When you blog, do you worry about using correct grammar? Should you have to?
Many would say that the need for correct grammar would depend on the purpose of the blog or blog post. Some bloggers are writing for the sole purpose of keeping an online journal of sorts. In this case, grammar may not make any sort of difference.
But, for most of the bloggers out there, the articles and posts they’re producing have distinct purposes and audiences. Many posts are used as product reviews, reports, or even calls to action for their audience.
Believe it or not, bad grammar can actually turn a potential reader away from your blog. In fact, bad grammar or poor conventions can inadvertently tell a reader that you aren’t as reliable a writer as you intend.
As you write your next blog post, consider the following:
Have you broken your text into appropriate paragraphs?
Writing in one block of words is actually distracting. Your words appear jumbled and read like a stream of consciousness.
Breaking your thoughts into smaller paragraphs can help your readers. You can bet on the fact that many will actually skim your post first, and the paragraphs will help them find the most important information quickly.
Have you spelled words correctly?
Typos are one thing. They happen to writers all the time — especially in a time crunch. But repetitive misspellings are, again, distracting. They also tell your readers that you either don’t know what you’re talking about or that you aren’t as reliable of a source.
Did you use the correct word in the correct context?
There are some basic words that are often confused in writing:
And sometimes, the problem is more than just a word and is instead a phrase.
Consider some phrasing errors that happen more often than they should:
thank you in advanced – The phrase is actually “thank you in ADVANCE.”
my brother and myself – The phrase should be “my brother and ME” or “my brother and I” depending on the sentence.
While grammar may seem like something we thought we’d be able to forget after senior English, the fact of the matter is that in some way, shape, or form, grammar does still matter.
Choosing to pay close attention when writing blog posts can create an experience for our readers that may or may not drive them away.
Looking for some tutorials or help with some of the most common mistakes? Check out these resources:
Grammar Girl (link: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/top-ten-grammar-myths?page=all)
Writing Forward (link: http://www.writingforward.com/grammar/grammar-rules/ten-grammar-rules-and-best-writing-practices-that-every-writer-should-know)
Copyblogger (link: http://www.copyblogger.com/5-common-mistakes-that-make-you-look-dumb/)
Lydia Richmond is a high school English teacher turned work-at-home-mom. She teaches online, chases her children, and writes children’s books. You can visit her at Cluttered Genius or on Twitter and Facebook.
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Oh, this made my grammar-loving heart sing. My pet peeve? The they’re-their-there abuse. Like fingernails on a chalkboard.
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