What is Meant by “Proper Grammar”? Language scholars define grammar in various ways. For the purposes of this discussion, when referring to grammar, I am including:
Syntax is the arrangement. The syntax of a language is the way its words are put together to form sentences.
Morphology is the study of shape or form. In grammar, it refers to the way the words themselves are constructed. (e.g., adding prefixes or suffixes).
Punctuation is how we use the marks in writing that we call punctuation or punctuation marks (e.g., commas, full stops, or question marks). We use punctuation to help ensure the intended meaning of our writing is clear.
Your vocabulary is the sum of all the words you know. The vocabulary of a language is all the words in it.
The style of a person’s writing is the general way in which he/she presents ideas.
Usage is the manner in which words are used in practice. It is similar in meaning to syntax; however, syntax is about rules, but usage is about conventions.Does it Really Matter? Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a word are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is that frist and lsat ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by it slef but the wrod as a wlohe. As long as the meaning can be understood, is it necessary to follow the established conventions of English grammar when writing your article(s) for publication? Is this an exercise in overkill? Well, yes and no.
When grammar should be secondary:
- When it interferes with communication
Grammatically correct: “That is something up with I will not put!”
Grammatically incorrect, but more understandable: “That is something I will not put up with!”
- When it hampers usability
- When it adds no value and is more costly to achieve
- Spelling
It is never acceptable to write, “Be careful, so you don’t loose you’re balance.” Even though the meaning is still clear, it requires no more effort to write it correctly. Doing otherwise shows either ignorance of basic grammar or laziness. (Hopefully, you knew that “loose” and “you’re” were the misspelled words in that sentence.)
- Apostrophe usage
Apostrophes have two primary functions:
- To form a contraction. (e.g., cannot becomes can’t, you are becomes you’re)
- To make a noun or pronoun possessive. (e.g., the paw of the dog becomes the dog’s paw, the paws of the dogs becomes the dogs’ paws.)
An apostrophe should never be used to make a noun or pronoun plural!
Wrong: This parking space is reserved for visitor’s.
Correct: This parking space is reserved for visitors.
- Correct word usage
Correct word usage is closely akin to correct spelling. After all, if you wrote loose when you meant lose, is it because you didn’t know the proper word or that you misspelled lose? Whatever the reason, there is no excuse for it in your published article.A Matter of Credibility You are judged by your work It is true that readers seldom complain about poor grammar within the articles they consume, but sooner or later, it will become a factor in your credibility. Whether it is fair or not, people and companies are judged in some capacity by their expertise in the written language. Although poor grammar may not count against you, it most assuredly, will not count in your favor. Has this ever happened to you?
You receive an unsolicited e-mail that pretends to be a reputable vendor, but in fact, is an imposter (a.k.a. “Phishing”). They attempt to lure you in with an official-looking logo and colorful layout.
Grammar matters What is the detail that usually gives the scammer away? That’s right! -- the typo, improper syntax, misspelling, or misused word in their text. You know that a reputable business would not allow themselves to be represented by less than excellent grammar. We have come to expect professionals to place a high priority on the quality of their written word. Grammar matters.
Source: www.articlecity.com
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