Review, Edit, Repeat: Why Proper Grammar Matters

Imagine you just hit “Send” on an email to your instructor or employer. You wrote it fast—in casual language, maybe re-used an acronym you use with friends. A moment later you spot the mistake: "your" instead of "you're," or some dangling sentence. It happens.

But here's the thing: your writing is part of how you present yourself. For adult learners and degree-seekers alike, clear, polished writing can make a difference in how your message lands—and in how you are perceived.

Why grammar isn't just about “rules”

At first glance, grammar might feel like the stuff you learned in middle school—apostrophes, semicolons, dangling modifiers. But think of it differently: grammar is the structure that helps your writing work. It ensures your reader understands your meaning, without having to rack their brain to interpret your message.

In academic or professional settings—where ambiguity can lead to misunderstanding—grammar is becoming even more important.

What the data shows for communication skills

You might ask: "Is having strong grammar skills really that relevant in today's world?" The answer: yes, and the numbers help illustrate why.

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists writing and reading as distinct skill categories that are tracked across occupations.¹
• The BLS also reports that people and management skills—including speaking, listening, and interpersonal communication—are among the top skills for growing occupations.²

The ability to write and speak clearly—even if you're returning to school or working full-time—remains a key competency.

Why does this matters for you as a degree-seeker?

Whether you're refreshing your writing for coursework, preparing emails for an instructor, communicating with classmates, or building your academic portfolio, your word-choice matters. Here's how grammar and strong writing skills can help support your path:

• Clarity in your message: When your sentences are clear and free of distracting errors, your reader's focus stays on what you're saying, not how many mistakes you made.
• Professional impression: Even though you're studying, you're preparing to engage with a broader academic or professional audience. Your writing becomes part of how you show readiness and credibility.
• Strong foundation for academic writing: Many assignments require you to build arguments, cite sources, and structure your ideas. A solid grasp of grammar is one of the building blocks.
• Flexible across settings: Good writing doesn't just apply to essays—it applies to discussion posts, email correspondence, reports, and group projects. Being comfortable and intentional with your writing can help give you more confidence.

How to level up your writing

Improving your writing and grammar doesn't mean memorizing every rule. It's about developing habits and awareness. Here are some practical ways to boost your writing:

• Proofread: Even two minutes of review can catch major errors.
• Read aloud: Hearing your own writing helps you catch awkward phrasing or missing words.
• Use writing tools as a safety net: Grammar checkers can flag errors you miss.
• Engage in different writing formats: Discussion boards, emails, short reflections—all count. The more you write, the more comfortable you become.
• Think contextually: A text to a friend might allow relaxed grammar—but an academic assignment or professional email calls for more precision.

Small Edits, Big Impact

As an adult learner working toward a degree, you have a lot on your plate—balancing life, work, family, and studies. The idea here isn’t to add another stressor, but to offer a tool that can help you communicate better—all around.

When your writing is clear and intentional, you're better able to share your ideas, connect with instructors or classmates, and demonstrate the professionalism you’re building through your degree. So the next time you write that email or draft that assignment, take that extra moment to polish your message. That little pause can make a big difference.

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projects, Skills Data at: https://www.bls.gov/emp/data/skills-data.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com (visited 11/19/2025).
² Amy Hopson and Elka Torpey, "People and management skills: Career options projected to have fast growth and many openings," Career Outlook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, March 2025. (visited 11/19/2025)

REQ2176017 11/2025