As a proofreader, I come across common mistakes committed by transcribers on a daily basis.  One of these is the confusion between homophones (some sounding words).

Although not homophones, advice and advise are two words most transcribers consistently mix up.

The “c” in the final syllable of “advice” is like the “s” in “see”, “sip”, and “sat”. As for the verb “advise”, the “s” is pronounced like the “z” in “zip”, “zero”, and “zoo”. Remember, the word “advice” is an uncountable noun. There is no word “advices”.

Advice is noun. It is a proposal or recommendation.

Eg:

1. His advice is always sound and everyone should listen to him.
2. Always listen to the advice of the old.
3. I turned down the proposal on your advice.

Advise is verb.  It means ” to give advice” or the act of giving advice.

Eg:

1. I am advised to go the doctors for a check up.
2. Please advise me on this matter, I need your help.
3. Didn’t I advise you not to go there?

Related posts:

1. Transcribing Homonyms and Similar-sounding Words
2. Needle in a Haystack: A Guide to Proofread Copies for Foolproof Results

photo credit: Lazurite

1. First impression is the last impression

There is a possibility that a particular post of yours maybe the first post someone reads on your blog. Thus he or she will form his or her first impression from this article only. With even a couple of grammatical errors that person will form a bad impression of you and your blog!

2. Content is king

It’s so cliché to say this but, content is king and so producing content which is right in every possible way is important. Content has to engage the reader and not distract (and disappoint) your reader with minor grammatical errors and typos.

Unless you are a photoblogger or videoblogger (even then you know you should have transcripts), all you have to attract traffic and keep them is your content.

Your knowledge of grammar dictates the way you write, the way you express yourself and the way your present your views. Isn’t that what blogging is all about?

3. To show you care

Your post may not be the most interesting story, news or article. It may not even be on popular topics. But, you can show that you care.

It is easy to see when bloggers do not really care about the topic they are blogging about. Don’t let grammatical errors be the reason why people don’t read your blog.

4. Clarity

As a blogger you have to convey your message clearly without ambiguity. Readers and visitors don’t have all the time in the world to decipher what you are trying to say. They want instant messages and instant results, even.

5. Authority

When you perfect your grammar you will have confidence in your writing. Your confidence in using the language will shine through your writing. Only when you are confident with the language can you then derive authority and leadership.

6. Credibility

Credibility comes almost naturally when you write perfectly formed sentences with clarity and confidence. Visitors, seeing how much you care about your content, acknowledge your integrity and credibility by becoming regular visitors and eventually subscribers to your blog. You have become a credible source of knowledge, news and/or views.

Resources:

Daily Writing Tips: English Grammar 101: All You Need to Know

Search Engine Guide: Top Ten Grammar Errors That Haunt Web Pages

Copyblogger: Six Common Punctuation Errors that Bedevil Bloggers

Confident Writing: The Ingredients of Credible Writing Style

Related posts:

1. Needle in a Haystack: A Guide to Proofread Copies for Foolproof Results
2. 3 Reasons to Stand on the Shoulders of Giants
3. Why Successful Bloggers Have Blogging Buddies (and So Should You)