grammar in marketing copy: Using parentheses: Where does the punctuation belong? - 09/12/15 04:34 AM
The question of where to put the punctuation when using parentheses came up in the comments on one of my recent grammar posts, so I went off to find the answer.
It turns out, this one is easy!
When the parentheses are at the end of a sentence, it depends upon what is inside.
If it's a complete sentence, the period, question mark, or exclamation point stays inside with its sentence. (But then remember, the previous sentence must also end with a punctuation mark.)
Please be here early. (We'll start precisely on time.) Remember to speak up. (Jerry is hard of hearing.) If … (19 comments)

grammar in marketing copy: Why do grammar, spelling, and word usage matter? - 07/22/15 07:55 AM
Why do errors in grammar, spelling, and word usage matter in real estate marketing?
Because those errors make the reader focus on our words instead of our message.
And when readers pay more attention to the words that the thoughts they are trying to convey, communication falters.
Nobody writes just to exercise their fingers – we write to communicate. We may have a marketing message; we may be trying to persuade someone to see things our way; we may have information to convey; we may have a story to share; or we may just want to let someone know that we care about … (26 comments)

grammar in marketing copy: Which to use: Worse or Worst? - 07/19/15 05:51 AM
Charita Cadenhead asked, so I went looking for the answer. 
The difference between worse and worst, and when to use each: 
"Worse" is a comparative word, to be used when you are comparing two things, or comparing one thing to a set of things. Its definition is: "of a lower quality; less attractive, pleasing, etc; more serious or severe."
For instance:
"The flu is worse than a common cold."
"In my opinion, wind is worse than snow or rain."
Worst is a superlative. It is the opposite of best. Its definition is: "worse than all the others; least helpful or skillful; most unfavorable or corrupt."
For instance:
"This … (19 comments)

grammar in marketing copy: Do you make these distracting/annoying grammar goofs? - 07/18/15 04:57 AM
Some grammar goofs are more annoying and distracting than others, and I expect all of us who love words have a different idea of which are "worst of the worst." They're the ones that, for us, act like big stop signs in the text, just before they begin shouting "Error! Error! Error!"
When Kathy Streib and I were discussing this recently, she told me that the goof that annoys her the most is misuse of the words "advise" and "advice." I mentioned that I'd written about that one, I thought more than once. She asked me to do it again, because the misuse … (45 comments)

grammar in marketing copy: Ouch! Wrong Word! - 07/08/14 09:29 AM
Sometimes a word in a sentence just jumps out, hits you, and makes you think "Ouch!"
Such was a word in an email I received this morning. It was a forward from a friend, and it had a very fine patriotic message, with quotes from some of our great leaders of the past. The trouble was in the introduction.
It said "This bares repeating." Ouch!! 
Here are a few more "ouch moments" I've collected from websites, emails, and blog posts: 
"Replace the headshot photo on your site and on your social media profiles with one that shows you laughing, or wearing a crazy hat, or … (24 comments)

grammar in marketing copy: Real Estate Marketing Grammar – Parallel Language - 10/13/13 06:22 AM
Have you ever read a list and felt slightly confused? It was all there, but it just wasn't "quite right."
That's probably because the writer failed to use parallel language.
OK – what the heck is that?
Simply put, using parallel language means making a list in which each item is given in the same form of speech. All nouns, all verbs, all adjectives, etc.
Here's an example in which the writer used non-parallel language:
"As your listing agent, my service includes tips for giving your home more appeal, taking professional photographs, and available 24 hours a day."
(8 comments)

grammar in marketing copy: More Marketing Grammar: Who vs. Whom - 05/22/13 08:34 AM
More Marketing Grammar: Who vs. Whom
Yesterday's post was all about choosing between "who" and "that" in sentences making reference back to someone or something.
The comments brought up another question – who vs. whom – so I went back to Grammar Girl for the answer.
TIP: For anyone who isn't sure about word usage, Grammar Girl is a useful source. So far I've always been able to find what I was looking for, and her explanations are clear.
Back to who and whom.
I've never been fond of the word "whom." It sounds pompous to me … (2 comments)

 
Marte Cliff, Your real estate writer (Marte Cliff Copywriting)

Marte Cliff

Your real estate writer

Priest River, ID

More about me…

Marte Cliff Copywriting

Address: 1794 Blue Lake Road, Priest River, ID, 83856

Office: (208) 448-1479



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