The HBR Guides Collection (8 Books) (HBR Guide Series)

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Chapter 14

Learn the basics of

correct grammar

Why nitpick about grammar? Because readers may see

your language—especially your use of your native lan-

guage—as a refl ection of your competence. Make lots of

mistakes and you’ll come across as uneducated and unin-

formed. People will hesitate to trust your recommenda-

tion to launch a resource-intensive project, for example,

or to buy goods or services. They may think you don’t

know what you’re talking about.

Telltale indicators

Consider pronouns. If you don’t know how to handle I

and me, many of your colleagues, partners, and custom-

ers won’t take you seriously. Some errors will predictably

get you in trouble:

• “She placed an order *with Megan and I.” (Correct:

She placed an order with Megan and ...