Grammar Matters ^Featured

Have you succumbed to the illusion that in today’s society, with our abbreviated text conversations and online communications tools, grammar doesn’t matter? I’m sorry. Really, I am. Because grammar could make or break your business.

Recently, a website called Grammarly conducted an informal study of 100 LinkedIn profiles. They were all from the same fields and had a set of “control” criteria. They found that there was an apparent correlation between the grammar and spelling errors in the LinkedIn profiles and the progression of careers.

Professional people with fewer mistakes in their profiles progressed further in their careers. Those with around twice as many mistakes did not make it to director level. The professionals with fewer grammar mistakes also received more promotions than their counterparts within the same time frame.

Why does grammar make such a difference? Because it is a reflection of you. Many times your cover letter, resume, or LinkedIn profile is the first impression for a prospective employer. Within the workplace, errors in spelling and grammar can be costly mistakes if they are made in printed materials. The errors can also lead to miscommunications. Most professionals must communicate in writing in some way.

Your writing is an indicator of how you work and handle various situations. This is why good writing projects the perception of competence. Competence leads to innovation and success for an entrepreneur.

Here is an example. I received an email blast with multi-colored, misspelled adjectives in a variety of fonts. It was attempting to pull me in and make me click the button to go to their website where they were selling proofreading. I was appalled. I, of course, had to see the website. Again, it was riddled with errors. One month later, the website was gone.

If your spelling and grammar need a boost, there are plenty of resources available for little or no cost. Apps for studying vocabulary for the GRE exam can help with expanding your use of words and spelling. Add one to your smartphone and it’s at your fingertips. Track the words you misspell the most. Don’t count on Spell Check. It isn’t infallible. I always misspell millennial. Because I know that is one of my weak words, I have it on a list, spelled correctly, next to my computer. Know what words cause you problems and keep them nearby so you can check them before you use them.

Pick up an SAT review book from a used book store. These are great for testing yourself for grammar mistakes. Check out the Grammar Girl website and podcast for answers to those tough questions. Practice your writing on a daily basis. Ask someone you trust to read it over.

Finally, one of the best ways to improve grammar and spelling is to read more. Read a variety of fiction, non-fiction, magazines, newspapers, or websites. The more you see good writing, the more likely you are to improve.

Your writing is a reflection of you. With great grammar and spelling, you will make a good impression every time you send out a memo, print a brochure, or even send a text. By the way, did you find the error in the image that accompanies this article?