Why Proofread?

Seattlest got this postcard in the mail a few weeks ago, encouraging us to consider WhySouth.com. It hurt our brain.

Look. We may be hip, happening descriptivists. We may read Language Log. We may think Strunk & White should take those sticks out of their asses.

But we believe in context, and we believe that an educational institution should send out stuff that isn't just plain wrong.

The switch from first person in the second reason to second person in the third reason is bad enough. But the wrong "to"? Ouch.

Use a proofreader, SSCC. An amateur proofreader would be fine. Heck, start with spell check: the other side of the postcard promises "degees from partner universities."

Mistakes like this don't mean someone shouldn't turn to you for their Bachelor's of Applied Science in Hospitality Management, but they don't do you any favors, either.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@seattlest.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By James in News on September 14, 2007 11:06 AM

Comments [rss]

James Callan

"Should" isnt' the same as "must."

guest

Uh, no, the comma isn't absolutely necessary. Would've been nice, though.

You're right that, if they meant the "too" as written, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense. That doesn't make it gramatically wrong.

I highly doubt that's what was meant, but...

guest

Shockingly, they got the "it's" right, which is one of the most common mistakes non-editors make.

James Callan

I figure we can urge them to hire a designer once the get the proofreading taken care of.

And guest, if they meant "too" as written, they should've used a comma before the word, and they should've introduced someone earlier in the piece who told them to go, so that mom could tell them, too.

As is, no, it couldn't really go either way without being wrong.