Just when we thought we’d heard every possible “racist” accusation, a University of Washington-Tacoma professor came up with a new one.
The professor thinks good grammar is racist. In my opinion, his reasons for that thinking 
really are racist, but that’s a topic for some other place and time.
He says “a person’s ability or inability to communicate using proper grammar and spelling should not impact his or her future job opportunities.”
Perhaps so, but that inability to communicate will certainly limit their career choices.
His loyal followers won’t succeed as Realtors…
Those who adhere to his “I don’t need grammar and spelling” philosophy would, for instance, have a tough time finding success as a real estate agent. In your career, clear communication is imperative, and potential clients do judge you by the words you write.
The professor says grammar is “too hard” for many college students. And yet, here in the Rain we meet agents who grew up in other countries and now speak English as a second or third language - and they have mastered it.
I have nothing but admiration for them, because as a language evolved from many others, it certainly is filled with twists and turns.
Grammar and real estate agents…
While every agent I know here in the rain does strive to “get it right,” some words just seem to cause more confusion than others.
We’ve often talked about misuse of advice/advise, there/their, and others that show up over and over in blog posts and on web pages.
A misuse that’s not so common jumped off at me from a real estate website this morning. The word was perspective – and what the writer meant was prospective.
In case this one is giving you trouble, here are the definitions.
Perspective is a noun, and has two related definitions:
In architecture or art, it refers to ”the art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional 
surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other when viewed from a particular point.”
In more common use, it refers to an attitude or point of view. Synonyms are: outlook, view, viewpoint, standpoint, position, stand, stance, angle, slant.
Prospective is an adjective referring to something expected in the future.
For instance, a prospective real estate buyer.
Synonyms are: potential, possible, likely, eventual, soon-to-be, intended.
If these confuse you, consider using one of the synonyms.
I have a feeling most of us already do so with regard to proper use of the word “perspective.” I can’t recall the last time I heard someone say “In my perspective.” I DO hear people say “In my point of view,” or “My position on that is…”
It’s “prospective” that causes trouble. So if you aren’t sure if that’s the right word, switch to “I’m showing homes to a potential buyer this morning.” Or, if you’re feeling positive and optimistic, say “I’m showing homes to a soon-to-be buyer.”
If you’re looking for memory tricks, you could also make it funny. Think “I want 3 new listing perspects,” then laugh at how it sounds. Or how about “Today I’m sending 100 perspecting letters.” That sounds pretty funny too.
Grammar, spelling, and proper word choices do matter. Proper usage is a success tool. And I don't care what some goofy professor says. (How do people like that become professors?)
Grammar book courtesy of stuart miles at freedigitalphotos.net
Drawing in perspective courtesy of khunaspix at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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