Frendz Hamed Saber (Flickr)
Happy Friday everyone! I’m excited to be writing my first official QG blog post! Here in the QualityGal office all of us work really closely together and we’ve realized there are certain grammatical (and otherwise) pet peeves we all have in common. Thankfully, our wonderful writers (you guys!) are fantastic about watching your grammar and spelling before submitting your articles to be edited. However, in an age where the Internet is a primary form of communication between peers you come across a lot of people who, simply put, can’t or won’t write well. I try to ignore it most of the time; some of my best friends write like 10 year olds, but there are a few mistakes that drive me a little bit crazy.
A LOT – Two words. I know that. You know that. But apparently some people have a hard time with this. It used to drive me insane, until Allie Brosh saved my sanity with her hilarious post about the mythological Alot… and a few other things.
It can be found here -> The Alot is Better Than You at Everything <-
Read it if you so desire. I think most grammatically conscientious people will appreciate the humor. Who knows, maybe it will save you from wanting to cry the next time your BFF pretends that apostrophes don’t exist. Are there any specific pet peeves you have, grammatical or otherwise? Share so we can laugh at you commiserate with you!
As a writer, the biggest challenge for me lies in correcting passive voice. The comma splice has haunted me in my inexperienced years, and it still taps me on the shoulder every now and then. I enjoy the Quality Gal’s editorial policy because it allows writers to freely structure articles in a way that encourages individual tone, even with a detailed guide that provides a layout. I personally struggle with clarity. In the past, other companies wanted a simplistic tone, which is understandable when writing for a certain audience, but it seems that the overall expectations have weakened content in general. After all, readers can not elevate comprehension if content never poses a direct challenge. With that said, I appreciate “pet peeve” editorial comments, especially if it aims to improve authorship.
Thank you so very much for the feedback! I’m glad you enjoy writing for us! We love the individual styles of each of the QG writers and with a staff that writes to a wide variety of audiences, we try not to discourage any particular style of writing. Thank you again David for consistently writing expert work. We always smile when we see your name come up in our editorial panel.
One of my biggest pet peeves is Affect/Effect; I am constantly looking up which is which!
Affect/Effect can definitely cause some problems. I try to remember that affect deals with an emotional response (affection), while effect demonstrates an external outcome. I try to link effect with external since both begin with the letter “e.” Affect with affection since it deals with internal emotions.
1) I was affected by his offensive remarks.
2) His offensive remarks had an effect on me.
I apologize if that’s not clear enough for evolving writers. I’m certainly not an editor. 🙂
David, great feedback! If you ever have suggestions/tips you would like to share with fellow writers, please feel free. 🙂
If writers, editors, or QG staff have any questions, concerns, or just want to drop a note, then feel free to contact me: [email protected]. I’ll do my best to promptly respond and offer any suggestions, tips, or quick answers. 🙂
Hey Mindy, I loved your first QG article and I look forward to reading more from you. The “Alot” article was a giggler. I must look out for that monster in my writings. It is a pleasure working with QG and being a part of this great team. I learn so much and that makes it exciting. Well, gotta run, I have “a lot” of work to accomplish. Everyone, I hope you have a fabulous weekend.
David – Thanks so much for offering assistance if it is needed! That is very appreciated!
Winona – Thank you so much for the nice comment! We love having you writing for us. One of the best things about writing is that you are constantly learning as you do it. I hope your weekend was wonderful, Winona!
I continually grow in my writing skill and have realized it is through correction that we learn the most. Unfortunately, I write for several different companies and they all seem to want a different style of writing. I have been known to forget which I am writing for and thus get corrected when I shouldn’t have, but that goes with the territory.
One of the statements, which make me crazy, is the use of “those ones.” Its use has become popular even among newscasters, but then I have not been impressed by their language skills overall the past few years.
I will certainly agree with you when you say that the use of “those ones” is annoying. “Those ones” and “these ones” both grate on my nerves. I find myself correcting people when I hear or read them using either of those. Even out loud.
Thank you for the comment Lorelei and for choosing to write for QualityGal!
Grammar is one of my big pet peeves, and while I might slip up with a typo once in a while, I think everyone should take the time to learn about proper punctuation. With that in mind, I wanted to pass on a guide to semicolons. It’s pretty hilarious, and if all the grammar books on earth can’t get the point across, this little lesson will! Also helps that it’s illustrated with dinosaurs, a mayo-eating champion and a unicorn hamburger. Here’s the link: http://theoatmeal.com/comics/semicolon
Tina, thank you so much for commenting and sharing the link! All of us here in the QualityGal office love The Oatmeal! Our new office is going to be decorated with his posters!