Just making sure I'm not going crazy...
I am writing a business letter for my boss. In one of the paragraphs, I used a quote. He steadfastly insists on putting the quote in italics for "emphasis" (and will not sign it unless I use the italics). However, I was taught and believe (I have a BA in Professional Writing) that italics are for the titles of major pieces only and using it for emphasis is lazy writing (i.e. your wording should have enough emphasis that extra things like italics and bold are not required).
Majority wins...who's right here?
As a side note, I'm going to rewrite the letter so that it does not use quotes so that we avoid this stupid debate. I'm just curious if anyone else has been taught the way that I have.
2007-07-26 06:38:29 · 5 answers · asked by caclark4 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
Grammatically, I think you're right. However, in my career as a legal secretary, time and time again I would have to concede to my bosses' wishes. Just do it the way he likes it, if it makes him happy.
2007-07-26 06:48:35 · answer #1 · answered by claireag 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's your boss' letter. He's signing it. If you have informed him of the correct usage, then that is the end of your obligation as an employee. Most likely, the recipient is not a professional writer either and will catch that the quote is for emphasis.
Italics are also frequently used for long quotes as well, aren't they? The entire quoted paragraph is indented in from the rest of the writing and placed in italics quite frequently in textbooks. I frequently use italics for emphasis (though not in professional writing).
But, really, it all comes down to this: I'd ask myself, if I am going to battle with my boss, is this the battle I want to fight?
2007-07-26 06:51:23 · answer #2 · answered by hmmmm 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Melp, if you're an English major, you might want to stop using "your" for "you are."
Back to the question: If he is quoting someone, it should go in quotation marks. If it is a long passage, you set it off as a separate paragraph and indent. But if he wants to italicize, that's his decision and his letter.
I endure the same bad grammar/punctuation/syntax issues, and if that's what the boss wants, I don't intervene except in the most egregious of cases.
2007-07-30 04:12:42 · answer #3 · answered by VeggieTart -- Let's Go Caps! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would go with you on this, but you are not the boss! Sometimes you just have to do what you know is somewhat incorrect just to give deference.
Anyway you need to ask yourself - does it really matter in the scheme of things?
I would not avoid the quotes...that would give such a different feel to the document.
2007-07-26 07:15:53 · answer #4 · answered by anigma 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm an english major, and I know your right. However, the one thing they don't teach us in school is to do what your boss says. Your right, but your still going to have to do what he says.
At least as you do it you will know that you are right! That has to count for something....
2007-07-26 07:01:02 · answer #5 · answered by melp1010 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋