Are Grammar and Punctuation Important?

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Punctuation, Grammar, and all that boring stuff

We know that content is king. Writing to respond to the needs of our readers is the backbone of affiliate marketing.

But what role does grammar play?

I just finished a training tutorial on quotation marks. You can find it here:

https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/training/quotation-marks-wha...

Yes, most people might consider the English grammar rules dry and boring. In fact, some consider them quite unnecessary. After all, as long as the information is useful and helps our readers, should it really matter if the comma is inside or outside of the quotation marks?


In fact, does it matter if you forget the comma or period altogether?

Our English language can be more than challenging for native speakers, let alone non-native. Understanding when to use "affect" vs "effect" creates enough problems for many people. Now we are concentrating on punctuation and quotation marks?

Although it's a trite example at best, I think the following shows the importance of using punctuation properly.

"Let's eat, Gramma!"

or

"Let's eat Gramma!"

Of course, we understand that the subject is inviting Gramma to eat. And that is what the first sentence says. But the second sentence actually says that he intends to eat his grandmother.

While this is a ridiculous example, it makes it easy for people to understand why punctuation is so critical. If we get it wrong, it changes the meaning of the sentence.

Yes, I believe that using grammar and punctuation properly makes a big difference in our writing.

Have you ever tried to read through a post that is filled with these types of errors? Sometimes they distract the reader to the point where they just give up. The belief is that if the writer doesn't care enough to edit their work, why should the reader care about it?

While that might seem extreme, keep in mind that you have thousands of competitors on the internet. Many also fail the grammar test.

But some don't.


Good grammar, proper punctuation, and attention to detail gives you an edge over the multitudes!

I look for every edge I can find.

The Gitomer quote says it well, I think. What you say and how you say it is the image you project to your readers. Your writing and your website is how they know you.

Can you improve your writing?

Yes, absolutely, Even if you failed English seven times (you didn't, did you?) you can learn the basics.

I find that the more a person reads well-written information, the easier writing well becomes. Our brains become accustomed to proper English.

I also advise those I coach to use writing tools. Two good online tools that have a free version include Grammarly and ProWritingAid. Both are good. I tend to favor Grammarly. But either will help develop your skills.

A note of caution: Neither of these nor any of the others I have tested are perfect. You need to look at each suggestion and decide if it is a needed change.

As you increase your skills, you may want to try the paid version for more information. But the free version is very good. And free is a good price!

My plans include adding more training over the upcoming weeks. I'd like your input.

What types of writing help would you like to see? Leave a comment below or send me an email. I'd like to make the training modules as beneficial as possible!

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Recent Comments

72

Thank you Diane!
When writing we have the content in mind that matters most - but for a reader the grammar and punctuation is an indication if the blog is real and trustworthy.
So we definitely have to keep this "dry matter" in mind!
But I have realized that google translator makes it difficult sometimes - I have a german written blog and when english speaking persons open the site google translates it (which is basically brilliant) - but of course with a lot of mistakes. But thats a total different topic ;)
Thank you for your effort!
All the best,
Tina

Yes, I've seen some of the google translation. Most are good. Some, not so much! But it certainly is better than the old method of searching through translation books, one word at a time.

Thanks for commenting!

This is definitely true! It is a great service provided.
Its my pleasure, have a great week!

Thank you! And you, as well!

I installed Grammarly yesterday and already find it useful. The punctuation rules in English are different from Dutch. It's been over 50 years ago that I learned the rules of the language. They might have changed in the meantime. Or I just don't know them anymore. :)
At the moment I am learning Spanish, so another set of rules.

I agree with you, the language and its application should be as perfect as possible.

Thanks, Diane.

(Have you seen my question in my last blog about logic and logical?)

LOL, you have noticed it too, Chuck :-D
Jij ook een fijne dag.

Thanks for your comments. I have not seen your question but will look for it. You may also send me a private message if you like.

It wasn't a big deal, Diane. I was wondering what the difference is between logic and logical :)

Hi Diane,

Some very valid points on grammar and punctuation, for me Grammarly, is a great blessing in disguise. It catches many of my errors and helps me look much more professional than what I am.

Although grammatic mistakes will not reflect in your website's ranking any time soon. However, it does change the understanding of your context within your content and if not done properly will confuse or frustrate your readers. Causing them to look elsewhere for less challenging material to read (leaving your website - not a good thing).

So it is not important SEO wise, but yet it is important SEO wise. I would think readability for your material is part of visitor engagement or enhancement whichever would apply.

Calvin

Yes, I agree, Calvin. Thanks for your comments.

Well Diane. This is a question that keeps popping up.

Firstly, I have never heard of the word Gramma, so it must be a colloquialism (nice word), and secondly, grammar and punctuation will lose you more readers than you think. If you write good quality posts, articles, chapters, paragraphs, content, call it what you like, then you will attract more readers.

If you look at my website www.passive-income-lifestyle.com, you will find all the posts are well written, and I get comments on the grammar because it's important (to me), that it reads well.

If you send a text to someone, then as long as the message gets through it can be written in any form, because its usually someone you know well. If you send a text to someone you don't know, then send it so it reads well.

All good points, Dave. Thank you!

As for Gramma--it's a common term for Grandmother or Grandma.

Hi Yvonne.

Thank you. I know what Gramma is but we tend to use Granny or Gran, but they all work.

Indeed they do!

In the beginning, I didn't think it mattered. It does if we want to create, and present relevant professional content.

It can depend on where the audience we are reaching out to are situated, some niches seem to have there own dialect, the writing can reflect that.

Social media is leading the charge when it comes to gramma, and punctuation decay.

We live in interesting times.

Grammarly is heaven sent I am sure.

Alex

Very true, Alex. And yes, our current times are quite interesting.

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