Writing Errors and Ethos: The Grammar of Credible Communication

Abstract

First impressions matter. In the workplace, our written word is often the primary means to communicate and forge a reputation. This research study seeks to answer the question, “How do engineering professionals perceive writing errors and the ethos of the writers?” The answer to this question is critical for post-secondary students to understand as workplace perception can determine future employment potential. From the late 1980s until today, various studies have sought to quantify the perception of usage errors but have had non-specific results due to broad survey data. General conclusions have been drawn regarding the value of an error-free document for the writer’s credibility. But questions have also been left unanswered in terms of how specific occupational fields perceive usage errors, how specific genres of communication influence the perceptions, and whether social media is heightening tolerance for writing errors. This study will explore how usage errors affect those employed in the engineering field, including their response to the credibility of the writers. In addition to the study-specific quantitative findings, qualitative conclusions will demonstrate the benefit of strong written communication and therefore the value of grammar-based composition skills.