A former co-worker told me a story about her dad yelling at her for her spelling mistakes. Her response: “But Dad, I don’t care about how to spell it right.” That’s cute and amusing because she was 8. Now as adults, grammar and spelling are important if we’re going to be understood.
I’m the original rebel. I’m rather contrary. I get the impulse to flaunt the rules and do what you want. But in the case of grammar that impulse is wrong. Grammar matters. Grammar gaffes are an excuse for people to not to listen to you. Kurt Vonnegut said,
“profanity and obscenity entitle people who don’t want unpleasant information to close their ears and eyes to you.”
Same thing with bad spelling and grammar. It entitles people to stop listening to you. I think that if you don’t understand the difference between then (an expression of time) and than (a comparison) I don’t have to listen to to you. Also, if you say would of, could of or should of, I’m not listening to you.
If you want to be understood and takes seriously, especially in business, learn the basic rules of English grammar.
If you need help with the basics, Grammar Girl has excellent tips. On the lighter side, you can also get some grammar tips from The Oatmeal.
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