It’s hard enough to watch what you say when you’re speaking, but at least you’ve got inflection on your side.
When you’re writing, especially in the shorthand way that many do in emails and texts (and even in blog posts!) ambiguity often slips right in.
Like in the title to this post. A student might think it refers to a gaffe during English class.
But more seriously and to the practical point, be very careful in connection with email communication in the course of business. Not only because the recipient might misunderstand, but also because, with few restrictions, that communication is discoverable in a legal dispute.
“Just want you to know that I spoke with Sally about diverting drugs.”
Is the sender of that text message a concerned supervisor or a loose-lipped co-conspirator?
