Tips for people with grammar issues:

Contributor: ToyGurl ToyGurl
I am a mentor and I also see a lot of people slamming other individuals because maybe they aren't the best at grammar (yet write amazing reviews) or maybe they can't spell perfectly all the time. I know I mess up on both, so I thought it would be really nice to help those people out and create a post full of tips and tricks to write fool-proof reviews? Anyone with me? If so, post your tip below and be as detailed as possible!

I really feel for these people because having Epilepsy all my life, my brain has gone through severe damage and it takes me a while to process sentences. Sometimes words come out wrong, and sometimes I write the entire word incorrectly. The thing that happens most often is I will write a word that sounds like the word I meant to write, for example: Ice Cream... instead of "Icing". It makes no sense, but my brain apparently thinks so!
09/20/2011
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Contributor: ToyGurl ToyGurl
My tip is to paste your review, or each section into a word document before submitting. This will show any errors in your spelling or grammar, and it's much cheaper than having someone look over your review for you. I know at one point I would pay my roommate $2 just to make sure I had no errors (and looking back I don't think she ever sat down and read them!).

Be sure to turn your auto-correct, spell check, and grammar check settings on or this wont work.
09/20/2011
Contributor: Dawn (Lilac Distraction) Dawn (Lilac Distraction)
Auto-correct doesn't always correct everything, though, so it's a good idea to read over your review again before you submit it.

If you need some help brushing up on grammar, punctuation, or the other mechanics of writing, check out Purdue OWL.
09/20/2011
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Cherryredhead88 also did a pretty fantastic grammar workshop that I tend to point my students towards.
09/20/2011
Contributor: Kkay Kkay
Pick up a copy of The Elements of Style. Keep it on your desk and grab it whenever you're uncertain about something. Get comfortable with it. Having a reliable guide will help with your review now, and will help more in the future as the rules of proper grammar slowly start to sink in.

Think about your intended audience when you write. Reviews on Eden tend to be casual, comfortable, and conversational. They aren't term papers, and they shouldn't feel like them for the writer or the reader.

Always read back over your work. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that editing is for people who aren't good enough the first time around. It's an invaluable tool.

If you're uncertain about something, read it aloud. It's easier to catch mistakes when you hear them.

Remember why it's important. Writing is about communication, and improper grammar makes it difficult for people to decode what you're trying to say.

You will make mistakes, and there will be things that you don't catch. Don't obsess over it.

If you find yourself making the same mistake continuously, make a mental note of it. It took time and effort for me to anchor the spelling of 'embarrassed' in my mind, or the correct definitions of 'bemused' and 'bespoke'. We all have our weaknesses. Recognizing them is the first step toward conquering them.

For people who feel like they have a solid hold on grammar, offer a helping hand. Remember as well that staying silent about a mistake helps no one.
09/20/2011
Contributor: LaLaLouise LaLaLouise
All of the things I wanted to say were already mentioned! I agree with everything stated above, my only tip is to do more reading in general. What kind of grammar you have is based a lot on habit, what you're exposed to. If you grow up in a family that uses improper grammar, you will probably be the same unless you take the steps to change it. People tell me all the time I sound well-educated and I always giggle, thank them, and tell them that I'm not. I just come from a well-spoken family. So try to do more reading, whether it's reviews, articles, or just books that have nothing to do with EF. Exposing yourself to proper grammar will help develop better habits.
09/20/2011
Contributor: ToyGurl ToyGurl
Also, writing your review, waiting a day, and then coming back to read it over again REALLY helps. Sometimes I totally miss things that could have been prevented this way. I should do this with all my reviews but I seem to only do it with the more expensive, more complex toys.
09/20/2011
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
The Elements of Style is a great book.

I also have problems with words, due to migraine, similar to your epilepsy. I've been putting my reviews into Word files for a while, as it is easier to check the problems and fix them. I still end up editing after I submit things.
09/20/2011
Contributor: WierdAl WierdAl
Quote:
Originally posted by ToyGurl
I am a mentor and I also see a lot of people slamming other individuals because maybe they aren't the best at grammar (yet write amazing reviews) or maybe they can't spell perfectly all the time. I know I mess up on both, so I thought it ... more
I wrote my first review with Microsoft Word. Catches spelling and punc.
09/21/2011
Contributor: Shellz31 Shellz31
There is also another issue. Certain people on here get narky at 'outsiders' cause our grammar isn't always the same as the US and we end up getting punished for it.
To be honest, it kinda turns me off being an editor because of it. We get voted down because we have been taught the English way!

I always write my reviews in Word cause I lost all my work once when I did it straight in the review template.
But Word doesn't pick up all grammar mistakes. I was using too many commas in my reviews which Word had no problems with. Fortunately I have a great mentor who caught them for me.
09/21/2011
Contributor: El-Jaro El-Jaro
Quote:
Originally posted by Shellz31
There is also another issue. Certain people on here get narky at 'outsiders' cause our grammar isn't always the same as the US and we end up getting punished for it.
To be honest, it kinda turns me off being an editor because of it. We ... more
I'm in favour of the flavour of non-American dialects! They colour up the site and make it more "worldly".
09/21/2011