Here’s Why You Should Ignore Grammarly to Attract More Readers
I had no idea this was killing my online writing!
After every single article that I type into existence, my instant reaction is to run it through Grammarly.
This goes for any editing software by the way.
After all, it catches a lot of the mistakes that I do not. Heck, I’m sure it even increases my publish rate among stubborn publications.
It’s great at finding grammatical errors and typos, but does it know your style?
Does it know how you want your writing to sound? I’m not so sure…
Here’s why you should ignore Grammarly to attract more readers
These are some of the words that I’m on the fence about:
- Literally
- Really
- Truly
Or any other “unnecessary” adverb.
These words give me my voice and it’s just how I talk. I want my writing to come across the same way.
But nope! Grammarly is never having any of it. It hates these words.
Sometimes I feel like it even hates me.
Once in a blue moon, I want my readers to feel my vibe. Sometimes that entails that I literally use every word on the Grammarly naughty list.
I can’t wait to see all the red underlines when I run this through.
But cmon’, I really can’t use these words?
Are they wrong? I beg to differ!
Find your voice and use it
That’s what the people want! Give it to them!
I often hear one of my fellow writers, Mike Lewis, talk about how his high school English teacher told him his writing was average at best.
But that didn’t stop him. Now, he’s topping the charts of the fastest success story in all of online writing.
Had he let this foolish teacher stop him, he never would’ve let fine folks like you hear his voice. I’m sure he wouldn’t bat an eye to Grammarly now.
You shouldn’t either. Just because Grammarly says so, doesn’t mean it’s right.
You write what you think is and let the people be the judge.
Are we writers or bloggers?
This question really put my writing in perspective.
Ask yourself, which do you consider?
I believe that I am both, but mainly a blogger. To me, the word “blogger” has a way friendlier, laissez-faire vibe.
“Writer” sounds like an official columnist of a professional magazine.
When you see yourself as a blogger, it allows you to speak to your reader through the lens of your own. Not some maniacal corporate error machine.
It’s just you and me; writer and reader. No!
Blogger and reader.
Shouldn’t it be relaxed? Grammarly wants me to be so uptight these days.
Final thoughts
I do believe there is a spot for Grammarly in my blogging arsenal.
Like I previously stated, it catches some things that fall through the cracks of my mind. Rightfully so.
What I don’t think, however, is that we should follow it religiously. Sometimes, you will need to make the executive decision for your readers.
Do it for them.
Takeaway
Whatever editing or revision software you use, take it with a grain of salt.
There is a wonderful use for them, but I don’t think they should be the end all be all.
Your writing is your cognition and it should be read the way YOU want it to be. Not some emotionless piece of code.
I don’t mean to sound so harsh, it’s for dramatic effect I swear.
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