Spelling and grammar mistakes happen all the time. You write an email to your boss and it says, “I think the new client is a fiend”, when you meant to say, “I think the new client is a friend”. This level of writing, while acceptable in casual communications makes you look sloppy at work for not proofreading it and can cost you your job. At best it will tarnish your professional image and your chances of promotion will drop significantly. Any employer will have to ask themselves why you are not checking for grammar and spelling errors before you submit. If you are a student, simple errors can have just as serious consequences, such as lower grades or even failing classes.

Here are a few tips to help you improve your writing before small errors lead to large negative impacts on your life.

1. If you write a great deal, buy a good suite of writing software. Make sure that the grammar checker and spell checker are using the most updated version. If you are a student, use the spell and grammar checkers found in MS Word or other packaged suites.
2. After letting the language check run, slowly and carefully proofread the text. Read it out loud and make sure you are paying attention to every word.
3. When you are ready to check your spelling, read everything backwards. If the spelling is correct you should have no problem.
4. Your English software, if stand alone, should come with spell checker, online and community based with up to date word trends; grammar checker (with grammar error explanations); punctuation correction and templates for everything from presentations to letters in different styles. Find the version that is best for your needs. Versions come in general writing, business writing, creative writing, legal writing and several others like technical writing.

In the information age, effective communication is vital. Use the many tools at your disposal for checking for grammar and spelling errors and make all of your communications effective and professional looking.