How important is spelling/grammar?

[Sabs44]

I think grammar is far more important than spelling. As the joke goes:

"Punctuation kills. It's the difference between 'Let's eat, Grandma.' and "Let's eat Grandma!'"

But jokes aside, a simple spelling mistake won't change whether someone can convey their point, while a grammar mistake (such as the wrong tense) will completely change the message of a statement.

[haydenj96]

I think it's quite important. It shows everyone how intelligent (or otherwise) you are. It may not be the best thing, but many people do judge you that way. And I'm not going to say I don't.

[Wykked Wytch]

I would prefer that people take the time to proofread their sentences for the sake of clarity. However, I've found that the only thing more annoying than a person who can't spell is a Grammar Nazi. By "Grammar Nazi," I don't mean the kind of person who points out how incomprehensible you are for talking in LOLcat. That's a legitimate complaint because it makes communication difficult, which forsakes the entire purpose of having language in the first place. In my mind, the "Grammar Nazi" is the snob with a stick up their rear end who looks over your shoulder while you write or type, and calls you an idiot for failing to make use of the who/whom distinction, or for saying "slang" words like y'all or like. Grammar Nazis would rather attack the minute details of your speech and writing instead of the content it was meant to convey. I confess that I become a borderline Grammar Nazi in certain situations, such as for presentations and projects that require correct grammar. When your grade is on the line, it's kind of a given that you should put some effort into making sure your register is appropriate for the intended audience.