I’ve written and edited hundreds of articles and blog posts over the years and in that time, I’ve learnt many things and come across many common mistakes from other writers. Here, I share 10 grammar tips to help you write the perfect blog post or article.
1. Each paragraph should be no more than four lines
When writing blog posts or articles online, it is advised paragraphs should be no more than four lines long. This is because when people are scrolling on different devices (particularly smartphones), the lines get shorter, making the paragraph look very long.
Plus, having paragraphs chopped into two to three lines makes the content snappier and more appealing to read online.
2. Remove commas before “and” in sentences
A habit I find with many writers when editing their work is adding a comma before an “and” in a single sentence. I’m not sure if it is modern or international, but there is no need for it.
For example, I’ve seen people write something like: “Today I feel sad, lonely, tired, and anxious.” There is no need for a comma between “tired” and “and”.
The only time commas should be used before an “and” should be if it connects two independent clauses.
For instance, it would happen in this sentence: “Emma worked hard all day, and still had time to volunteer.”
3. Refer to companies and organisations in the singular
A writing technique I’ve only got to grips with in the past couple of years is referring to companies and organisations in the singular.
So, instead of saying “the BBC are” or “they are a TV company”, you say “the BBC is” or “it is a TV company”.
4. Bullet points should be used to list words, phrases or single sentences
Bullet points are a great tool to list words, phrases or single sentences. They should not be used to list multiple sentences or paragraphs as it looks too clunky, especially on a website.
A good example:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Wheelchair user
- Sight loss
A bad example:
- I have cerebral palsy, which affects all four limbs. I cannot walk, stand or weight bare and use a powered wheelchair. My right side is affected more than my left side. The condition was caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain at birth.
- I have an eye condition called Acute Retinal Necrosis that was caused by a virus in my retinas. I’m registered blind with no sight in my right eye and approx. 20% remaining in my left eye. I wear prescription glasses.
5. Use dashes in the middle of a sentence if you are making a statement that stands out or needs emphasis
This is useful when it is a longer sentence and you want to emphasise a specific point and wouldn’t normally be in brackets or commas.
For example: “When John first discovered he was disabled – something he never thought he would be – he knew he had to make a plan.”
Dashes can also be used at the end of the sentence instead of a semi-colon or colon when you want particular emphasis. For example: “There was only one thing he could do – leave home for good.”
6. Hyperlink words that are keyphrases or names
When hyperlinking words and phrases to another website, rather than inserting the link to words such as “click here” or “on this page”, link to a specific word or phrase that is relevant to the content or site you’re linking to.
This also helps with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in finding sites and identifying backlinks.
For instance: “Read all my work on Rock For Disability and Disability Horizons.”
7. Use subheadings to divide the content
A great way to make your content stand out and look more appealing is by adding subheadings.
This helps divide the blog post or article into sections so readers can browse the kind of content included in the piece. Plus, it is a good way to include keywords for SEO purposes.
8. Hyphens should be used to connect words to show that they are one
I admit I still have difficulties remembering to do this when writing but I’m getting better.
Hyphens should be used to connect words to show that they are as one and have one meaning, for example, “She needed a pick-me-up or modern-style home.”
9. That vs which
This tip of where and when to use the words “that” or “which” never occurred to me until I joined Disability Horizons.
I learnt the word “that” defines and “which” informs, and generally “which” is used after a comma.
For example: “The house that Jack built” (this defines the house that is being discussed), and, “The house, which Jack built in 1998 out of rubble…” (this provides extra information).
10. Numbers written as words or digits
I don’t think this is a strict grammatical rule but I’ve always been told that numbers 1 to 9 should be written as words (e.g one, two, three) and numbers 10 and above should be written as digits (e.g 11, 34, 560).
Larger numbers should also be written, such as one million.
These are just some of the grammar tips that will help you write better blog posts and articles online. There are hundreds of thousands of grammar tips, many I don’t know myself.
Although I’ve been writing all my adult life and currently take charge of all editing duties at Disability Horizons, I admit I’m still not perfect. Sometimes, there is no right or wrong way to write and we all have our own styles and language.
Grammarly
One thing I will suggest, which was suggested to me by a colleague at Disability Horizons, is using a software programme called Grammarly.
It’s an advanced tool that can help you correct spelling and grammar mistakes on almost any site or application.
I find it very useful for correcting any typos or spelling mistakes and suggesting different grammatical changes, such as fixing punctuation or suggesting alternative words and phrases.
My only criticism with it is that it doesn’t like adverbs such as “really”, “actually” or “personally”. Also, it doesn’t like times without a space between the digits and the am or pm (e.g 12:45pm).
It may suggest other changes that you might think aren’t suitable or make sense. In those instances, you can ignore the change by pressing “Dismiss”.
What other grammar tips can you share? Let us know in the comments box or on social media.
