Understanding the English language in verbal and written forms

¶ … English (Grammar, Spelling) is Important

Why is it important for a student (and any writer) to use proper grammar and spelling? This paper delves into that subject and provides research that is pertinent and helpful.

Why is Grammar Important?

Beverly Ann Chin is professor of English at the University of Montana, and she explains that when papers, letters, essays, journalism and research papers do not use proper grammar those reading those writings may have "…preconceived notions about the value of its contents" (Chin, 2000).

When the writing shows poor grammar, no one will take it seriously, Chin explains. She also mentions that good grammar helps to "…guarantee clarity" and it also brings "…a level of order and elegance into the language." But why does it really matter? Bad grammar suggests bad writing, she continues, and when a reader sees flaws in the grammar he or she tends not to take that writing as seriously as he or she would have it the writing had correct grammar.

All that having been said, Chin admits that grammar "…should not be a concrete set of rules that are do-or-die" because in the end it is not grammar that matters as much as "…the content being expressed." She quotes Jack Lynch, who writes that new changes to grammar in the English language are "…not a corruption of proper English, but an evolution…"

In another article published by professor Chin ("The Role of Grammar in Improving Student's Writing") she explains that those who speak the English language already have knowledge of grammar, but they need to be able to connect oral language with written language. Chin also suggests that teaching grammar by itself is not always the best approach. Most researchers, she continues, "…agree that it is more effective to teach punctuation, sentence variety, and usage in the context of writing" than to simply approach the subject using "isolated skills" (i.e., just teaching grammar) (Chin, 2008). In fact, the research that Chin alludes to shows that teaching grammar "…separate from writing instruction does not improve students' writing competence" (Chin).

The Importance of Spelling

Aston University reports on a recent survey that was conducted by Learndirect, which showed that 40% of those seeking jobs admit "…poor spelling is the area they have been criticized for the most in previous jobs" (Aston University, UK). On the other hand, about 56% of employers say "…proficiency in English" is a "top priority" when interviewing and recruiting potential employees. In other words, when a high school or college graduate fills out an application for employment, and that application has a number of spelling errors, the employer can either surmise that the applicant is ignorant of proper English, does not proofread adequately, or perhaps the applicant is simply sloppy. Either way, misspelling words on an application or a letter to a potential employer makes a very bad impression. Why would an employer hire a person who is slipshod in his or her use of language? It's possible that being careless in one aspect of one's professional life can portend sloppiness in other aspects as well; it's a fair assumption.