When emailing co-workers do you find yourself focusing on proper grammar, spelling and punctuation, or is your

Answer 1

I really focus on grammar and sentence structure. I don't mind abbreviations if they are common and they are sure to be understood, but I don't want to cause a question in the reader's mind. I want my communication to be completely clear.

Answer 2

I try to use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation each time I email. I'm a teacher, so I feel I must set a good example. I do some writing as well, and I just try to make it a habit to do the best job I can, no matter what I'm writing.

Kids nowadays use the IM style of communicating in their emails, and I guess that's okay for them. It's acceptable for both sending and receiving/reading messages. The problem is that it becomes a habit and carries over into the academic realm. Some of my students turn in papers written in "text message" mode - "i" instead of I for the pronoun, "u" for you, "coz" for because, etc. I've had kids turn in papers with absolutely no punctuation - not a comma, not a period, not a capital letter- just one long, run-on, stringy sentence. The spelling is beyong terrible.

To me, this is unacceptable for any subject. But the new "trend" seems to be prevalent among students of all ages, and frankly, it's a scary thing. I think everyone should know and use basic grammar rules and conventions and be able to construct a
proper sentence.

That's my two cents worth...

Answer 3

I completely focus on grammar and punctuation. I cannot stand when I get messages from people that are filled with abbreviations and other shortcuts. I just find it more appropriate, and helpful to those that are reading it.