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Grammar and Blogging

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:

Commonly misused English words

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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{ 18 comments… add one }

  • Sue - The Spin Cycle August 22, 2013, 8:33 am

    Oh, this made my grammar-loving heart sing. My pet peeve? The they’re-their-there abuse. Like fingernails on a chalkboard.
    Sue – The Spin Cycle recently posted…The Beach PartyMy Profile

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    • Lydia August 23, 2013, 7:27 pm

      Oh yes, that’s a serious pet peeve of mine. Unfortunately, I notice more than I want! :) Thanks for stopping by!
      Lydia recently posted…Become an Awesome Mommy Blogger in 4 Simple StepsMy Profile

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  • Bobbie August 22, 2013, 8:46 am

    My grammar is getting better. I do really well except for the To and Too. My mind never wrapped around that, even in school, lol. I just keep trucking on and learning more every day. I had a lot of learning disabilities in school that I worked hard to overcome, every day is a learning process for me. I love blogging and try my best to do it correctly :) Thanks so much for the post and all the links. I will look them over tonight!
    Bobbie recently posted…#ad Tyson Project A+ and Chicken Bacon Ranch DipMy Profile

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    • Lydia August 23, 2013, 7:28 pm

      No one is perfect all the time. There’s that whole being human thing. ;) Thank you so much for commenting!
      Lydia recently posted…Become an Awesome Mommy Blogger in 4 Simple StepsMy Profile

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    • Lydia August 24, 2013, 4:28 pm

      No one – even those who are professional writers – can be perfect! I think it’s great that you keep learning!
      Lydia recently posted…Become an Awesome Mommy Blogger in 4 Simple StepsMy Profile

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  • vanita August 22, 2013, 12:51 pm

    I feel the content being shared is more important than grammar. One DIY grammatically incorrect post on how to reupholster my couch would save me $300. If a reader appreciates your content, they’ll stick around. Those are the people who you want around. If a reader only sees grammatical errors when you’re giving away useful information for free, then it’s their personal choice to leave, but shouldn’t be taken personal nor should it be worried about. It’s better to surround yourself with an audience who likes you for who you are, grammatical errors and all.
    vanita recently posted…How To Increase Blog TrafficMy Profile

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    • Lydia August 23, 2013, 7:30 pm

      I hear what you’re saying, and I agree that grammar may not make the difference all the time. A loyal audience is just that: loyal. However, I do think there is a time and place to be certain our writing is top notch…like when writing for a company and representing them as an ambassador or similar association. Thanks for your valid point!
      Lydia recently posted…Become an Awesome Mommy Blogger in 4 Simple StepsMy Profile

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  • Krissy Higgins August 22, 2013, 2:03 pm

    Sometimes I get soo into what I am trying to convey, that I do mess up on spelling, and overuse my favorite, commas. lol.
    Thanks for the post – I need to go back and proofread my post and correct them
    Krissy Higgins recently posted…Grilling with Red Gold TomatoesMy Profile

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    • Lydia August 23, 2013, 7:31 pm

      Commas are tricky no matter who you are. I think if you’re writing from the heart, small issues are EASY to overlook. ;)
      Lydia recently posted…Become an Awesome Mommy Blogger in 4 Simple StepsMy Profile

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  • Ashley ( August 22, 2013, 9:08 pm

    I am a grammar nazi. Love this article, I hope more bloggers and humans in general read this!!
    Ashley ( recently posted…Bubblegum Princess is a Royally Cute Book!My Profile

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    • Lydia August 23, 2013, 7:32 pm

      A girl after my own heart. <3 Grammar itself seems to be such a hard-to-grasp concept for some, and the ability to do it well is something that comes with lots of practice!
      Lydia recently posted…Become an Awesome Mommy Blogger in 4 Simple StepsMy Profile

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  • Vicky August 22, 2013, 9:15 pm

    I use the spellcheck but sometimes I don’t think it looks right after. I always have another with the Who/Whom
    Vicky recently posted…Revolt Week 10 Balance Board is Broke #sponsoredMy Profile

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    • Lydia August 23, 2013, 7:33 pm

      You know, I teach writing and who/whom still get me! ;)
      Lydia recently posted…Become an Awesome Mommy Blogger in 4 Simple StepsMy Profile

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  • Liza August 23, 2013, 7:12 am

    The word-nerd in me LOVED this. Great post.
    Liza recently posted…Collecting Fresh Farm EggsMy Profile

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    • Lydia August 23, 2013, 7:34 pm

      “Word-nerd.” Perfection. Thanks so much for chiming in!
      Lydia recently posted…Listening to MomMy Profile

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  • Joanna August 23, 2013, 9:48 am

    Of course grammar matters! Now, you know I’m a word nerd, but I also have times when I just don’t edit or proof my writing very well and have mistakes. When I find them later, I am horrified! I cannot imagine a writer being nonchalant about this. Great post!
    Joanna recently posted…Grilled Mint and Herb Seed ChickenMy Profile

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  • Lydia Richmond August 23, 2013, 7:35 pm

    Thanks, Joanna. I think it does depend on your purpose and audience, though! If you’re writing to be “published” or “professional,” I honestly see the need to be grammatically correct!
    Lydia Richmond recently posted…Listening to MomMy Profile

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  • Emma September 12, 2013, 9:22 pm

    I love this! Basics everyine can benefit from. I can handle a few mistakes, as spell check only gets you so far :) But the proofreader in me can’t make it through a poorly written post.
    Emma recently posted…The Second TrimesterMy Profile

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