Tip #18: Turn Off Your Grammar Checker

0

 

Brian's Writing Tip #18: Turn off your grammar checker“Turn off your grammar checker. Spellcheckers can be helpful in catching mistyped words or reminding us of hard-to-remember spellings. But I’ve never found a grammar checker to be much use. This is because English grammar often depends on context – something computer programs cannot yet grasp. Grammar checkers, for example, are always pointing out passive voice. But often the obnoxious squiggly line appears when, in fact, no passive voice exists. Even if the program identifies it correctly, I resent the suggestion that passive constructions are always wrong. Passive verbs exist for a reason and sometimes they are exactly what a sentence calls for. Do yourself a favor; learn the rudiments of grammar and turn off your grammar checker.”

*****

Please leave any comments or questions in the Reply section below.

 

About the Author

Brian WaskoBrian is the founder and president of WriteAtHome.com. One of his passions is to teach young people how to write better.View all posts by Brian Wasko

Leave a Reply

If you like a post, please take a second to click "like," and comment as often as you like.
We promise not to correct your grammar!