The ABC’s of Writing Adelita G. Cantu, PhD, RN

Why Writing is Important to Profession Writing/communicating effectively prerequisite for advancement On job descriptions-oral and written communication the most important elements (reflects directly on the company) Patients consider a “good nurse” because of his or her ability to communicate well

I will only do writing on charts often informal shorthand notation not the type of writing that requires critical thinking think about how writing influences the following: support from administration reimbursement publishing higher education

Which one is it? There adverb speaks to a location at or in that place “It is over there, not here”. pronoun when used to introduce a clause or sentence “There are many tales about the place.” Their adjective take the place of nouns for readability speaks to an individual, belonging to an individual used to indicate possession or the agent or recipient of an action “The team won their first title”.

Examples All of the employees on the unit believed that (their, there) actions were medically necessary. (There, their) now, don’t cry. (There, their) is a method to (their, there) madness. Both the doctor and the nurse documented (their, there) actions during the surgical procedure.

Form the possessive singular of nouns by adding “’s” Follow this whatever the final consonant Charles’s friend Burns’s poem the witch’s malice Exceptions: ancient proper names ending in “es” and “is” Jesus’ for conscience’ sake for righteousness’ sake

Pronominal possessives Hers, its, theirs, yours, & ours have no apostrophe Common error is to write “it’s” for “its” or vice versa The first is a contraction, meaning “it is” the second is possessive (It’s, its) a wise dog that scratches (it’s, its) own fleas.

Omit Needless Words the question as to there is no doubt but that used for fuel purposes he is a man who in a hasty manner this is a subject that Her story is a strange one the reason why is that whether no doubt or doubtless used for fuel he hastily this subject Her story is strange because

The fact that… The fact that is an especially debilitating expression. It should be revised out of every sentence in which it occurs. owing to the fact….since (because) in spite of the fact that….though (although) call your attention to the fact that….remind you I was unaware of the fact that….I was unaware that (did not know) The fact that he had not succeeded….his failure

Words & Expressions Commonly Misused All right. Properly written as two words all right Among. Between. When more than two things or persons are involved, among is usually called for: “The money was divided among the four players.” When, however, more than two are involved but each is considered individually, between is preferred: “an agreement between the six heirs.” And/or. A device, or shortcut, that damages a sentence and often leads to confusion or ambiguity.

Words & Expressions Commonly Misused First of all, would an honor system successfully cut down on the amount of stealing and/or cheating? First of all, would an honor system reduce the incidence of stealing or cheating or both?

Words & Expressions Commonly Misused Anybody or anyone. Should be written as one word. As good or better than. Should be corrected by rearranging the sentences. My opinion is as good or better than his. My opinion is as good as his, or better (if not better). As to whether. Whether is sufficient Being. Not appropriate after regard as… He is regarded as being the best dancer in the club. He is regarded as the best dancer in the club.

Words & Expressions Commonly Misused But. Unnecessary after doubt and help I have no doubt but that He could not help but see that I have no doubt that He could not help seeing that

Words & Expressions Commonly Misused Case. Often unnecessary In many cases, the rooms lacked air conditioning It has rarely been the case that any mistake has been made. May of the rooms lacked air conditioning. Few mistakes have been made.

Words & Expressions Commonly Misused However. Avoid starting a sentence with however when the meaning is “nevertheless.” The roads were almost impassable. However, we at last succeeded in reaching camp. The roads were almost impassable. At last, however, we succeeded in reaching camp.