writing tips

Pet Peeves: Because Correct Grammar is Simply Forgotten Sometimes

There are always going to be mistakes that start innocently enough, but grow into universal usage. The internet helps propagate this because it is full of informal forms of communication that lead to the wide spread growth of common mistakes. Chat rooms and emails are very convenient forms of informal communication where people throw the grammar book out the window so that they can cut a few corners and send messages faster.

“…i want u to find that 4 me…idk my bff rose…lol…”

I’m not saying I have a pet peeve with shortcuts in the chat rooms. But, it translates to mistakes in more formal settings. When you write an essay for your college professor or you have a report to write for your boss, you don’t want to turn in a presentation with simple errors that could have been avoided. So, let’s take a look at a few of the more common mistakes in hopes that you’ll catch on and start correcting your own errors by yourself.

One that has really caught on big is the use of the word, “thru.” This wasn’t even a word until a few short years ago. Added to the dictionary because of its wide usage, it is the informal spelling of the word “through.” I “threw” a ball or I went “through” the door are the two homonyms used for formal writing. “Thru” should be kept for hand-written signs on Laundromats that tell you the doors are open “Monday thru Friday.”

The Five Most Common Errors

Grammatical errors can show you up to be disinterested in your writing. They can detract your credibility and make your work look immature. In cases of blog writing or creating web copy, the case is pretty much the same. People will not read your blog, or subscribe/link to your blog if you make silly mistakes when you write. I believe that copywriting and blogging should be conversational and engaging, and breaking some in the formal convention of spelling and grammar can often be a good thing. Though, I also believe that you have to know the rules in order to break them. Here are some errors that you’ll never convince anyone that you wrote intentionally in the name of style, and even then, there will be people who will doubt your credibility.
So, let us look at some common errors that could diminish the credibility of your writing.

Improper Use of the Apostrophe – It is used generally in two cases. One for contractions (don’t for ‘do not’), and secondly for showing that something belongs to someone (Bobby’s pen would mean this pen belongs to Bobby). If you are ever in doubt, leave the apostrophe out. It generally causes more confusion if you introduce an apostrophe where it does not belong than it does to omit one.

The Loneliness of a Long Distance Writer

Are words best written alone?

I’m pretty sure that my title is not an original one. Writing requires concentration and effort especially if like me, writing has been something to do as part of a job rather than something performed for pleasure. The truth is that as a professional writer, and by that I mean I write for a living, my working life is spent alone with no colleagues to bounce ideas around and joke with at the coffee machine. I never get to see my clients as they are dotted around the world as far afield as North America, the Far East and Australasia, so email and Skype are the communication tools.

Does any of this matter with your writing?

Unless you are a hermit by nature, the straight answer is “Yes” it does matter.

Blogging Tips That Work

Writing Blog Posts is Short and Sweet

I think I mentioned in one of my previous posts that a writer needs to be opinionated and forceful if they are to be successful. When it comes to writing blog posts you really must be awake to the audience you are writing for and this writers maxim definitely applies. A web surfer will spend seconds on your page if you are lucky, so what you post there needs to hit the mark fast – here are some tips from the bowels of my experience.

Tip 1: Be Opinionated

The more opinionated the better, as opinions are what readers are looking for. Do you think Ford is better than Vauxhall, Liverpool better than Manchester United, should homosexuals be allowed in the armed forces, is Gordon Brown the right man to fill Tony Blair’s shoes?

Remember a blog is accessible, so be prepared to have your opinions challenged and there is also a difference between being opinionated and posting inflammatory comments.

Tip 2. Less is More

Keep it Simple Stupid.

Tip 3. Use Lists

Like this one.