How important the grammar in writing?

Inspiro Assistant · Post by **Inspiro Assistant** » 26 Jul 2011, 05:08

I am not a native English speaker. I always dream to be a writer. I want to know if the grammar is really that important in writing? I read several best selling books and the author claim that they are not really good in grammar or spelling, they just have a great idea. What do you think?

Fran · Post by **Fran** » 26 Jul 2011, 05:47

Inspiro Assistant wrote:I am not a native English speaker. I always dream to be a writer. I want to know if the grammar is really that important in writing? I read several best selling books and the author claim that they are not really good in grammar or spelling, they just have a great idea. What do you think?

Well if you want your readers to understand what you have written then grammer is IMHO vital. Ask yourself 'what is the function of grammar'? Just imagine trying to read a book where it is unclear if the action taking place in the present, the past or the future?. Who is speaking is it a first, second or third person narrator? Is the text despription or is it actual dialogue?

Spelling prossibly not as important especially as in English there are accepted differences in spelling between English speaking countries and the good old spell check can do funny things! However, incorrectly spelling some words can completly change your intended meaning.

Inspiro Assistant · Post by **Inspiro Assistant** » 26 Jul 2011, 05:55

Thanks Fran! I totally get you. I not that bad in grammar but it's not perfect.

Maud Fitch · Post by **Maud Fitch** » 28 Jul 2011, 02:47

Hey, I'm old school. Grammar and spelling is important to me. I've read "Let The Great World Spin" by Colum McCann and found the way he changed format between chapters rather distracting. The character dialogue should speak for itself without grammar tricks. If you are worried, a good proof reader should be able to tidy up for you!

Inspiro Assistant · Post by **Inspiro Assistant** » 28 Jul 2011, 03:12

Thanks Maud! I will keep that in mind.

Francine · Post by **Francine** » 17 Aug 2011, 23:51

Grammar is important because it is the language that makes it possible for us to talk about language. Grammar names the types of words and word groups that make up sentences not only in English but in any language. As human beings, we can put sentences together even as children--we can all do grammar. But to be able to talk about how sentences are built, about the types of words and word groups that make up sentences--that is knowing about grammar. And knowing about grammar offers a window into the human mind and into our amazingly complex mental capacity.

Abigail55 · Post by **Abigail55** » 18 Aug 2011, 15:02

I am a stickler for grammar and spelling. It may be that I am hyperaware of mistakes, but I agree with Maud, that poor or inconsistent grammar is one of the most distracting things in the world.

I am in support of creative and slightly avante-garde writing, but I do not find it enjoyable when I am completely at a loss as to the meaning of the sentences. I suppose that might make me a bit of a traditionalist, but it's important to me.