This document provides 20 examples of common mistakes in business writing and the corrections. It addresses issues with subject-verb agreement, punctuation, grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. The examples demonstrate how to properly use words like its, lay/lie, affect/effect, principle/principal, and complement/compliment in business writing for clarity and professionalism.

1. Top 20 business writing blunters

2. Please explain?
Please lie the reports on the table. lay
Blackstar P/L issued it’s report. its
Jack and me went to the meeting. I
I’m fine, and yourself? you
The office furniture compliments the mood. complements
Co-ownership and co-tenancy is increasing. are
I’m sure you will like this kind of reports. report
I appreciate your letting me know. you
I hope it does not effect the decision. affect
I said, “Come to the office, please.” ‘……….’

3. Please explain?
It would be a honour to attend. an
Please coordinate the team. co-ordinate
Is the web-site ready? website
I bought paper, and pens. Delete the comma
Tom is the principle of the company. principal
Dave; confident and talented, finished it early. Insert comma
I has worked hard to finish the job . have/had
The biscuits in the tin and the coffee. Not a sentence
The staff is happy. are
The meeting that occurs monthly was a success. meeting, which…., was