Blogging: The Matter of Grammar, Spelling, and Mechanics

Blogging is a way for many to express their passion for an idea, a subject, or to simply entertain. Bloggers shouldn’t have to fully limit their creativity by adhering to the conventional rules of grammar, spelling, and mechanics. However, there should be a boundary. The idea is to highlight the usage of creativity, but if bad grammar, misspelled words and mechanics were an obvious mistake, then there really is no originality taking place. There really is nothing sophisticated about accidental or careless grammar mistakes, as opposed to the smart and tactful usage of the English language.

In Business Communication Essentials: A Skills-Based Approach, Courtlan Bovée and John Thill recommend business messages to “avoid using obscure words, stale or clichéd expressions, and complicated sentences whose only intent is to impress others” (85). Bovée and Thill speak about formal, conversational, and informal tones which relates back to grammar and word choices. Being formal could sound “stuffy and too formal for today’s audiences” whereas “conversational is just right for most business communication” and “unprofessional is too casual for business communication” (Bovée and Thill 85). Bloggers may not necessarily be writing for business purposes, but one thing that all bloggers have in common is the need to be heard which relates back to business. 

Overall, it is beneficial to define your audience when it comes to blogging, and who your writing is geared towards. Some readers appreciate the more personal, casual, and intimate approach while others prefer a more elevated style of writing. Either way, bloggers shouldn’t have to limit their creativity by gluing themselves to the conventional rules of grammar, spelling, and mechanics as long as they serve a purpose. Consistent mistakes of grammar could sway readers from wanting to continue to read, because the blogger no longer seems credible. 

Works Cited

Bovée, Courtlan and Thill John. Communication Essentials: A Skills-Based Approach. New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc., 2014. Print.