Why Grammar is Still Important in Your Day-to-Day Communication?

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In our modernized communications, chat speak and texting slang find their way into every form of communication. It’s not uncommon to see “lol” or “idk” sprinkled throughout advertising copy, social media posts, and even professional email exchanges. So the question becomes, why does grammar still matter at all?

Even though we as a society have come up with abbreviations for common sayings in order to keep up with the fast-paced world we live in, nothing can replace the accuracy and precision of correct grammar and usage. 

Language is a powerful, rich, and beautiful tool whose purpose is to convey a specific idea from one person to another. It carries a heavy responsibility of translating the thoughts in your mind into something that another person can receive, engage with, and understand.

While it’s true that we all have the option to use whatever language we want to in order to communicate with those around us, there are certain benefits that come with the proper use of grammar and usage that lazy language simply does not entail.

Correct grammar makes the difference between saying the right thing and the almost right thing.

One of the many benefits of using correct grammar, spelling, usage, and punctuation is the ability to communicate exactly what you mean to say without risk of confusion. Of course, the flipside of that is that using incorrect grammar entails the risk of being wildly misunderstood. 

The consequences of miscommunication can range from a hilarious misunderstanding to something more serious like a work task performed incorrectly (or not at all) as a result of poor communication.

The use of the right word versus the almost-right word can seriously affect the meaning of your communication. 

For example:

James requests your presence.

This sentence communicates that someone named James would like to see you. But if you use the wrong word:

James requests your presents.

Then suddenly someone named James has communicated a sense of entitlement to your gifts. Clearly one of these is correct and the other is incorrect, and the miscommunication would be easily cleared up. But you can observe how the use of the correct word affects the meaning of a sentence.

Even something as simple as comma placement can completely change what the speaker or writer means to say. 

For example:

“Let’s eat, Aunt Kay.”

This is an invitation to the speaker’s relative to join in the family dinner. However:

“Let’s eat Aunt Kay.”

Suddenly the family has dark, nefarious intentions. Aunt Kay had better get out of there fast.

Grammar is your power to communicate exactly what you mean, and to avoid misunderstandings that are altogether preventable with the use of proper communication.

Your choice of language represents how you choose to present yourself to the world.

Whether you’re writing social media posts and engaging with posts other people have published, or interacting with your coworkers via email, or simply exchanging texts throughout the day with your friends and loved ones, most people these days interact with the world via text-based exchanges.

The way in which you choose to express yourself in written language represents who you are to the people you engage with via text and electronic communications. The use of correct grammar is your best shot at putting your best foot forward and creating a good impression with the people who read your electronic communication.

Learning to use correct grammar is a worthwhile venture that pays off with seamless and effective communication. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools you need to become an outstanding communicator.