I've seen people say this online and just shake my head. How can you be a good writer if you have no command of basics? Someone who reads learns these things by example, even if they sleep through English class.

I've never seen anyone who says this go on to get published.

Thanks for visiting and for commenting, Linda! I share your sentiments about not reading books ladened with errors. They jerk me out of the story every time. The occasional error, I get that. I know I have them, too. But, repeated errors throughout--so avoidable. Happy reading!

That's why I always flip through a hard-copy book or check out the samples on Amazon. If I see errors (and it's discouraging how often that happens), I'm done and will probably never check out that author again. As I said, I edit for a living; I don't need to get twitchy over things I read for enjoyment.

Thanks for the great article!

Good for you, Denise! I wish schools would bring back diagramming as a requirement. With so many visual learners, it's an excellent way to visualize sentences! Thanks for sharing!

When I edit for others, I tell them the grammar rule when the same mistake is made repetitively.

I love your story, Lynnette, and how you were determined to change one habit for another. Your nursing experience is a perfect example of a different style need for a particular job. Good for you! Most certainly a win-win. Thanks for sharing.

Ellen, I discovered that Word can read my book back to me! Way better than my having to read it aloud. It's amazing how hearing it read can identify awkwardness and unclear meanings, not to mention missing words!

Thanks for adding another way to edit!