March 4 is Grammar Day. So why celebrate the bane of most individuals? Believe it or not, grammar is an essential element in all communication.

Typos and grammar mistakes can undo the best message. Unfortunately, errors happen in all writing and communication projects. Reviewing and proofing efforts strive to catch and correct all mistakes before release.

Many grammar software services are available to catch most errors and including:

  • Grammarly
  • Hemingway Editor
  • Writer
  • Prowriting Aid, and more.

In particular, Grammarly is the most popular software. Remember: Grammar software is programming. Consequently, such programs are only as proficient as their logic coding and training models. They are not 100% perfect! Yet, these tools are time-saving steps in cleaning up rough drafts.

More importantly, grammar software does not replace human proofing. Language is complex. There are rules, but exceptions exist as well.

Good writing tip: Never proof your own work. Use an independent party to do the final quality check for spelling, punctuation, word usage, and style. 

For the final word on grammar, listen to Word Crimes by Weird Al Yankovic.

Happy Grammar Day!