Effective email communication hinges on proper grammar. While mastering every rule isn’t necessary, recognizing potential pitfalls is crucial. When in doubt, always verify or rephrase.
If time is short, simplify your language. Rewrite sentences to avoid grammatical complexities. This approach prioritizes clarity and minimizes errors.
The following quiz assesses your email grammar proficiency:
**Instructions:** Determine if the phrase is Correct (C) or Incorrect (I).
**Quiz**
C I 1. John is lying on the couch in the office.
C I 2. Peter laid the file on the desk.
C I 3. He sat in front of the computer.
C I 4. Set the files on my desk when you are done.
C I 5. The customers want their price quote now.
C I 6. The customer wants his or her phone call returned.
C I 7. Wilma had fewer callers on her line.
C I 8. Fred has fewer employees.
**Answers & Explanations**
1. Incorrect. The correct word is “lying.” “To lie” means to recline (intransitive verb). The past tense is “lay.”
2. Correct. “To lay” means to put or place (transitive verb). The past tense is “laid.”
3. Correct. “To sit” means to be seated (intransitive verb). The past tense is “sat.”
4. Correct. “To set” means to put or place (transitive verb). The past tense is “set.”
5. Correct. The plural antecedent “customers” requires the plural pronoun “their.”
6. Incorrect. The singular antecedent “customer” requires the singular pronoun “his or her.”
7. Incorrect. The correct word is “fewer.” Use “fewer” for countable items (e.g., “fewer callers”). Use “less” for indeterminate quantities (e.g., “less time”).
8. Correct. Employees are countable, so “fewer” is correct.
**Scoring**
8 = Grammar Ace: Your email grammar is impeccable!
6-7 = Solid Skills: Minor improvements are possible.
3-5 = Needs Improvement: Focus on grammar fundamentals.
Less than 3 = Grammar Emergency! Immediate attention required.