Why Proper Grammar is Key in Letter Writing

There complementary desert is grater than hearse. Their complimentary dessert is greater than hers. The first sentence states that there exists a matching area of arid land that functions as an implement that grates in some unidentifiable relation to a vehicle that transports those who have passed away. The second sentence states that someone’s free cake tastes better than someone else’s cake. I believe these two sentences clearly illustrate the undeniable and unquestionable importance of grammar.

Perhaps you are not convinced. All grammatical errors are not as blatant as the above, and you may feel it is perfectly fine to ignore some rules of grammar once in a while. You might want to have your complimentary cake and eat it, too. Resist that temptation. Grammar is not meant to be a tedious set of rules. Its function is to assist in the accurate and coherent expression of thoughts and ideas. Certain forms of communication rely more heavily on grammar than others. In particular, proper grammar is key in letter writing. This is the case for many reasons, two of which are listed below.

Perceived Intelligence – Whether it is fair or not, most people judge the intelligence of others based upon the quality of their writing. An individual may be ignored or dismissed despite their intelligence simply because of poor grammar.

Meaningful Communication – Ideas, beliefs, and thoughts only exist outside oneself if they can be properly communicated. Faulty grammar hinders true expression as it can serve to frustrate or confuse the letter reader who may, in turn, abandon the letter without ever grasping its inherent value.

4 thoughts on “Why Proper Grammar is Key in Letter Writing”

  1. Well that’s not fair at all. While I understand the importance of proper grammar, the “perceived intelligence” can often be influenced by a personal judgement or opinion of how the individual expresses themselves.

  2. Excellent article! There are some real advantages to giving some thought to spelling and grammar, whether you find yourself blogging, texting, or writing a letter. It’s true that people may judge your intelligence if they see errors. Consequently, your communication may have little or no integrity and your message will be lost. Bad grammar is a turn-off and readers may feel that you are not well educated. Take the time to re-read your message, use spell-check, or ask a co-worker or friend to proofread for spelling and grammar if you’d like to be taken seriously.

  3. Good writing skills are very important! However, in my humble opinion text messages are less formal and should be given some slack.

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