Brownie points (perhaps best translated in German as “Pluspunkte”) are invisible rewards you earn for doing good deeds. They don’t have monetary value, but they make people like and appreciate you more.

They’re like a pat on the back. Or words of praise.

To earn brownie points, you simply need to be kind and helpful. Do small things to brighten someone’s day, like holding the door open, letting someone go ahead of you in line or offering to help with the groceries.

These small acts of kindness can make a huge difference in our daily lives! You know: Give, and you shall receive.

Here are some examples of how to use the term “brownie points” in a sentence:

• My husband is working extra late all week to earn brownie points with the boss so he has a better chance of getting a promotion.
• I’m volunteering my time to help the homeless because it’s the right thing to do. But it’s also nice to earn some brownie points.

So, have you earned any brownie points today?

Don’t you find Germans seem to have an unexplained love for commas? 

They scatter them around like confetti at a child’s birthday party. 

In German, it’s perfectly normal to put a comma here:

”Ich weiß, dass du beschäftigt bist.“

But in English, we’d simply write:

“I know that you’re busy.“

No comma needed!

And here are more examples of German sentences:

• “Ich hoffe, dass das nicht wahr ist!”
• “Ich habe eine Schwester, die in Bonn wohnt.”
• “Wir besuchen oft den Park, wo wir unser erstes Picknick hatten.”

The case is clear in English: The comma waits outside, possibly looking in through the window. 

• “I know that it’s not true!“ 
• “I have a sister who lives in Bonn.”
• “We often go to the park where we had our first picnic.”

In German, the comma provides a pause. It lets thoughts unfold, breathe and resonate.

But English likes to jog along briskly. No time for pausing!

Yes, we use commas more sparingly. Less is more perhaps? 

What are your biggest challenges when writing? Do you have any advice for others?

Ever wondered whether it’s “the data are” or “the data is”?

According to the OECD’s style guide, the grammatically correct form is “the data are.“

This aligns with the idea that “data” comes from the Latin word “datum,” meaning “something given” and is plural.

However, using “data” as a singular noun has become increasingly common, especially in recent years. 

For instance, a Google search for “the data are clear” gives 3,560,000 results, while “the data is clear” returns a whopping 41,400,000 results. 

Even well-known news organisations like The Wall Street Journal and The Guardian favour the singular form.

So, which one to choose?

While “the data are” suits a professional tone, in more casual contexts like blogs or emails, “the data is” is perfectly acceptable.

The decision is yours.

What are your thoughts on this?

Did you know that the first letter after the greeting in an English email begins with a capital letter?

It’s like shaking someone’s hand when you meet them for the first time. It’s a polite and professional way to start a communication.

And just like a handshake, it’s important to get it right.

If you don’t capitalise the first letter after the greeting, it’s like walking up to someone and grabbing their hand without saying hello. It’s rude and dismissive.

(Perhaps it’s not that bad, but I think you know what I mean!)

Here’s an example:

Dear Matthew,*

Thank you for inviting me to your birthday celebration next week …

See that capital “T”?

You might think that this is not so important. But I feel that capitalising that first letter after your greeting is a simple gesture that will give your emails that professional oomph.

*By the way, we don’t need the comma after the greeting according to https://www.plainenglish.co.uk/writing-letters.html

You’re looking for an alternative to the ordinary “You’re welcome“?

Try phrases like:

• “It was a pleasure.”
• “It was my pleasure.”
• “The pleasure was all mine.”

Or the shorter yet charming options:

• “My pleasure.”
• “Pleasure.”

But you might ask, “Why bother?”

The answer is straightforward—it adds a personal touch, conveying empathy and respect.

Who could resist such a delightful gesture?

While alternatives like “Don’t mention it,” “No problem” or “No trouble at all” exist (they remind me of the German “Keine Ursache”, a phrase I’m not particularly fond of), consider these more engaging expressions:

• “Anytime.”
• “Happy to help.”
• “It was the least I could do.”
• “I’m always glad to help.”
• “I’m thankful I could contribute in some small way.”
• “I’m happy I could be of service.”

Your choice depends on the context and your relationship with the person. Formal settings might call for a more professional response, while with friends and family, feel free to keep it relaxed.

Remember, it’s the small details that make all the difference! 💥

Which phrases do you prefer, or are there other clever responses to “Danke” that I might have missed?

What’s wrong with this sentence?

“Please be so kind to send me your new report.”

Is it a sentence you might use?

Actually, it should read: “Please be so kind as to send me your new report.”

Surprised? You might be.

But that’s the grammatically correct form.

But don’t worry. It’s a polite, formal, outdated way of asking someone to do something.

I suggest you use clear, up-to-date language. Simple say: Please send me your new report.

Easy when you know how, isn’t it?

So please be so kind as to remember “as to” or choose a different, less formal way to make your request.

That’s exactly what I would do!

Flowery phrases belong to the last century Plain speaking serves us much better.

And it won’t make you sound as if you’re writing a Jane Austen novel.