Business Writing Glossary

A sentence construction in which the subject performs the action described by the verb.

The process of identifying and understanding the readers' needs, expectations, and knowledge level before writing.

Bottom Line Up Front; placing the most important information at the beginning of a message.

Standardized text that can be reused across multiple documents with little or no modification.

A document that justifies a proposed project or investment by analyzing costs, benefits, risks, and alternatives.

A clear directive telling the reader what they should do next, by when, and how.

The logical flow and connection between ideas, sentences, and paragraphs in a document.

Expressing ideas using the fewest words necessary while retaining complete meaning.

A condensed overview of a longer document presenting key findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

The use of headings, bullet points, white space, and visual hierarchy to organize and present written content.

A structure placing the most important information first, followed by supporting details in decreasing importance.

Specialized vocabulary used within a particular industry or professional context.

A short internal document using To/From/Date/Subject format for organizational communication.

Using the same grammatical form for items in a list or related ideas to improve readability.

A sentence construction in which the subject receives the action described by the verb.

The use of logical arguments, evidence, and credibility to influence the reader's decisions or actions.

Writing that uses everyday words and straightforward grammar to ensure immediate reader comprehension.

The final review of a document for surface errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting.

How easy a document is to read, influenced by sentence length, word choice, and structure.

The level of formality in language, ranging from casual to highly formal depending on context and audience.

A formal document soliciting bids from vendors, outlining project requirements and evaluation criteria.

The defined boundaries of what a document or project covers and does not cover.

A step-by-step document providing detailed instructions for performing routine tasks consistently.

The attitude or feeling conveyed through word choice, sentence structure, and overall style of writing.

The empty areas on a page that improve readability by reducing visual clutter and separating sections.