Saturday, February 16, 2008

Word imperfect

Great reminder over at Daily Writing Tips: "Warning: Microsoft Did Not Invent Grammar!" DWT gives examples of the Microsoft Word grammar checker's shortcomings, and provides a few better solutions for the grammatically challenged, none of which include ignoring grammar altogether and claiming you're just being "conversational."

Also, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Remember, one thing that makes great writers great is that they look stuff up. With all the resources available today, you don't need to keep all the rules in your head--just be sure to acknowledge when you don't know the answer. And treat Word's grammar checker as a source of suggestions, not authoritative answers.

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