Writing guides

Practical guides on grammar, emails, cover letters and work messages, with examples you can copy.

• It's or Its? Their, There or They're? A Quick Way to TellTwo apostrophe mix-ups cause most everyday spelling slips. Here is a simple test for it's/its and their/there/they're, with examples.
• Affect vs. Effect, Fewer vs. Less and Other Pairs That Trip People UpA short guide to eight word pairs writers confuse: affect/effect, fewer/less, then/than, lose/loose, advice/advise and more.
• How to Write a Clear Email, From Subject Line to Sign-OffA practical order for emails people actually answer: subject line, opening, the ask, the deadline and a short close.
• How to Write Work Chat Messages People Actually AnswerShort habits for Slack and team chat: lead with the point, one topic per message, and end with what you need.
• How to Write a Cover Letter That Sounds Like YouWhy many cover letters read the same, and how to open with something real, cut clichés and back claims with specifics.
• How to Apologize in Writing Without Over-ApologizingA short structure for written apologies: say what happened, apologize once, and explain what you will do next.
• How to Say No Politely in an Email or MessageA four-part structure for declining a request or offer clearly and kindly, with examples for work and personal messages.
• Phrases That Make Your Writing Sound Robotic (and What to Write Instead)Stock phrases like 'it is important to note' and 'delve into' make text sound generated. Here are plain alternatives.