WORD FOR THE DAY "erratum" (n.) (pl.) - ta. "an error in writing or printing." (Random House Dictionary) Example: "An email erratum makes the wrong impression in business communication."

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Erase email errata (errors)

How often have you received an quick email or short memo with these common errors? Or, have you made an erratum yourself?  Obviously, grammar or spelling mistake can hamper clear communication, but it can also produce a negative impression of you in the mind of the email recipient. ("Doesn't he/she know any better?") Here are some reminders about correct usage and examples of common errata:

   1. It is a pronoun. To make it possessive, add an “s,” for its. However, it’s is a contraction, a combination of the words “it is.” Thus, the word becomes it’s. Example: “It’s too late for its copying and distribution to be scheduled.”

   2. Your is a possessive pronoun. A conjunction of “your” and “are”  is “you’re.” Example: “Your time sheet is on file, so, you’re all set for next week’s paycheck.”

   3. Lets is a verb, as in “She lets me make decisions.” Let’s is a conjunction of “let” and “us.” Example: “Let’s find out why Mike lets Susan make all the decisions.”

   4. Then is an adverb, dealing with time. Than is a conjunction. Example: “After you discover why the specifications are different than we discussed, then give me a call.”

   5. All ready means to be prepared. Already is an adverb, meaning “by this or that time; previously; or now.” Example: “We are all ready to explain to you how we already have reached our quota.”

   6. All together is an adverb, meaning “all at the same time,” and “a group whose members acted or were acted upon collectively.” Altogether is also an adverb, meaning “wholly; entirely; completely;” and “with all or everything included;” and “with everything considered.” (dictionary.com) Example: “The staff is all together in our opinion that the budget is altogether too small for our 2012 objectives.”

So, let's all work to eradicate email and memo errata. Do your part, and take today's tips to heart.

Do you have some pet email and memo peeves? Send me an email (with no erratum), and vent with me.