Are Old-Fashioned Phrases Hurting Your Business?

December 3, 2008

  • December 3, 2008 at 3:17 am
    Adirondacker says:
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    I understand the point Mr. Blake is making with this article, but I believe the tone of any particular correspondence depends largely on the intended audience.

    Effective writing for claims professionals? Generally, I believe claimants are simply interested in numbers. Words? Not so much.

  • December 3, 2008 at 3:34 am
    Dirty Work says:
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    I too understand the point he is trying to make. However, go before a judge with casual language and you may be more likely to open you wallet then the more formally-phrased letter. Except very truly yours. That one I agree completely. I am not truly yours but I am sincere.

  • December 4, 2008 at 5:32 am
    Georgio Kopaloadadis says:
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    Unfortunately, legal speak, tradition & sometines the need for good English etc dictates the language to use, though I concur modernisation here & there is necessary.I would not engage teacher(s) that failed to understand this.

  • December 3, 2008 at 5:50 am
    Old Adjuster says:
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    Forget the fancy stuff – it is the little things that give a big bite when used incorrectly. Examples include then v than, its v it’s, your v you’re, advise v apprise, affect v effect, blah blah v blab blab, and so on and so forth, lmao v loam, lmao again and again… enjoy the twist or do the twist, ketchup v catsup v catch up, oh hell, give me the mustard or mouse turd, I give up, help, I can’t stop!!!

  • January 30, 2009 at 9:43 am
    Professional Editor says:
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    The author has failed to make a connection between the phraseology he condemns and any harm that using them may cause. While it’s true that some phrases are archaic and insincere, many of them are required by state DOI. Additionally, the author could be accused of dumbing down an industry by simplifying standard terms in formal letters. We don’t need to make EVERYTHING casual. I would argue that malapropisms, poor grammar and misspellings in company emails are higher crimes and misdemeanors.



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