A) Have an Axe to Grind: to Have Something to Complain About

Cynthia Swiderski

September 9, 2013

Business Writing 1410

Translating Idioms

a) Have an axe to grind: to have something to complain about

b) Class act: an action or situation that is of distinctive and superior quality

c) Ballpark figure: an estimate

d) Cold shoulder: ignoring someone

e) Loose cannon: someone who has very little self-control

f) Get your act together: to organize yourself

g) Go overboard: to go over the top

h) Keep on trucking: keep going and don’t give up on what you’re doing

i) The bottom of the barrel: something of the lowest quality

Grammar/Mechanics Checkup

1. Setting healthy workplace boundaries is an important task for new supervisors.

2. Be sure to read the FAQs before using that Web site.

3. Because world markets are expanding, many companies are going global.

4. Surprisingly, business is better on Sundays than on weekdays.

5. She said that attorneys are the primary benefactors of class action suits.

6. Only the Welches and the Sanchezes brought their entire families.

7. During the late 2000s, home values dropped precipitously.

8. Both editors in chief followed strict copyediting policies.

9. That financial organization employs two secretaries for four CPAs.

10. Voters in three counties refused to approve any new taxes.

11. Prizes were awarded to both runners up in the essay contest. 12. Both cities are located in valleys that lie between mountains.

13. Our accountants insist that we list all income, expenses, and liabilities.

14. Some typeface fonts make it difficult to distinguish between t’s and I’s.

15. Both of the homes of her brothers-in-law had many chimneys. Editing Challenge

MEMORANDUM

To: Jessica Wu-Santana

From: Martin Fitzgerald, Manager

Date: November 4, 201x

Subject: Suggestion for Telecommuting Successfully

To help you become an effective telecommuter, Jessica, we have a few suggestions to share with you. I understand you will be working at home for the next nine months. The following guidelines should help you stay in touch with us and complete your work satisfactorily.

 Be sure to check your message board daily, and respond immediately to those who are trying to reach you.

 Check your e-mail at least three times a day, and answer all messages promptly. Make sure that you send copies of relevant messages to the appropriate office staff.

 Transmit all spreadsheet work to Scott Florio in our computer services department. He will analyze each week’s activities, and update all inventories.

 Provide me with end of week reports indicating the major accounts you serviced.

In preparing your work area you should make sure you have adequate space for your computer, printer, fax, and storage. For security reasons your working area should be off limits to your family and friends.

We will continue to hold weekly staff meetings on Fridays at ten a.m. Do you think it would be possible for you to attend one or two of these meetings? The next one is on Friday, November 17th.

I know you will enjoy working at home, Jessica. Following these basic guidelines should help you accomplish your work, and provide the office with adequate contact with you.