The above title makes me cringe. I can’t stand it. It’s revolting, and makes me anxiously nervous.
When writing content for the Internet – paying attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation is of utmost importance. Whether your piece is intended for small groups, or large masses of knowledge-hungry visitors; it’s always pertinent to be sure your materials are properly checked for language errors.
Spelling
Spelling, in my mind, has no excuse for being just about 100% perfect in today’s word processor friendly world. Globs of people now have easy access to spell check – right where they are writing their content. Take for example the built in spell check function which is available on WordPress, Microsoft Word, and the Firefox web browser. Each program helps to make spelling a breeze. Click, fix, perfect.
It must be noted that spell check only looks for incorrect spelling, not grammatical errors. Eye and I are both correct spellings; much like dessert and desert. These spelling mistakes are more difficult to find – but make for a more polished piece if eliminated.
If possible, after completing a written piece – take the time to throw it into a program like Microsoft Word; in order to find spelling mistakes. It might also be helpful to let others read your work before posting. It never fails to amaze me how much the non-writer’s eye can catch in regards to spelling & grammar mistakes.
Grammar
According to the American Heritage Dictionary, 3rd Edition – Grammar is the study of how words and their component parts combine to form sentences; the system of rules inherent in any language.
Grammar brings spice, structure, and voice into any written piece. The length of your sentences and use of words all help to bring a certain voice and style into your writing. Falling short of proper grammar can make your readers feel disconnected and confused when reading your material – and allows your work to fall short of its potential. Remember that grammar is just as important as every other aspect of writing.
Some writers use short sentences, while others maintain long. It’s best to combine both short and long sentences in order to produce more interesting work for your viewers. Finding your style of writing will continue to develop and change as you hone your writing skills.
Punctuation
Punctuation helps to hold together your writing, almost like a skeleton supports muscles in a body. They connect sentences, break thoughts, and emphasize feelings. Punctuation runs deep in all writing.
The exclamation mark, question mark, period, comma, semi-colon, ampersand; they all help to bring our work together in a more streamlined, fashionable way.
Writing for the web differs from other writing in that punctuation can become somewhat distorted. Dashes are used frequently to break up thoughts, exclamation marks are used feverishly, and smaller sentences become more apparent.
These tweaks are all used in an effort to hold the attention of the reader. Internet users are scanners – searching for small, chewable bites of information. Most aren’t in search of the latest Historical Novel.
Bringing It All Together
Once combined; spelling, grammar and punctuation help to produce beautiful, smooth written work. Sentences are well formatted, reading comes fluidly, and the proper information is garnered from the text.
Taking the time to learn new words, reading other people’s work, and generally improving upon one’s writing skill is all part of writing for the web. In my own experience – taking extensive literature and English composition classes has vastly improved my skills in the written language.
Note that no person is perfect. Spelling mistakes do occur, punctuation isn’t perfect (mine, far from), and grammatical errors can slip through well built fortresses.
Before posting any written work – be sure to reread your material. Not once, not twice, but three times through. Pay close attention to the flow of thoughts and sentences, spelling mistakes, and punctuation quirks. Not only reread – but reread out loud. Does it make sense? Are there confusing, punchy spots? As I mentioned previously – it might also be beneficial to let others read your work before publishing to the public.
Like all aspects of life – writing takes time, practice, and most of all; lots of patience!
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