When I decided to start a series on grammar I wasn’t sure if it was best in the “For Bloggers” Category or “Homeschool.” After much thought I decided to choose both.
As writers and bloggers I believe we should be very careful about using correct grammar. It shows that we are both serious and professional. It doesn’t come easily for everybody, though. We now live in a world of texting and 140 character status updates where abbreviations reign supreme. I fear some things may have gotten lost in translation. If you work with brands and sponsors presentation is important. Poor grammar can make an otherwise great article hard to read or appear unprofessional.
As homeschoolers (or parents in general) it’s important to teach our children grammar. We may even need additional help as well to do so! It almost seems to be a lost art, but it is still relevant and very important.
I will even venture to say many business owners can benefit from improved grammar as well. Maybe it is because I am particular about the subject, but when I am contacted by a business owner that uses incorrect grammar or visit a website that uses it, I have a hard time taking them seriously. Using correct grammar tells me you care about your business and are a professional. If you don’t take the extra time to do so (or hire an editor) I question how serious you are about your business. Yes, I have passed up a purchase based on my perception of an unprofessional appearance.
Grammar can be tricky, and to be 100% all the time may not be feasible. I am, by no means, an expert. I’m just a “grammar nerd” as I like to say! I will be covering many of the common grammar mistakes as well as sharing tips for those that aren’t as common. So whether you are looking for tips for yourself or your children, I hope you find my Grammar 101 series helpful!
Before I begin my series, what are some grammar topics you would like me to cover?
What grades will your grammar cover? My daughter is 11..she does NOT like Grammar…
This won’t be grade specific. I will cover general grammar topics that people of all ages can use. 🙂
The difference between using affect and effect, who and whom, and those types of things. I ALWAYS get those mixed up.
Consider them covered. 🙂 They are on my list!
I, too, am a fellow grammar nerd. Nice to meet you. Will definitely follow and share.
Nice to meet you, too! 🙂
This is going to be something that I must follow. While I can point out grammar mistakes in others, especially my family. I can not for the life of me see it, when I do it. I can use all the help I can get. *Note: I am positive there are a bunch of issues just with my comment alone*
It’s always easier to see it in others’ writings for me as well!
I always get confused over the use of who and whom! And lay and lie!
Ah! Lay and lie! Good one! I have who and whom, and I will add lay and lie to my list!
I’m a fellow grammar nerd and I feel the same way about businesses that have obvious mistakes in their advertising and on their websites! I also find it difficult to take a blog about homeschooling seriously when it is full of errors. We all make mistakes (I certainly make my share!), and these things don’t come easily to everyone, so I try to keep that in mind.
The frequent misuse of apostrophes and mixing up “me” and “I” are two of my biggest pet peeves, and perhaps some of the easiest mistakes to correct.
I definitely agree! I try to keep it in mind as well, but it’s hard! haha I also make plenty mistakes. Dangling prepositions anyone? lol
Somebody on my Facebook page mentioned the use of apostrophes in plural words, and I have noticed A LOT of this lately. It is definitely something I will be addressing in this series!
This is a great idea! I’ve forgotten so many grammar rules and it would be nice to have refreshers! How about one about when to use/not use commas?
Thanks! It is on my list!
I like my nickname “Grammar Nazi.” I feel the same way about companies and their mistakes. I actually emailed a teacher website recently which had many grammatical errors in their Terms of Agreement. They were very gracious about accepting the feedback and worked to fix their agreement. One thing I have not been able to find in all my searching is what to do when you have a prepositional phrase that comes right after a conjunction like “but” or “and.” How should commas be used in that situation?
I have given feedback before, too, but with much hesitation on my part. Luckily, they were also very gracious about accepting the feedback. They realized my intentions were to help and not criticize. What a relief!
That is a great topic. It’s one I actually can’t answer off the top of my head, but I will do some thinking and researching as well and see what I can find! Thank-you for the suggestion!
Further vs. Farther. Lay/lie/. Lain/laid. Who/whom. 🙂
I marked them down! Thanks! 🙂
I love this idea for a series — and that you are targeting bloggers as much as homeschoolers. I know of a few bloggers that really need to read this series 🙂
I do as well, and I hope everybody finds it helpful! 🙂
I’m really excited for this series! When I was younger, my grammar was perfect. Now that I am an adult, it is absolutely awful. I need this series like there is no tomorrow! 😉
I am positive this comment was full of grammar mistakes now. Oops!
I don’t see errors! There is one comma that could be left out, but it’s not incorrect either. Ah, the fun facts of grammar!
Ha! That’s the comment I was stressing over.
If I had a nickel for every time my Mom and I argued over serial commas, I would be one very rich lady. It’s funny how differently people are taught from one generation to the next.
*comma, not comment. Auto-correct…
It is. For me, I often prefer the comma to make a distinct pause or break in the sentence so it is easier to read. Some will still say it is wrong, though.
I have the same thoughts on it. Adding in that little pause makes it less confusing. My 2nd grade teacher taught me this way. My college English professors hated me for it.
I had one college English professor that hated almost everything I did. It was so strange what she picked out of my papers to tell me I needed improvement. Then, I move to the next semester where my professor was shocked I wasn’t an English major. I think sometimes it is truly their preference!
By the way, a friend and I had a conversation today about sell and sale. I thought that would be a good one for you! 😉 Also, not sure if someone mentioned it, I think they did, but me & I. I can’t wait to read this! I’ve considered taking a grammar course lately just so I could brush up on it myself.
Sell and sale has been added to my list! Thanks! 🙂
Great idea for a series!
Thanks!
i think this is a great idea. in this day and age of auto correct and texting abbreviations it’s important to remember how grammar is supposed to be! Good call!
Exactly!