Grammar 101: insider tips and tricks to instantly improve your writing (part 1)

Hannah Lawrence
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Reading time: 4 minutes

I've always been fascinated by language and writing: as a child, I wrote newsletters for my classmates and books about my imaginary friends' adventures. That love of words eventually led me into a career as a writer, editor and proofreader. Over my career, I've checked thousands of reports, articles and blogs – and I see the same grammatical mistakes time and time again.

In this blog series, I'll share my favourite tips and tricks to help you remember those tricky grammar rules; whether you're writing for work, to learn or just for fun, these posts will help you improve your English and write with more confidence. Here are the top three grammar rules that people ask me to explain:

1) "Which" or "that"?

2) "Less" or "fewer"?

3)"Me" or "I"?

Grammar 101
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"Which" or "that"?

We use "that" to introduce a phrase that is essential for fully understanding a sentence. For example, if a colleague asks you to "Join me in the meeting room that has a red door", then this tells us that there is more than one meeting room, but only one has a red door. Without this piece of information, you won't know where to meet your colleague. Phrases like this that hold essential information are called "restrictive clauses".

In comparison, “which” introduces additional information that isn’t essential for understanding the sentence’s meaning. At a different office, if your colleague asks you to "Join me in the meeting room, which has a red door", then this tells us that there is only one meeting room and it happens to have a red door. You don't need to know the colour of the door to understand where to meet. These are called "non-restrictive clauses" and are separated with commas, unlike restrictive clauses.

Also compare:
"Simon brought his dog that has three legs." (This tells us that Simon has more than one dog and only one of those dogs has three legs.)

"Jada brought her dog, which has three legs." (This tells us that Jada only has one dog. The dog also happens to have three legs.)

"Less" or "fewer"?

"Fewer" is for items that you can count: it means "not as many".

"Less" is for mass concepts: it means "not as much".

For example: "I'm trying to have less sugar in my diet. As part of this, I'm going to have fewer spoons of sugar in my coffee."

Another example: "I had less time to work this week, so I did fewer hours on the assignment."

"Time" is uncountable but "hours" are countable.

"Me" or "I"?

Should you say “Jane, Carlos and I went to the movies?” or “Jane, Carlos and me went to the movies?”

Use "I" when you're doing something – when you are the "subject" of the sentence.

Use "me" when something is being done to you – when you are the "object" of the sentence.

So, "I" is correct here. Here's the easiest way to know which one to use: remove the other people from the sentence and see if it still makes sense.

Incorrect: “Me went to the movies.”

Correct: “I went to the movies.”

Therefore, it's correct to say: “Jane, Carlos and I went to the movies.”

That's when you're the subject of the sentence, now compare it to a case when you're the object.

Incorrect: "Jane invited I to the movies."

Correct: "Jane invited me to the movies."

Bonus tip: remember to always put other people first. So, in our first example, it is always "Jane, Carlos and I", rather than "I, Jane and Carlos".

Grammar can be tricky, but it gets easier with practice – and a few insider secrets. Look out for the next post in this series, where we’ll explore more common grammar mistakes and how to avoid them.

Read our blog posts "11 fascinating facts about English"and "Commonly misspelled English words".

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    The ultimate guide to language assessment in business

    By Samantha Ball
    Reading time: 7 minutes

    Effective international communication is crucial in the world of global commerce. In today's borderless marketplace, companies need to be linguistically flexible to be successful. For HR managers and business practitioners, comprehensive language evaluations are not just an add-on but a vital duty that can enhance your organization's success in the international market.

    This guide will take you through the crucial role of language assessment in business. It will discuss why language assessment is important, how to effectively implement it, its benefits for students and business professionals, and the current tools and technologies available. By the end, you will have the knowledge to identify the significance of language assessment in your business and make informed decisions that reflect the essential role of linguistic ability in the modern global economy.

    Why language assessment matters

    Enhancing communication effectiveness

    Effective communication is the lifeblood of any successful business. When diverse teams come together, be it in an office, on a shop floor, or at a virtual meeting, the ability to exchange information clearly and concisely can mean the difference between streamlined operations and costly misunderstandings. Language assessment ensures that employees possess the necessary language skills needed to communicate across teams and with clients worldwide.

    Global market competitiveness

    Accessing international markets hinges largely on the language capabilities of your workforce. Assessing language skills not only amplifies your organization's ability to engage with prospective clients and partners but also ensures that the customer experience is seamlessly delivered, regardless of the customer's primary language.

    Talent acquisition and retention

    Proper language assessments play a pivotal role in the recruitment process. They aid in identifying candidates with the language proficiencies required for specific roles, such as those involving international correspondence or multilingual customer support. By enabling a streamlined and objective measurement of language ability, your business can attract and retain talent, securing a competitive edge in a multilingual talent pool.

    Types of language assessments

    Proficiency tests

    Proficiency tests are the benchmarks for evaluating a person’s overall language capability. This category includes tests that cover all language skills, such as reading, writing, listening and speaking, like the Versant tests offered by app. These tests provide a comprehensive analysis that helps gauge an individual's ability to function effectively in a language, both in academic settings, the workplace and everyday contexts.

    Interviews

    Conversational skills and the application and comprehension of language in real-world scenarios play a significant role in many job roles. Structured interviews that focus on language are a vital component of the language assessment suite. These interviews typically evaluate oral and sometimes written language skills, providing context-specific insight into how these skills might translate in a professional setting.

    Role-playing scenarios

    Simulations that mimic workplace interactions provide an immersive method of assessing language skills beyond language proficiency tests. Candidates engage in practical scenarios that mirror the challenges and dynamics of a business environment, which is particularly valuable for assessing their ability to manage real-time communication under pressure.

    Implementing language assessment

    Best practices for HR managers

    When starting your language assessment program, begin with a thorough needs analysis. This involves identifying which roles require language proficiency, to what level and in which languages. Then, select or develop an assessment that aligns with these requirements. It's also important to provide clear instructions and support for candidates, ensuring that the assessment process is transparent and equitable.

    Training and development strategies

    Personalized learning plans can be a game-changer for employees who require language improvements. Identify the areas for development, set achievable goals, and incorporate regular assessments to measure progress. This approach ensures that training is targeted and effective, helping employees advance their language skills in a way that's both strategic and supportive.

    Benefits for business professionals

    Career advancement opportunities

    Proficient multilingualism can open doors to international career opportunities and is a key differentiator in many sectors. A dedication to mastering a foreign language can lead to personal and professional growth, including access to leadership positions and broader responsibilities.

    Cross-cultural competence

    Language proficiency is closely tied to cross-cultural understanding and competence. Business professionals who possess these abilities can traverse cultural boundaries with sensitivity and insight, essential for global leadership and successful collaborations in multicultural teams.

    Enhanced collaboration

    Clear and expressive communication fosters an environment of trust and collaboration. By investing in the linguistic abilities and listening skills of your teams, you're not only improving the performance of individual employees but also elevating the collective capacity for innovation and problem-solving within your organization.