Are Grammar Skills Important Today?
How about these…
“There’s new people you should meet,” instead of “There are new people you should meet,”
“He expected David and I to join him,” instead of “He expected David and me.”
“I could care less,” instead of “I couldn’t care less.”
How does this impact your career and professionalism?
Undermines Professionalism: Poor grammar can undermine one's perceived professionalism and attention to detail. In a professional setting, errors in written communication can create the impression of carelessness or a lack of thoroughness, diminishing trust and credibility.
Impacts Clarity: Incorrect grammar can obscure the intended message, leading to misunderstandings. When writing is unclear or difficult to decipher due to grammar mistakes, readers may question the writer's competence and credibility.
Creates Confusion: Grammar errors can introduce ambiguity and confusion into written materials. When sentences are poorly structured or punctuation is incorrect, readers may struggle to grasp the meaning, reducing the writer's credibility and authority on the subject matter.
Hinders Effective Communication: Effective communication is essential in building relationships and conveying ideas persuasively. Poor grammar can hinder communication by affecting the coherence and flow of written content. When messages are muddled by grammar errors, the writer's credibility and ability to connect with the audience are compromised.
Do you think this topic doesn’t apply to you?
Hearing a Whom
Writers and editors throughout the universe continue to stumble on the who/whom choice—or its equally annoying cousin, the whoever/whomever choice.
As reader David E. Gold noticed, in recent weeks The Wall Street Journal published:
Whomever reached a certain threshold of votes was banished for 10 years. Should be: whoever.You know who to send videos from a long-canceled Canadian children’s show. Should be: whom…shifting them depending on who he’s closest with. Should be: whom.
The who/whom advice, as given in the Journal stylebook, is that who or whoever is used for a subject pronoun (the person doing the action). If the action is being done to the person, it’s whom/whomever.
This topic is difficult if you don’t understand the difference between a subject and an object in a sentence.
She went to the store. - She is the subject doing the verb. She is a subject pronoun.
Her went to the store. Her is an object. Only the subject “does” the verb. Her is an object or objective pronoun.
This is only one example of grammar deficiency in American education.
Why do you need to be able to self-edit your writing?
In the fast-paced and competitive professional landscape, the ability to communicate effectively is crucial. Grammar plays a vital role in establishing credibility, clarity, and professionalism in written communication. For professionals, whether in business, academia, or any other field, a solid understanding of grammar enhances their ability to convey ideas, demonstrate expertise, and engage with colleagues and clients effectively.
Enhances Credibility: Proper grammar instills trust and confidence in your audience, showcasing your attention to detail and commitment to quality in your work.
Ensures Clarity: Clear and coherent writing ensures that your intended message is accurately conveyed, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
Reflects Professionalism: Consistent and error-free writing demonstrates professionalism and respects the reader's time and expectations, leaving a positive impression.
Facilitates Career Advancement: Strong written communication skills, supported by solid grammar knowledge, can pave the way for career growth, promotions, and opportunities for leadership roles.
However, when students neglect to learn grammar and enter the professional world with deficiencies in writing, the repercussions can be significant. Poor grammar in professional communication can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and a negative perception of one's capabilities. For professionals, errors in writing can undermine their credibility, impact their relationships with colleagues and clients, and limit their career advancement potential.
Without a foundation in grammar, professionals may struggle to express themselves clearly, convey complex ideas effectively, or engage with stakeholders in a meaningful way. Their written communication may be riddled with errors, which can erode trust, create confusion, and ultimately hinder their success in a competitive professional environment.
By prioritizing grammar education and continuous improvement in written communication skills, professionals can position themselves for success, establish their credibility, and stand out in a crowded marketplace. Investing in grammar proficiency is not just about writing correctly; it's about unlocking opportunities, enhancing professional reputation, and achieving career milestones with confidence and competence. Mastering grammar is the key to unlocking a world of possibilities in the realm of professional success.