For the most part, what leaves a lasting impression on even the casual reader (say someone reading your cover letter for a job application) is your use of grammar, spelling, and punctuation – the “mechanics” of writing, plus your word usage or vocabulary – the “style” of writing. And whether your writing makes a good impression or a bad impression can make the difference between whether you get the job, or have your application tossed in the “no” pile.

So, what can you do to improve his writing style? Some suggestions are,

• Read more and read better. Reading more often, and reading good works from good to great writers will help. While reading, pay attention to the author’s use of word combinations and phrases.  Notice what the author says (writes) and also what he doesn’t say.  Notice how in great writing every word matters and words that would fill without adding value are absent.  Great authors paint pictures in the reader’s minds by using just the right amount of paint (descriptive words).

• Write more. Practice writing often and think about your choice of words. Spend more time when you write even casual emails. Are your words saying what you mean? Write a blog.  Or sit down with that old-fashioned thing called a “pen” and send some “snail mail.”

• Focus consciously on vocabulary improvement. Reading more is a first step. Buy a thesaurus or find one online. Spice up your writing by learning new words and using them when appropriate.

• Use a fully featured writing software program that suggests style enhancements as improvements to any text.

How can grammar, spelling and punctuation – the mechanics - be improved?

• Again, read more, and read better authors, good books and stimulating articles.

• Make an effort to speak correctly (don’t pepper your sentences with “ain’t” and “he done”).  Good spoken grammar is even more important in leaving a positive impression than good written grammar.

• Spell correctly. Always use the spell check function in your word processor if you write with a computer. If you write longhand, also carry a dictionary with you to check the spelling of troublesome words. If you truly make an effort to spell correctly, either with a spell checker or a dictionary, not only will your writing look better (adding to a positive impression), but you also will learn how spell better.

• Pay attention to punctuation. There are many punctuation resources available online or in the library – you know, that rarely visited place where they have books.

• As above, buy and use a powerful but inexpensive English writing software program that instantly identifies and corrects all errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation. Such programs also suggest words or changes in phrasing to enhance any text.

Perhaps you’re saying to yourself, “I just want to improve my English, not write the great American novel.” Well, all of the above tips WILL improve your English and help you leave your most favorable impression. English is a difficult language to speak and write properly.  But if you master it through regular and concerted effort, doing so will greatly improve your self-confidence in your writing. And the more self-confident you are, the better impression you will leave – every time!