Booher’s Rules of Business Grammar: 101 Fast and Easy Ways to Correct the Most Common Errors

by: Dianna Booher

Published by: McGraw Hill

Reviewed by Connie Anderson

This is a first-rate reference book not only for “business grammar”–but for anyone who ever writes. It contains all the rules we were taught–but may have forgotten.

Booher suggests you test your grammar IQ online at www.BooherRules.com BEFORE you read word one in her book.

In my case, you can always tell how meaningful a book is by the number of little sticky notes marking pages. A sampling of my tabs starts at the dreaded lay/lie, and include who/whom, good/well, me/myself, and he/him and me/my. I now know the rules (again).

As a copyeditor, one of the things I try to show writers is the overuse of throwaway words like: There is (many reasons for this decision). It could be stronger to say: Reasons for the decision are many. The other part is the common misuse of there’s (there is) followed by a plural noun–requiring are, not is–like in example above (many/is).

By the way, words like there is/are are called “expletives,” – a word that has nothing grammatically to do with the rest of the sentence (fake subject in place of real subject’s slot). See, now you learned something new–so stop using expletives.

This and many grammar rules we learned in middle and high school are described, and incorrect and correct usages are shown and explained. It is SO user-friendly.

Each short one-subject chapter ends with a memory tip that sums up the point.

I believe for most writers it’s not really necessary to know if you are using an “irregular verb” (like to go, to do, to come, to see). It is important that you understand the rules and use grammar correctly.

If you agree that we are dumbing down America as related to how we speak and write, raise your hand. Sadly not everyone agrees with me that speaking and writing correctly is important–no, vital–in how we are viewed in our business, community and the world. This is the royal “we,” as in Americans.

Any book that helps you to write better, clearer and with more accuracy, needs to be read and then kept as a reference. Booher’s book belongs on your shelf at home and desk in the office.

Armchair Interviews says: A must have for anyone who talks or writes–and that’s all of us. The information will really increase your confidence when writing.

Author’s Web site: http://www.DiannaBooher.com