商务英语教学chapter 2 d.ppt

Chapter 2 Diction & Effective Sentences
Learning Objectives
To learn how to
Choose words precisely.
Choose words with appropriate connotations.
Choose between active and passive voice.
Vary sentence patterns.
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Chapter 2 Diction & Effective Sentences
Diction is the choice and use of words.
In business writing, use concrete, specific terms whenever possible; use abstractions only when necessary.
Example, instead of referring to “a sizable loss”, talk about “a loss of $ 32 million”.
Word Choice
Use short, familiar words . Occasionally need a long or an unfamiliar word because it is the only
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Word that exactly conveys your meaning.
Whenever you can choose between two words that mean the same thing, use the shorter, more common one.
Examples:
Commence-----begin
Reside --------live
Subsequently------later
Utilize-----use
Remittance-----check, payment
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Compare the following sentences:
A. This letter is a confirmation of the details of our meeting last Tuesday.
letter confirms the details of last Tuesday’s meeting.
A. Preparation of an agenda should be done before a meeting.
B. Prepare an agenda before the meeting.
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appears the figures are inaccurate.
B. The figures are inaccurate.
Avoid using these weak expressions:
It was suggested, it seems,it appears, we should consider, we seem to be in favor, it may be that…
Also avoid using cliches(套话)
At your earliest convenience,
At an early date,(if you have a date, give it.)
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Thanking you in advance.Better: Thank you for…
Attached/Enclosed please find/You will find/Please find enclosed two copies of our invoice .
Better: Attached/Enclosed /Here is/are two copies of our invoice .
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Reducing sexual bias in business writing
Nonsexist language treats both sexes neutrally. Using nonsexist language is a good idea for at least three , the language we use reflects and reveals our understanding of the world around us. An organizat