Business Writing: 5 More Annoying Word Choices

Here are some more word choices that often give us pause when we’re writing a memo or an article.  A quick review may keep us from flipping a coin the next time we’re forced to choose.

• Although – even though.  Both have the same meaning, but “even though” is more emphatic.  Both combine two phrases that form a contrast.  (Although it was November, he wore a Panama hat.  Even though she smokes two packs of cigarettes a day, she’s a famous cardiologist.)
• Farther – further.  This one is easy if you remember “far”.  Use “farther” to talk about physical distance.  Get it?  (How much farther do we have to drive?)  Use “further” with figurative distance.  (You’re further along in your project than I am in mine.)  Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between physical and figurative distance; in such cases, it’s OK to flip a coin.
• Like – as.  Even though “like” is used almost all the time in everyday speech, there is a difference.  “Like” is a preposition and should be followed by an object to form a prepositional phrase.  (My date looked like a hamster.)  “As” is a conjunction and should be followed by a clause containing a subject and a verb.  (The warthog squealed as if he had a toothache.)
• That – which.  “That” introduces a restrictive (defining) clause – the person or thing being talked about.  (I have a car that is easy to drive.)  “Which” introduces a nonrestrictive clause – one that gives additional information about something that has already been identified.  (He wore a fur hat, which his wife had given him for his birthday.)  In this use, “which” is always preceded by a comma.
• Who – that.  The best rule of thumb is to use “who” when writing about a person.  (He’s the vet who cured my ferret.)  Use “that” when writing about an object.  (This is the book that came in the mail.)

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