In this issue
	Gong Xi Fa Cai Tesimonials needed for MODEL BUSINESS LETTERS 6th edition Use of the apostrophe Quiz time And Finally ...

Tesimonials needed for MODEL BUSINESS LETTERS 6th edition

Thanks to those who replied to my recent message asking for testimonials. You can see some of them already if you click here. Model Business Letters is an International best-seller published by Pearson Education and sold all over the world - it has been translated into many languages including Thai, Russian, Malaysian and Chinese. The 6th edition should be in bookstores towards the end of 2003, and I would like to include in the cover pages some short testimonials recommending the book. If you or your boss is willing to add his/her name/title/company to a few lines recommending Model Business Letters, please e-mail me straight away at news@shirleytaylor.com. I will then contact you personally regarding the wording of your testimonial. Why not FORWARD this newsletter to your colleagues and friends and maybe they would be interested in helping me too? Please help me ..... and see YOUR name in the new edition of Model Business Letters! Read some testimonials about Model Business Letters ... »

Use of the apostrophe

I am often amazed at how often I see incorrect use of the apostrophe. Take a look at these examples: Ticketholder's this way please. Egg's on sale now. Our company is commited to bringing the best of global communications to it's customers. Its a good job that we are keen to learn new skills. Did you spot the errors? If not, perhaps you need to brush up your knowledge of the rules for using the apostrophe. An apostrophe is used to show omission of one or more letters. can't (can't) it's (it is) don't (do not) I'm (I am) you'll (you will) An apostrophe is used to show ownership or possession. It may be used: when the owner is singular. (Note that the apostrophe is before the 's') visitor's car (the car belonging to one visitor) director's office (the office belonging to one director) manager's desk (the desk belonging to the manager) when the owner is plural. (Note that the apostrophe is after the 's') visitors' car park (the car park belonging to many visitors) directors' cars (the cars belonging to many directors) managers' desks (the desks belonging to many managers) An apostrophe is only used in it's to represent 'it is'. It's very tough working out where to put the apostrophe. (It is) The cat's whiskers are on either side of its face. (whiskers belonging to the cat) Note: Take a look at these exceptions: Singular The child's toy (the toy belonging to the child) (apostrophe before the 's') Plural The children's toys (the toys belonging to the children) (the aposrophe is still before the 's' because the word children is in itself plural) Similar examples are: man's tie; men's ties woman's coat; women's coats BUT: lady's dress; ladies' dresses To learn more, please visit Use of the apostrophe on my website. Learn more about the apostrophe »

Quiz time

LAST MONTH'S QUIZ Remember, last month's article and the quiz were all about using active not passive voice. If you want a quick reminder about active voice please click here, to take you to the appropriate section of my Links to Learning channel. So, were your answers correct? Check them here. THIS MONTH'S QUIZ Insert the apostrophes correctly in these sentences: Im going to China Town to buy some decorations for our familys Chinese New Year celebrations. Im going to Sues house for dinner tonight. Shes cooking a Chinese meal. Johns coming too. The sales directors memo said that a regional managers meeting will be held next month. The employees attitude must change. Hes been very rude to several colleagues. The winner of this months customer service award will be announced in the staff newsletter next week. At the directors meeting today a decision will be made about end-of-year staff bonuses. The two girls dresses are identical. Thats because theyre twins. Childrens toys are on the second floor, and ladies fashions are on the third. Lets hope the Year of the Goat brings peace and harmony to the world. Its very amusing when you see a little puppy chasing its tail.

And Finally ...

That's all for this issue. I hope to see some of you at my workshops in February, and to those who are celebrating the Chinese New Year ... enjoy! I hope I can be forgiven for keeping to the Chinese theme this month for my Tip of the Month: TIP OF THE MONTH Good presentation and good writing is good Feng Shui! Finally, my wish for everyone this Chinese New Year is that the Year of the Goat will indeed bring more harmony, tranquility and understanding into all our lives. Wishing you a very peaceful Year of the Goat. Shirley PS: You may reprint this e-newsletter or forward it to your customers and colleagues. However please keep this copyright and contact information intact: Copyright Shirley Taylor 2002. Shirley Taylor is author of several popular books on effective communication and business writing. She lives in Singapore and works as an international trainer, seminar leader, professional writer and conference speaker. Visit http://www.shirleytaylor.com.