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Finally we reach what many consider the heart of writing, grammar and punctuation. Unfortunately, this stretch of rules and variations too often becomes the net that entangles writers to the point of paralysis. Usage is important; we need to spell correctly and punctuate sensibly. Yet these rules are the tiny tools of communication, not worth our prime consideration. You most likely mastered most of them by the age of eight or nine. By that time we are speaking the rudiments of our native tongue with no regard to semicolons, split infinitives or passive verbs. It is only when we concentrate on the rules of language—like a beginning dancer trying to control every little movement consciously—that we cause ourselves usage problems.

Nonetheless, the major problems of usage in the workplace today are discussed in the usage section so we can put nagging little problems behind us in order to concentrate on the joy of communicating, the exciting people-to-people aspect of language no matter what we are writing.

Many people who write at work are curious about the public relations trade, especially writing news releases. Needlessly complicated in most places, the news release can be an effective tool for communicating to the general public. The basics shown here include a sample news release and a sample broadcast public service announcement.

You may have noted that I refer to writing at “work” without limiting our scope to the “office.” Much writing at work gets done away from a desk by people who do not consider themselves office workers. The Write Better and Get Ahead at Work guidebook applies to them as much as it does to the desk bound. This book, however, limits itself to work writing. It helps people write memos, letters and reports. Work writing differs from such writing as short stories, poetry and diary writing in certain ways. Primarily, as the beginning of this chapter explains, we write at work to get something done. Yet the principles you practice here, especially the “Questions to Ask Yourself,” will have nothing but beneficial effect on whatever writing you do away from work.

Fast Tips are fun.

Throughout the text, you will see fast tips for getting started, writing, and revising your writing. Not exactly real rules, they are little ideas you can use when they are appropriate. Take them in a fun spirit.