Chapter 7 Verbal and Written Communications 167
• When a number begins a sentence, it should be spelled out.
Example: Thirty copies of the report should be made.
• When two numbers come together in a sentence, use words for one of
the numbers.
Example: There are 11 twenty-year-old students in my class.
• Use words to express fractions. A hyphen comes between each word.
Example: The patient is to receive one-half of the dosage she
previously had taken.
• When expressing time, use numerals followed by a.m. and p.m. des-
ignations. Always spell out the number that appears before the term
“o’clock”. A colon is used between numerals expressing hours and
minutes, but is omitted when using military time (a 24-hour system).
Examples: 2:30 p.m.; eight o’clock; 16:00 hrs.; 1345
• Use numerals for days and years in dates. Do not write “th”, “nd”,
“rd”, or “st” after a number.
Examples: I started my job on February 10, 2014.
I handed in my resignation at my last job on January 2, 2014.
Common Grammatical Mistakes
The purpose of using proper grammar is to ensure that what you write
is easy to read and comprehend. Many employers are immediately put
off when they receive a poorly written cover letter. Such cover letters will
often cause the entire application to be tossed into the wastebasket without
the employer even looking at the rest of the application.
Following grammar rules when you speak conveys to others that you
are an intelligent and educated person, and someone who recognizes that
clear and concise language is easily understood.
Referencing Grammar
Because the correct use of grammar is so important, there are many refer-
ence books and multiple sites on the Internet that focus on the correct use
of grammar. It may be helpful to have a grammar reference book at hand
when you are composing a letter, a school assignment, or putting together
an oral presentation.
Extend Your Knowledge
The following list includes common grammar errors in the English lan-
guage. Do you frequently make any of the errors listed below?
1. don’t vs doesn’t
Incorrect: She don’t answer questions in class.
Rule: Doesn’t, does not, or does are used for the third person sin-
gular (words like he, she, and it are third person singular words).
Correct: She doesn’t answer questions in class.