When writing content for the internet, paying attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation is paramount.
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 write their content. For example, the built-in spell check function 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 you eliminate them.
After completing a written piece, throw it into a program like Microsoft Word or Grammarly to find spelling mistakes. Let others read your work before posting. It always amazes me how much the non-writers eye can catch regarding spelling & grammar mistakes.
Grammar
According to the American Heritage Dictionary, 3rd Edition – Grammar is the study of how words and their 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 the use of words all help to bring a distinct voice and style into your writing. Falling short of proper grammar can make your readers feel disconnected and confused when reading your material, allowing your work to miss its potential. Remember that grammar is just as essential as every other aspect of writing.
Some writers use short sentences, while others maintain long ones. It’s best to combine short and long sentences to produce more interesting work for your viewers. Finding your writing style 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, and ampersand all help bring our work together in a more streamlined, fashionable way.
Writing for the web differs from others in that punctuation can become 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 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, proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation help to produce beautifully written work. Sentences are well formatted, reading comes fluidly, and the appropriate information is garnered from the text.
Learning new words, reading other people’s work, and generally improving 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 flawless. Spelling mistakes occur, punctuation isn’t perfect (mine, far from), and grammatical errors can slip through even well-built fortresses.
Before posting any written work – be sure to reread your material. Not once, not twice, but three times. 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, letting others read your work before publishing might also be beneficial.
Like all aspects of life, writing takes time, practice, and lots of patience!
