For some people grammar can be tricky. For others, they can spell out the rules of grammar fluently like a second language. English grammar is the most difficult of all languages. No other language has as much punctuation, spelling differences, and nuances like English. If you have trouble with spelling, subject/verb agreement, or even comma placement, most word processing programs have a spelling or even a grammar checker to assist you in making sure the grammar is correct. However, no one should rely solely on the program to find all the errors. Certain words called homophones that are spelled correctly but used incorrectly will be looked over. Plural possessives may be looked over. In some instances, because of the simple syntax of the sentence, certain words or phrases will be highlighted as incorrect when in fact it is correct.
Anytime you write something that is going to be seen by a large group of people and carries some importance such as an work email, a blog post,an article for the local paper, or even a flyer for an event, it is important to make sure that the grammar is 100% correct. For every grammar mistake that is seen in your writing, the validity of what is written is diminished. Here are some tips to achieving top-notch and grammar-error free writing:
1. Write out the entire piece, save your work, and walk away. Give yourself an hour or even a day before looking at it again.
2. Print the piece out and re-read from the paper rather than the computer’s monitor. Your eyes will not see the words the same as looking at the screen.
3. Read it out loud. Whether it is to yourself, to the dog, or another person, having to read the words out loud uses causes you to slow down and actually hear what has been written.
4. Give it to another person or three to look at and find errors. It is much easier to find the mistakes someone else made than our own.
5. Read the document from the bottom up.
Even the most acclaimed writers and editors make a mistake now and again. But that does not mean you should not take the time to proofread your work. With all the software technology available today, not one program exists that can guarantee to find and correct any mistakes leaving you with 100% proper grammar.