Business Communication

Characteristics of Effective Sentences
1.
Unity: A sentence containing one idea at a time with all its parts contributing to strengthen
the main idea is called the unity of a sentence.
2.
Coherence: How the various parts of a sentence are sticking together with no words
inappropriate. The sentences should also be in logical order.
3.
Variety: The idea can be creatively expressed in a variety of sentences as the same kind of
thought or idea creates monotony.

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4.
Economy: The effectiveness of a sentence is judged by the number of words used to make
a sentence take its shape. Concise expressions increase the effectiveness of a sentence.
5.
Proper selection: Precise selection and appropriate choice of words not only makes
sentences more connotative but also generates an impact on the reader of the text.
6.
Simplicity: The choice of words, their consistency and the simplicity in choice of pattern
give a sentence an overall simple look.
6.4.6
Foreign Words & Phrases Sometimes Used in Correspondence
Mostly words are originated from Latin/French language.
•
ad hoc
– for this special purpose
•
de facto
– actual, real
•
bonafide
– genuine, only bonafide members will be allowed to attend the meeting.
•
errata
– list of errors
•
in camera
– in secret
•
in toto
– wholly/entirely
•
laissez faire – free
•
per capita
– per head
•
status quo
– the existing condition
•
sine die
– indefinitely.
6.4.7
Developing Logical Paragraph
Clearness in writing does not depend only on careful choice of words and writing clear sentences. It
also invokes carefully designed paragraph. Just as words are combined into sentences, so are sentences
put in logical order in paragraph.
The paragraph is thus one’s thought process as it proceeds from one sentence to another and
develop step by step. Designed paragraph requires the ability to organize and relate information. It
involves the use of logic and imagination.