But they mean the same thing, don’t they? What difference does it make? Those are good questions, and questions like that are important for good writing.
Coloring a message, or tweaking a message in a way, is very important. In business, or any situation, people are sensitive and can easily take things the wrong way. Even more notable is that if someone takes exception to something you write, you may not ever find out about it. Coloring a message in just the right way can help create better relationships. There is a tone to the words in written communication. Anyone who ignores this idea is torpid, dull, apathetic, ignorant, arrogant, or some combination thereof, but definitely not sharp and definitely not bright. That sounds harsh, and while it may not be true all the time, it’s true, at least, sometimes.
Where two phrases, two expressions, or two words may mean something similar, or almost the same thing, it’s dangerous to tell people that it does not matter which one they use. If I were to say it does not matter, I would not be providing real value or insight into the nuances and subtleties of English language and communication, and people would not be receiving real value or insight into the nuances and subtleties of English language and communication. Sometimes it does not matter, and sometimes words or phrases are easily and conveniently interchangeable. But that’s not the essence of the work at hand, and it’s definitely not the essence of good writing. My work calls on me to point out the subtleties, nuances, and finer points of English language and communication. It’s more than just correcting grammar, pointing out errors, saying these words don’t go together well, or telling people about how to use commas correctly. And it’s much more than grammar.