizing Subjects
Principal Parts of the Verb
Review Exercises

Chapter 2 – Sentence completers
Adjectives
Adverbs
Direct Objects
Predicate Nominatives and Adjectives
Review Exercises

Chapter 3 – The Sentence vs. Fragments vs. Run-Ons
The Basic Sentence
More Complicated Sentences
The Fragment
Still More Complicated Sentences
The Run-On
Words of Transition
Summary
Review Exercises

Chapter 4 – Subject-Verb Agreement
The Natural S
The Noun S
The Possessive S
The Verb S
Review Exercises

Chapter 5 – Verb Forms
Tense Recognition
Tense Formation
Irregular Verbs
The Future Tense
Tense Use

Passive Voice
Review Exercises

Chapter 6 – Pronouns
Case
Reference
Agreement
"Sexist" Pronouns
Review Exercises

Chapter 7 – Advanced Sentence Structure
Parallelism
Misplaced Modifiers
Dangling Modifiers
Indirect Discourse
Review Exercises

Chapter 8 – Mechanics
Punctuation
Capitalization
Abbreviations
Numbers
Review Exercises

PART TWO – CORRESPONDENCE

Chapter 9 – Business Style
Tone
Attitude
The You Approach
Organization
Electronic Mail
Discussion Questions
Practice

Chapter 10 – Letter Format
Parts of a Business Letter
Arrangement Styles
Punctuation Styles
Postscripts
Special Paragraphing
The Envelope
Facsimiles
Discussion Questions
Practice

Chapter 11 - Request Letters
Inquiries
Orders
Discussion Questions
Practice

Chapter 12 - Replies
Acknowledgements
Follow-Ups
Confirmations
Remittances
Order Acknowledgements
Stopgap Letters
Inquiry Replies
Referrals
Refusals
Discussion Questions
Practice

Chapter 13 - Credit and Collection Letters
Credit Letters
Collection Letters
Discussion Questions
Practice

Chapter 14 - Complaints, Claims and Adjustments
Complaints
Claims
Adjustments
Discussion Questions
Practice

Chapter 15 - Sales and Public Relations Letters
Sales Letters
Public Relations Letters
Discussion Questions
Practice

Chapter 16 - Social Business Letters
Letters of Congratulations
Letters of Sympathy
Letters of Appreciation
Invitations
Announcements
Discussion Questions
Practice

Chapter 17 - Employment Correspondence
The Résumé
Résumé Format
Letters of Application
Follow-up Letters
Letters Declining a Job Offer
Letters of Resignation
Letters of Reference and Recommendation
Letters of Introduction
Letter Making a Job Offer
Letters Rejecting a Job Applicant
The Internet, Social Media, and Your Job Hunt
Discussion Questions
Practice

Chapter 18 - In-House Correspondence
The Interoffice Memorandum or E-Mail?
Minutes
Discussion Questions
Practice

Chapter 19 - News Releases


Discussion Questions
Practice

Chapter 20 - Business Reports and Proposals
Reports
Proposals
Discussion Questions
Practice

PART THREE - SOLUTIONS

How to Handle the Job Interview

Answers to Exercises in "Grammar and Sentence Structure"

Index

Intended for business professionals in need of refining their English writing skills.