GPS for Writers

Grammar, Punctuation, Style and Spelling

   A Global Positioning System for writers not only enables readers to know where they are in the text, but ensures that writers as tour guides can also convey their positions on controversial issues.
   Even when authors and journalists are tour guides for news and information without expressing their opinions on the subject at hand, the system helps improve communication because both writer and reader know the standards and rules.
   These rules are known as grammar, punctuation, style and spelling.
   And don't think that because your computer has spell check and grammar check programs that you are exempt from knowing and using GPSS rules.
   A spell check program only flags words it does not recognize. The word may indeed be spelled correctly, according to a dictionary, but be the wrong word -- what your grade school teacher would call a "sound-alike," a word that is spelled correctly by itself but has a different meaning from the one intended in context with the rest of the sentence. Here's an example: to, too, two.
   In brief, that's the problem spell check programs have. They don't understand the context -- only the word in isolation.
   Or it could be a typographical error, when a finger hits the wrong key.
  Here's a sample sin tense were itch work is spilled correct and well past an spill chuck program.
   Meanwhile, writers must remember that a reader's eye sees what the brain knows should be there. That's how errors get into print.
   All writers should proof read their own copy, but none should be the only one to proof read or edit their copy.
   And in this editor's opinion, grammar check programs are not worth the space they take up in the digital memory. Try using the subjunctive and watch the reaction.