Are Correct Spelling and Grammar Still Important?

The other day, I was reading an online article in which the author quoted a statement from a school principal. However, instead of using the word "principal," the author used the word "principle." Now some of you might say, "What's the problem? Isn't that a correct spelling of the word?" If you are asking that, then you are right, it is a correct spelling of the word. However, that "correct spelling" doesn't fit the content. The word "principle" refers to an idea, a basic truth if you will. The other spelling, "principal" (notice the endings on these two words) refers to a person, usually the head of a school. Because of this problem, I was unable to finish reading the article. I could no longer believe in the author's credibility.

After I had finished my ranting, I began to ponder just how important correct grammar really is. (Writing has always been a passion of mine, and grammar has always come easily to me, which is why I tend to notice mistakes all over the place.) How many articles had I not finished because I found one mistake? This may be a little harsh on my part, but I think the topic deserves discussion.

How important are correct grammar and spelling in today's world? In this article, I will attempt to answer that question using the following topics:

• Why is our grammar changing?
• Where is correct grammar needed?
• Where to find help with grammar and spelling

I have a couple of theories on why our grammar and spelling are changing. First, we are communicating so much more now through written word - texting, Twitter, Facebook, etc. As a matter of fact, according to Experian.com, young adults are sending and receiving over 3,000 texts a month (see chart below). On Twitter, over 400 million tweets are posted everyday, according to the Washington Post. However, in both these instances, shortened sentences and words are encouraged in order to say as much as possible in very few characters (140 or less for Twitter users.). In other words, grammar is not an issue. How many times a day are we asked to write an email, a research paper, or a report? In these instances, correct grammar and spelling are not optional, they are required. If we were writing 3,000 reports and papers a month, of course our writing would be much better because of the constant practice.

Second, think about the amount of unedited text that is added to the world every minute. Now more than ever we are sharing our thoughts and opinions about everything. Ten years ago, when we read a fascinating article, we either talked about it with our friends, or if we read it in a newspaper, we took the time to write a letter to the editor. Now, in our social media-driven world, we can quickly leave a comment without having to send it through an editor first. How many of you have commented on a video on YouTube or a status on Facebook? Because of the instant gratification of hitting the share button, there are no rules. No one is coming behind us, telling us about the mistakes we made in our posts.

Read an article posted on CNBC News' website about employers' frustration with the poor writing skills of potential candidates.

Why Johnny can't write, and why employers are mad...

So if incorrect grammar is okay in texting and social media, then what is the problem? I'm glad you asked. The problem is that the lack of correctness isn't staying in its proper place. This problem is spilling over into online articles, advertisements, and even into other media such as papers and magazines. Why is correctness important? When a published work, even if it is a short advertisement, has a mistake, that means that time wasn't taken to make sure it was the best it could be. I always use this as a rule of thumb. If what I am reading is not absolutely perfect, then it isn't credible and proper time and effort was not put into the piece that is being presented to me.

I also use this rule when searching websites. Most of the time, when I have a question, I go to Google for my answer. Because I want the best answer possible, I am always on the lookout for correctness on the websites that I check. If a website has any kind of incorrect grammar or spelling, to me that means that it is not professionally done, and will probably give me false information. This isn't always the case because no one is perfect and mistakes happen. But that is why constant editing is so important - to make sure you are presenting your best product possible.

If you are planning on doing some writing, remember that improper grammar should remain in its proper place, especially if you want to be taken seriously. Here are a few places where correctness is essential:

• Resumes
• Emails, especially those that are business related
• Online articles and public blogs
• Websites

• Standard Dictionary
• Peer editing
• A teacher or parent
• Your school's Writing Center
• Websites such as Dictionary.com
• List of commonly misspelled words
• Textbooks on writing

I can't rant and preach without offering some help, so here you go. Where can you find help with your grammar and spelling? Well the first place to look - especially when in doubt about how to spell a word - is in a good old-fashioned dictionary. A dictionary will never steer you wrong. When in doubt, take a quick peek. Keep one by your desk; or, if you don't like the thought of having to flip through pages, use a website such as Dictionary.com or a dictionary app on your phone.

Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. Have someone you trust to read your piece before publishing it. Another set of eyes may help you catch something that you might have missed yourself. You can ask a friend, parent, teacher, or, for you college students, the writing center at your school, to look over your piece and give you advice. Not only can they help with the mechanics, but also with the subject matter and the flow of the piece.

It also helps to constantly edit and re-read your work as you go. After writing a paragraph, stop and read it. Ask yourself these questions:

• Does it make sense?
• Are there any words that I am unsure about?
• Does it flow well?

Although the flow of the piece doesn't necessarily refer to grammar, it will still make your writing easier and more enjoyable for the reader.

Another way to help is to keep a list of commonly misspelled words by your desk. I have made up my own list and included it below. You can also find lengthier lists online simply by searching for commonly misspelled words on your favorite search engine.

Yes, grammar and spelling are still very important, even if a lot of writing we do everyday doesn't have to be perfect. More and more people are publishing themselves today. Make yourself stand out by making your work the best it can be!