Sometimes we editors are accused of being nitpicky. We’re busy debating whether it’s really OK to use “alright” instead of “all right” while other people are thinking, “So what?” Well, that’s our job. But clear communication is important to everyone’s job. And nowadays, when it seems everything is typed or texted, it’s more crucial than ever. Your communication skills (or lack thereof) impact your coworkers, clients, and career.

So I was eager to receive a copy of communication expert Dianna Booher’s latest book, Booher’s Rules of Business Grammar: 101 Fast and Easy Ways to Correct the Most Common Errors. This concise study guide, written in the same straightforward manner as her guest post, zeros in on the “grammar gremlins” you need to know and avoid (kind of like CliffsNotes for grammar).

Booher takes a subject many people find complex and makes it simple, which is reflected throughout the book, from the overall concept to the way the content is delivered. As she says herself, “to solve most dilemmas, simplify, simplify, simplify.” Those of you who don’t care about gerundives can get a firm grasp of grammar basics, and start correcting lifelong errors in days, if not hours.

It’s also a great refresher text for editors and others who already know when to use “that” instead of “which.” Brush up on the finer points of the subjunctive mood and remind yourself of the difference between “may” and “might.” (You can test you grammar IQ online here. Take the quiz again after reading the book to see how much you’ve improved.)

The 101 chapters average a few pages each, and Booher’s examples sound as if they came right out of an actual office. She cleverly uses sample errors for titles, so you can quickly identify your problem areas. Every chapter ends with a creative memory tip, such as a rhyme, visualization, or common saying. (Read excerpts here.)

Booher gives a succinct overview of the fundamentals (parts of speech, punctuation, possessives, plurals, and misspelled and misused words) as well as the standard troublemakers, including lay/lie, was/were, and the infamous dangling modifier. Other chapters cover a few of my favorites: the overcorrection of “I” for “me”; unclear pronouns, such as this and that; and guidelines for using “a” and “an.”

She also shares an anecdote that editors will appreciate about the first draft of her master’s thesis. In short, an advisor deemed only one page out of the first one hundred worth keeping. Although his edits stung, Booher says it proved to be the most valuable experience of her writing career.

She gives practical suggestions for how to sharpen your own writing with several chapters devoted to redundancies. Helpful charts show one word is often sufficient, and sometimes better, which is especially useful when working with a word count. She advocates for simple language and vocabulary, encouraging readers to use the nouns and verbs already at our disposal rather than inventing new ones. (“Concepting,” anyone?)

The book also provides excellent style guidelines for capitalization, where once again, less is more. People tend to overuse capitals, especially with titles, because they think it makes a word (or a person) more important. But, as Booher explains, “when applied improperly to random words, capitalization confuses readers and slows them down.”

Like most editors, Booher has noticed many grammar rules are giving way to common usage. (As she humorously notes, “That’s one way to tackle a grammar problem—live long enough for the correct usage to become archaic.”) She doesn’t argue there’s only one way to write, and she understands the “rules” don’t necessarily apply to casual conversation. But this book isn’t about following rules—it’s about communicating effectively. And that’s good for business.

For a more comprehensive grammar book, you may want to check out Booher’s Good Grief, Good Grammar. For advice about general business communication, visit her blog or subscribe to her communication tip of the month.