Relevant Concepts • Routine messages
• Directions messages
• Sentence structure
• Verb tense
• Punctuation
• Number usage
• Professional tone
• Understanding your audience
The following routine claim message informs a tenant of pending action related to failure of payment. This message does not employ a professional tone and is unclear. Additionally, the message contains several verb errors (tense and passive voice), number usage errors, grammatical errors, spelling errors, sentence errors (run-on, comma splices, etc.), and style errors.
James P. Chester
1234 ACB Ave.
Nowhere, Ca. 55856
October 25, 2011
Re: Outstanding Rent
Dear Mr. Chester:
As of the date of this letters are records indicate the rent for the property located at 1234 ABC Ave. is three months in arrears rent. Rent is due by the first of each month, with a 5 days grace period before late fees is applied. The total amount of rent due at this time is $3,450. $225 of late fees are also due. The full amount of $4,825 (back rent, late fees and next months rent) must be paid by November 5, 2011.
If you are unable to pay this amount by November 5 immediately call our office immediately to arrange payment options. Eviction from 1234 ABC Ave. will occur on November 5 unless payment or a payment schedule is established. Eviction will include the changing of all locks and loss of any personal property on the premises.
Don’t make us take legal action. Prompt attention to this matter MUST happen! We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Kind regards,
Kate T. Wells

University Management Group
6497 XYZ Ave.
Nowhere, Ca. 55856
555.555-1235
Instructions: Within the body of the e-mail above, highlight the sentences that contain errors.