Grammar & Spelling
Spelling:
Unless you are deliberately trying to attract attention to your text by use of an intentional spelling error, spelling rules are a fairly strict discipline which must be followed. Spell-checking tools are quite useful. But they are not foolproof. We often see words that just don't belong in a sentence because, although the spelling of the word itself is correct, it was not the word that the writer intended to use. For example, the following sentences would not be noticed by a spell-checker:
"It was the write thyme to speak his mined."
"I went the the to yesterday bank."
(For more examples please look back here).
Grammar:
Now, although spelling can be regarded as an exact science, grammar cannot. There are a number of different grammars available to choose.
As far as the grammar of your text is concerned, context is everything. There are strict rules regarding what is correct in an academic sense, but if you want to sell a pair of sport shoes to a 16-year old youth, a bit of slang and some 'bad grammar' might actually enhance your success rate!
Nevertheless, most texts employed by an organisation need to comply with the rules, whilst also being easily understood by their indended audience. It is no good presenting an erudite and verbose letter, which uses beautiful, yet complex grammar and sentence construction to a semi-educated employee who might only use English as a second language.
The following example has been borrowed from the Plain English organisation. It is gramatically perfect. Nevertheless, it is almost useless for the task of imparting its message:
"High-quality learning environments are a necessary precondition for facilitation and enhancement of the ongoing learning process."
Meaning..
"Children need good schools if they are to learn properly."
So, at Write Proper, we spend valuable time with our clients getting an overview of the type of person the text is addressing.
Give us a call on 0117 230 8590 for friendly advice on how we can help your company.