Remember, when people quickly skim-read web pages to look for the information they need, any spelling mistakes or grammar gaffes are going to trip them up.
Failure to use the right spelling and grammar not only slows the reader down, making it more likely they will click away to another website, but it will affect how a search engine finds key words in your pages.
Just as important, sloppy spelling and grammar implies a lack of professionalism which can undermine what you are trying to say.
Whether your website is voicing an opinion or selling a product, paying attention to the words and sentences in your text will add credibility and authority to your voice.
Everyone has access to a spellchecker – just remember to use it before publishing. But while a spellchecker will help you fix typos such as ‘teh’ instead of ‘the’, it’s never going to pick up on ‘toad’ instead of ‘towed’ or ‘lesson’ when you actually mean ‘lessen’.
When in doubt, you need the proof – proof reading! A second pair of eyes is always a good idea. Let a colleague with good spelling and grammar skills look over your text before you press the publish button – and that goes for social media updates as much as web pages.
After all, you don’t want a screenshot of your miss-spelled post to end up in an online ‘hall of shame’…
I would say a more apt questions is ‘Does grammar have to be sexy’? I am totally baffled by the extent of the English language and in the way modern teaching has complicated what should seem a natural ability. Let me give you an example of course I have heard and can use a verb but where did intransitive and transitive verbs come from? I have probably been using them all my life without even knowing. From a child’s point of view though learning the English Language must seem like an uphill struggle and that’s without learning how to spell correctly. Will this just serve to switch people off from the beginning?
All I know is that when I read an article I want to be engaged and the writing directed at me (lets face it if I have to break open the dictionary to continue with the text then forget it). Text should also be to the point, who has got hours to sift through pages and pages, originality also counts for a lot with a small dash of humour, if appropriate, all will serve to add enjoyment into the experience of reading and if you are enjoying and understanding what you are reading you are more likely to continue with the article. What I don’t want is to be baffled or confused by what I am reading.
I agree with media having a huge influence and responsibility to ensure language is used correctly we only have to look at some of the latest editions to the dictionary to understand how much of an influence there is.
So do I agree with ‘Good grammar is sexy’ well no good grammar just has to be good manners.
‘Good grammar has to be good manners’ I love that line. Thanks for your comments Suzanne, some interesting points there. Yes we’d rather not be baffled or confused by long, antiquated words and agree that text should get to the point and be succinct. I personally loathe long sentences.
Yes, I entirely agree in order to present a professional image on a website good grammar is absolutely essential. Keeping articles brief and to the point is important as many people tire more easily when reading on a screen than from hard copies. Like any written point an article should be interesting from the very beginning to the very end. All sorts of people read websites and therefore good grammar and presentation makes news accessible for all not just the intellectual amongst us.
I also agree about the need for a proof reader as the brain doesn’t always see it’s own errors!
Can our article be understood without any knowledge of the subject?
Grammar is the spinal column that holds a language together so use it well.
Helen thanks for your comments. Yes staggeringly 70% of all digital copy is now read on hand held devices such as mobile phones or tablets. Totally agree that we don’t want to sift our way through long boring articles punctuated by bad grammar. I much prefer content which is brief, grammatically correct and concise. We just don’t have the attention span for really long articles. You’ve made some valid points!