Grammar check

All writers, whether professional or not, must establish a proper grammar check methodology that they can rely on again and again. An effective grammar check routine is essential in accurately and professionally conveying your thoughts. The quality of your writing will be judged on the language used, simplicity with which it is used, and the proper use grammar to frame your words. Whether you like it or not, your grammar will leave an impression on your readers. The quality of your grammar will influence how seriously your readers take you and how they respond or react. In short, grammar check is absolutely required if you and your words are to be taken seriously.

Why you should never avoid grammar check

Here is a list of reasons why you should never forget to do a grammar check on your writing:
» Incorrect use of grammar can alter your message
» Incorrect use of grammar can prematurely influence opinions about you or your message
» Incorrect use of grammar will make you look unprofessional
» Incorrect use of grammar can have financial or legal liabilities when binding agreements or contracts are involved

The multitasking myth and why you are never excused from grammar check

There is no such thing as multitasking. Our minds can only do one thing at a time. While we often think we can multitask, we are really only doing one thing at a time, and switching between tasks to give us the impression that we’re multitasking.

Let’s apply this to writing and grammar check. When you write, your mind is working to formulate ideas and translate that information to your hands so they can put your ideas on paper. Grammar check cannot be done simultaneously while you are writing.

Being an experienced writer, business professional, or student doesn’t excuse you from grammar check responsibilities. Even the best writers make grammar mistakes. In fact, more than 95% of writers, regardless of experience, make grammar mistakes.

Grammar checklist

Check for the following things when you do a basic grammar check:
» Grammar
» Punctuation
» Spelling
» Sentence structure
» Paragraph structure
» Formatting consistency with punctuation
» Brevity
» Simplicity and clear use of language
» Overall readability and flow
» Professionalism as it applies to your specific audience

Grammar check is one step in the writing process, and it’s an important one. Even the best writers go through multiple steps before resting on a finished version of their writing. For a description of the writing process, click here.