Is the perfect word more important than grammar?
By Quiplet
@Quiplet (255)
United States
August 24, 2009 1:59pm CST
Do you struggle for that perfect word in your writing?
I love the dictionary - always have. When writing even short sentences I often flounder about searching for the word that blends the entire thought. That one word does not need to be genteel, as I am known to keep handy my 'Slang and Euphemism' dictionary also (including curses, insults and slurs).
That one word can be a gew-gaw if it brings a smile to my face, as I am my first and hardest critic.
It's not to say that grammar is not important. I've made money in the past correcting others' language errors, but grammar is soooo boring.
What about you? Are you a grammarian or a word citizen?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@bziebarth (228)
• United States
25 Aug 09
I believe it depends on the type of writing and the audience that you are writing for. Academic writing would lean towards perfect grammar. Creative writing would lean towards readability and keeping your reader's interest. Personally, I vary my writing style based on the reader and the topic. If the topic will pull in more academic or scientific readers then I write more academically. If it will pull in more general internet surfers than I move towards readability and interest.
1 person likes this
@480filmsandTV (3)
•
26 Aug 09
I type as I speak, which usually means my grammar and punctuation are all over the shop. But I guess that what revisions are for right. Allow the words to explode from your soul and then sit back and think what the hell did i write?
@Ritchelle (3790)
• Philippines
30 Aug 09
both are important. frankly it is a turn off to see a grammatical error. peace 
. so much so when one's discussion is long. however, it is also a turn off to read a misplaced word. synonyms may be existing but it takes talent in using words especially if they are your second language.
. so much so when one's discussion is long. however, it is also a turn off to read a misplaced word. synonyms may be existing but it takes talent in using words especially if they are your second language.1 person likes this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
29 Aug 09
I write on the fly and thank GOD that we have a device called spell check, for the word I'm thinking might not be the word that I'm spelling and that could lead into a major problem... As for grammar and or punctuation???? Do I use enough to make my point clear? Sometimes I feel I don't use enough or throw extra punctuation in such as a trailing thought that could easily take us down a particular path not necessarily on the topic that we are currently discussing.
@crimsonladybug (3112)
• United States
12 Sep 09
I think voice is more important than either of those. HAHA this from a terminal Grammar Nazi... Really, though, in fiction especially, I have read some works where it is clear that the writer has a very intimate relationship with their Word-A-Day calendar but in trying to find the best six-syllable word for the moment they have abandoned their true voice, their innate style that would, in the end, make the story better than any big flowery word they could dig up from the recesses of the OED.
@MrzRobinson (34)
• United States
24 Aug 09
I find that I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to either. I tend to nit pick the slightest errors, which can either bring resentment or thanks. I will agree however, that when writing things I feel particularly passionate about I embellish with flowery language. A Thesaurus is my best friend.
