An organised garden is one of beauty and rest. Likewise, a sentence.

Grouping like with like and creating flow all make sentences easier to read and transmit one’s message quicker and more efficiently.

‘The meeting seemed to go well, the client’s like the ideas and George’s idea to delay shipment went down well, just like the splitting of payments.’

Combining subjects, ideas and thoughts into one sentence can create confusion, as can unusual word choices.

Hearing something positive or hearing something negative: how would you react? The message might be the same, but the reception quite different.

Just like a chef, who thinks about how ingredients go together, we must think about our word combinations. And, like good service, it must flow seamlessly,

Arrived at the restaurant and it was nice and empty.

Sometimes what we mean is not what we right. Sometimes we can sound negative without even using a negative wor.

Serving sweet potatoes but not necessarily a sweet potato dish may confuse. Can potatoes be sweet?

Writing with emotion may show enthusiasm, but we need to ensure our words do the chef justice.

Create order, create logic. Whoever we are writing for, let our sentences flow.

Random words don’t necessarily make a message: context is king. Are you sure your message it clear?

We all have our problems, but would you really write an email saying you have a problem with a male?

Those house look very expensive.

Be careful with adverbs, as they have a habit of reducing effective writing. If they add or qualify, they are probably worth using. Otherwise, it might be best to rephrase, or, as a last resort, delete.

“Let me give you an example of the type of desserts we produce.”

To add colour to our messages, we can say ‘for example’ in many different ways. Rather than describe the cake, give a sample: the impact is greater.

What may complement one person, insults another; in one context a word is neutral, in another weak. Words can give you a bad image; choose wisely.

“I prefer dogs, however I hate cleaning up after them.” Comma or semicolon?

Semicolons provide an important service. Let’s give this little punctuation component the place it deserves.

Sentences require balance; an unbalanced sentence creates unease, discomfort and stress. Find out what this means.