Effective Communication in English in the Global Workplace

Common grammar/syntax errors can cause confusion in email and in verbal communication in English. This confusion is multiplied when global teams are communicating across time zones. One international manager noted that an error in email typically requires 3 email follow-ups. Working with the interactive software program, Writing in English*, helps nonnative writers eliminate common grammar/syntax mistakes and build the skills to communicate more concisely and effectively in English.

The following paragraph was written by a professional from another country working in the U.S. It has some grammar/syntax errors. The unedited version is #1. In the second sample, the grammar/syntax errors have been identified. In the third sample, those errors have been corrected. There is a step number next to each correction in the third sample that correlates with the steps in the Writing in English program.

#1 Original

The problem I have being facing every day to integrate the software for
ABC Software Project. A lot of times the behavior of software varies from
the host environment to the target. My responsible making sure all the
problems to be solved under specified environment and the performance of
software must meet the expected requirements in the certain time frame.
The problem must be review thru Peer Review to make sure it will never
happen again.

#2 Errors Identified red= mistakes, ^= missing word

The problem I have being facing every day ^ to integrate the software for
^ ABC Software Project. A lot of times the behavior of software varies from
the host environment to the target. My responsible ^ making sure all the
problems to be solved under ^ specified environment and ^ the performance of ^ software must meet the expected requirements in the certain time frame. The problem must be review thru Peer Review to make sure it will never happen again.

#3 Corrected

The problem I face/am facing (7) every day is (7) to integrate the software for the (19) ABC Software Project. A lot of times the behavior of software varies from the host environment to the target. My responsibility (16) is (7) to make (11) sure all the problems are (10) solved in (15) the (19) specified environment and that (22) the performance of the (19) software meets (7/ the expected requirements in the specified (24) time frame. The problem must be reviewed (10) thru Peer Review to make sure it will never happen again.

Steps from Writing in English

Step 7- Use the correct verb tense

Step 8- Use modal auxilaries correctly

Step 10 – Use active and passive appropriately

Step 11- Use gerunds or infinitives after verbs that require them

Step 15 –Use prepositions correctly

Step 16- Use the correct word form

Step 19- Use the correct article

Step 22- Use the appropriate word to connect clauses

Step 24- Use parallel structure

*Writing in English is co-branded by ETSÒ(Educational Testing Service), makers of TOEFL and TOEIC.

TOEIC Writing Tip: the verb + -ing

The verb + -ing can be used as an adjective, but it has a different meaning from the adjective formed from the verb + -ed. Think of the -ing form as active and -ed form as passive.

Examples: That book was interesting. She was interested in that book.

Get more information on writing from Writing in English.

TOEIC Writing Tip: Infinitives

An infinitive is formed by putting to before the base form of a verb. It can be used as a noun.

Example: She often forgets to lock her car.

Get more information on writing in English from Writing in English.

TOEIC Writing Tip: prepositions + gerunds

Prepositions are followed by gerunds, not infinitives or the base form of the verb.

Examples: Thank you for responding so promptly. After looking over his application, the manger decided to hire him.

Get more information on writing in English from Writing in English

Using idioms: Think out of the box

In the following example the focus words are in bold to show where stress should be placed when pronouncing the sentence. Underlines are used to show the corrections

Original Writing	Correction
The company has financial problem. They need to think out of the box, or they will be facing bankrupt.	The company has financial problems. They need to think out of the box, or they will be facing bankruptcy.

Learn more about Idioms in English

Learn more about Writing in English

Using idioms: All on the same page

Original Writing	Correction
I want to talk with my builder before I decided the projects of my house remodeling because I need to make sure we are all on the same page.	I want to talk with my builder before I decide on the projects for my house remodeling because I need to make sure we are all on the same page.

Learn more about idioms

Learn more about Writing in English

TOEIC Writing Tip: Active Voice

Active voice focuses on the person who performs the action.
Example: Maria made this mistake. (active)
Passive voice focuses on the results of the action.
Example: A mistake was made. (passive)

Get more information on writing in English from Writing in English

TOEIC Writing Tip: gerunds

A gerund is a noun that is formed by adding –ing to the base form of the verb.
Examples:
He enjoys swimming.
She delayed telling the truth to the judge.

This writing tip is taken from the content of the training program Writing in English by AmEnglish.com

An example of a common writing error

Original Writing	Correction
I don't mind to do what I can do on my end for this kind of products, but I feel that we will need your contribution as you have been doing for us because you have connections and know more people in the storage area than us.	I don't mind doing what I can on my end for this kind of product, but I feel that we will need your contribution because you have connections and know more people in the storage area than we do.

This example was compiled from the common errors lists generated by students using Writing in English  by AmEnglish.com.

It is challenging to identify your own mistakes in writing. The online writing program, Writing in English, automatically notes your errors and the corrections in the interactive practice exercises. These errors and corrections are saved on the Common Errors List. If you are taking the writing course through UCSC Extension, you will also receive corrections on your homework assignments from your distance coach. Noting these errors and corrections on your Common Errors List helps you identify your common writing mistakes and assists you in avoiding making similar mistakes in future communication.