If you’ve not already worked it out, here at Written Right we’re pretty big on good grammar, but grammar usage has been a hot topic for years. The article from the Guardian here makes a good read.
National Grammar Day
Almost every day is a ‘day’ these days….. and March 4th is no different; it’s National Grammar Day! Albeit more a US celebration than perhaps a UK one, I couldn’t resist acknowledging the affair with a bit of an amusing admiration for my favourite abecedary attribute for articles and arguments alike! So if like me you approve of a little ancillary alliteration and adore all things grammar, have a read of the below lighthearted article.
http://xulonpressblog.com/xulon-press-staff/10-ways-celebrate-national-grammar-day/
Good Grammar Could Help In The Battle Against Unconscious Bias.
Equality and diversity are often talked about, with modern society thankfully valuing people from all walks of life. But less talked about is unconscious bias, and the way we can inadvertently not promote equality and diversity without knowing it, simply because we don’t like a certain characteristic about someone. So how many people have an unconscious bias where grammar and language are concerned? Quite likely an incorrect use of grammar might lead to assumptions around standard of education, intelligence, pride in your work or eye for detail. Whether you choose to believe they’re important or not, diction, grammar and accuracy are very powerful and can all create first and last impressions.
I’m all for thinking that when all is said and done it’s what you do or say, rather than the way you say it per se that matters the most, but being able to do both is surely a big win!
Technology Is Wonderful….. Or Is it?
I’m all for the wonders which have been made possible by the widespread access to the internet, but the article below states that most children have access to phones by 7 years old! Wow; when did that happen?!? Given this is long before many children can recognise all the different genres of language, will it further encourage the use of ‘text speak’ in everyday language I wonder? Thanks goodness for proofreaders!
Most children sleep with mobile phone beside bed https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-51296197
Terminology Torment
Last weekend , my young son came home from school with his SPAG homework (spelling, punctuation and grammar for those of you not ‘in the know’ of current primary school teaching methods!). Being a bit of a grammar fiend, helping him should have been right up my street! Famous last words! I was met by a sea of technical terms, being asked to help him label subordinate conjunctions, identify fronted adverbials and recognise compound sentences. All well and good for a language expert you might say, but in a generation where far too many still struggle to read and write properly, surely there’s a lot to be said for focusing learning on how to use language properly rather than giving everything a label?
Is Good Grammar Linked to Salaries?
Here at Written Right we’re big believers that good grammar is one of the best keys to communicating effectively, but it appears it can achieve a whole lot more too. Click here to see a recent article linking good grammar to salary achievement.
The Devil Is In The Detail
We’ve all heard the old saying The devil is in the detail, which is why we at Written Right can be your angels in disguise! Here are a few recent examples which we’ve come across recently which might make you smile!
Commas are the difference between embarrassment at the very least!
“Sit down Mr Smith”, rather than “Sit down, Mr Smith”. The original text could have resulted in Mr Smith asking people to kindly give him some space!
“Walk on Charlie”, rather than “Walk on, Charlie”. As above, poor Charlie’s space could feel rather invaded, never mind Charlie feeling squashed!
Choosing the right word.
How many words are there that sound very similar but have subtly or even not subtly different meanings? Their, there, hear, here, to, too…the list goes on! My favourite I heard recently was “You’re wet clothes”. The intention was of course “your wet clothes”, referring to someone’s possessions, but no doubt the original inference could have left someone feeling like soggy trousers!
Another one that made me chuckles was “Recycling preserves are planet”. I’m not quite sure what jam or marmalade have got to do with anything! But our team at Written Wright certainly cringed a little at this one!