Spelling out why grammar matters

ITGeek007, it's "may have" and not "may of" ;)

With respect formal business communication - a business either knows its sh*t or knows it's sh*t.

Hello Clinton,

Thanks for pointing that out (it's probably not something I'd of ever recognised).  I have to say though, that as long as im nt tking in txt spk on a forum, and my msg is reasonably understood, I'm not really too bothered about 'mistakes' like that.  But thanks anyway ;)

I have to say, though, that second bit about a business... rather clever one that, and funny, but TRUE.  I'm gonna try and remember that one!

The good news is Rebecca our proof reader extraordinaire is off having a baby, so there is no one to pick up on my bad grammar and smelling

Originally Posted by Steve Richardson

“The good news is Rebecca our proof reader extraordinaire is off having a baby, so there is no one to pick up on my bad grammar and smelling ”

Maybe you should get a bath then Steve? 

Arrgh! It's "I'd have" and not "I'd of".

To keep it simple, just remember it this way: never follow the words would and should with of.  It's never would of or should of. It's always would have and should have. In spoken English the abbreviated version of would have sounds like would of which is perhaps why so many people make this mistake.

>>I'm not really too bothered about 'mistakes' like that.

Why do you put quotes around the word? Do you think your mistake was so minor that it doesn't qualify as a mistake?

It's not just about being understood. You're running a business. There will be some readers of your posts who judge you (and your business) on these things. While the odd mistake is often excused, a cavalier attitude may not be treated so lightly.

Obviously there is no mistaking your business experience, so at risk of you beating me with a large stick, I'm afraid I disagree when it comes to things like forum posts.

If you are dealing with a clients content, writing a blog post, press release or most general content, then I'm with you. Quality is key, relevant style guides adhered to, with editorial approval and then professionally proof read.

But for some channels such as a forum, elements of social media, and particularly for small and micro businesses, then personality out weighs sterile corporate style content. Human input that is deemed to be approachable, is more likely to generate engagement.

I think we can forgive minor indiscretions when it comes to grammar on forum posts, as long as a post is topical, and there is a point to it. That said, completely agree when a business turns out low grade churn or continual self promo across multiple forum and social media sites, and that will definitely have an impact on the public perception.

We may be more in agreement than you think. Obviously, blog content requires a higher degree of care than forum posts, and I daresay mistakes creep into my own content occasionally, but the casual disregard for grammar that I see in the UK is extremely odd. Most CVs I've received in my time, from graduates, had at least one mistake in them.

While professionals, from accountants to business consultants, can be severely impacted if they come across as semi-literate, I accept that plumbers, car mechanics and baby-sitters may not be so judged on the quality of their written communication. I wouldn't judge them harshly either.

I come from a country where English isn't the first language. I am deeply grateful when people help me improve my English. It's very surprising when local speakers shrug off mistakes, laugh about not being bothered to correct them and insist they'll continue making the same mistakes in future.

It's not just about customers' perceptions of you - SEs, too, are influenced by quality of text. And they can associate your posts with your site (especially if you have a signature lnk).

Clinton - thank you for spotting yet another mistake of mine (and I didn't put a quotes around it this time  )

I put quotes around the word originally, because it's not the kind of 'mistake' I take too seriously, with it being on a forum etc.  I still appreciate the advice though ;)

Steve - Heeelllloooooo!

I think we've found something we both agree on   (with reference to another post  , but I'm guessing you might of worked that out?)

It's not just about being understood. You're running a business. There will be some readers of your posts who judge you (and your business) on these things. While the odd mistake is often excused, a cavalier attitude may not be treated so lightly.

Yes, there will be some readers who DO judge me on these things.  Which is fine.  However, I always look at it this way... you can't please everyone!  Steve is quite right to point out that I would make sure that I retained the utmost professionalism on proper business correspondence.  I wouldn't necessarily class THIS forum as that though.  No disrespect to Steve or MyLS!

Most CVs I've received in my time, from graduates, had at least one mistake in them.

There's NO excuse for mistakes on CVs!

While professionals, from accountants to business consultants, can be severely impacted if they come across as semi-literate, I accept that plumbers, car mechanics and baby-sitters may not be so judged on the quality of their written communication. I wouldn't judge them harshly either.

I don't know if it's just me or not, but aren't you contradicting yourself slightly here Clinton??  You helpfully criticise me for my grammar (and I'm sure you know what I do), but you're also recognising that some professions "may not be so judged on the quality of their written communication" ??  (unless it's still too early in the morning for me?  )

Steve - I think you may of found your backup proof reader?

I also think it's acceptable to allow a certain bit of friendly 'banter' on forums too!

I do not see any contradiction. There is no way to say for sure how individual customers will perceive poor grammar. Whatever your profession or trade it doesn't hurt to iron out the mistakes that are likely to impact on credibility.

We are agreed on CVs - they should have no mistakes. But it's not always that the candidates have been careless; it's often the case that they simply don't know better. They overestimate their abilities and believe their CVs are error free. Blame the schools or blame the culture of accepting almost good enough when it comes to written communication. Either way, it doesn't help those candidates.

The ones who didn't get called for an interview don't know why they didn't get called just as  customers who decide to go with a competitor don't usually explain why they choose that competitor.

BTW, it's "may have" instead of "may of". ;) This is a thread about grammar after all; it would be rude to mention those mistakes in a general business discussion. I'm glad you like the banter.

Have never really been overly fussed about grammar, I hated school and education and as far as the school headmaster was concerned I was just a dead beat who spent my entire education looking out of the class window daydreaming..... On the flip side my goody two shoes brother who is 18 months older than me, who could do no wrong left school with his 11 plus certificate, straight to grammar school, travel the world for a year, then of to university for 5 years left highly educated.... never done a days work since. Tell a lie he did manage to get a job with British Rail and within 2 weeks got bored and left that was in 1979 since then all he has done is attend some form of education course. And when you visit his house he has a whole bedroom wall obliterated with educational certificates.... Even HMRC don't bother with him as they know he's a waste of space and has never done a days work in his life.... One things for sure though, he does know where to stick his commas and can write the perfect CV..... although never has the need for one. 

Must admit I prefer someone who can do a hard days graft or sell something rather than being grammatically correct..... Unless of course they are web designers or SEO experts, then I'll visit their sites and systematically and pull it apart....