We make lots of jokes about the importance of good grammar. Some of us are grammar Nazis who lurk on Facebook and other online forums ready to correct the "great unwashed masses" when they forget an apostrophe or misuse to, too, or two. Others are the type telling these seemingly obsessive protectors of the English language to "lighten up" because it's "just the internet after all" and "no one can expect everyone to be perfect all the time." Whether you fall into one of these groups or somewhere in between, the simple truth is good grammar is important.
If you
ask the average person on the street whether or not using good grammar is
important, you may be surprised at the variety of responses you will receive.
It seems the debate over the significance of prescriptive English grammar is
alive, and sometimes slightly aggressive, in the court of public opinion. My
personal belief is that the study and mastery of proper English grammar is not
only necessary, but also imperative. Our students’ overall success beyond the
academic world is dependent upon their ability to write and speak clearly and
professionally – an impossible task without at least some degree of working
knowledge involving grammar. My ideology regarding English grammar has
developed not simply because I am a teacher of English, but also due to the
fact that I have spent so much of my life performing a variety of jobs in the
private sector including many years spent as a hiring manager for several
different businesses.
In
this digital age of texts, tweets, instant messages, and emails, some will
argue the use of prescriptive grammar has become out-dated or even archaic;
however, when it comes to the professional world nothing could be farther from
the truth. Kyle Weins, CEO of iFixit and Dozuki, administers grammar tests to
every applicant for every position in his companies. Weins’ justification for
using this tool across the board is “grammar signifies more than just a
person’s ability to remember high school English. I’ve found that people who
make fewer mistakes on a grammar test also make fewer mistakes when they are
doing something completely unrelated to writing — like stocking shelves or
labeling parts” (2012). While Weins’ tactics may be slightly more militant than
those employed by other companies, the simple fact is more companies today are
including grammar and writing tasks in their application processes. These
businesses are also turning more potential employees away due to their
inability to successfully complete these activities.
Ultimately,
it doesn't matter how intelligent, capable, or qualified applicants may be, if
they are incapable of presenting themselves competently through their speech
and writing. For better or worse, using poor grammar portrays a person as
careless, lazy, or at worst ignorant. None of these qualities are highly sought
after by any business owner. In this age of electronic applications, contact
with potential employers can be limited to written artifacts like cover
letters, resumes, and personal websites or social media profiles. Our written
words represent our first, and sometimes only, impression. The ability to use
proper grammar signifies not only credibility and professionalism, but also
commands a degree of immediate respect from those reading and reviewing the
materials presented. This in itself is more than enough reason to ensure our
students learn and master grammar.
