Using Language Effectively BBS First Year Business English

Using Language Effectively

Link for Video: https://youtu.be/y8X3DMIOr1Y 

The use of language plays a very important role in communication so the sender or source should use appropriate terms that are suitable for communication. Effective language is inclusive or culturally sensitive and unbiased that uses familiar words. English language for Nepali context is acquired but not inborn because we learn it in schools and colleges. English is a foreign language in Nepal that has distinct structures, rules and standards. English is globally used for various purposes like business as well as communication. The following are the tips for the use of effective English in writing:

a.      Use concrete, not vague language: Vague sentence creates confusion for readers or listeners. In the sentence ‘ The economic situation was spiralling out of control’, readers wonder what ‘situation’, when, where and search for the meaning of the phrase ‘spiralling out of control’. Instead, this sentence can be ‘The economic inflation in Nepal was worsening last year.’

b.     Use a sentence fragment appropriately: A sentence fragment occurs when a phrase or dependent clause is used without an independent clause like:  After the meeting. This can be written as ‘After the meeting, they enjoyed a cultural show.’

c.      Avoid overusing expressions like it is, it was, there is etc.: These expressions in a sentence are redundant or useless. Let’s see an example, ‘There is a case of corruption in the company that was reported in the media.’ This sentence can be ‘Media reported a case of corruption in the company.’

d.     Avoid Dangling Modifiers: If a sentence is started with an incomplete phrase or clause, we should include the person or thing it describes. For example, ‘Walking down the hall, his hat fell.’ This sentence can be: His hat fell while he was walking down the hall.

e.      Use of Active voice if possible: Use active voice if the agent performs an action and passive voice if the agent is not known in a sentence like Active – Arjun sold his car. Passive – The car was sold. Passive voice is also used to avoid responsibility for actions like The window was being broken.

f.       Use parallel constructions: We should be consistent in presenting a series of ideas in a sentence. Example: She is good at listening, writing, speaking, and solving problems. But, it can be: She is good at listening, writing, speaking and problem-solving.

g.     Place descriptive words and phrases as close as to the words they modify: It is difficult to find out which word modifies which one if they are not placed closely.  Example: She has a cell phone that her brother bought for her in the purse. This can be: In the purse, she has a cell phone that her brother bought for her.

h.     Avoid double negative in a sentence to avoid confusion: Double negative in a sentence gives a positive meaning but not always. Example: I am not uninterested in your proposal. But it can be: I am interested in your proposal. On the other hand, the sentence ‘She is not rich.’ does not imply ‘she is poor.’

i.       Use conversational tone: The style of using words, sentences or paragraphs creates a certain tone. We should avoid high-sounding language, and preaching and be careful in using humour and being intimate. Always use plain language without adorned style, and an active voice to make writing direct, livelier and easier to read. 

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