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HEADLINE: Annoyed Author Appoints GrammarMan to Thwart Crimes Against the English Language

Megapolis, USA–FALL 2026–The Grammar Man Universe, Grammar Crimes SVU (Speech Violations Unit), and P.R.O.S.E. (Protectors of the Rules of Standard English) were born from the pet peeve and frustration of author and writing coach, Walt F.J. Goodridge.

“Over time, but more noticeably in the years during and after the pandemic,” Goodridge explains, “I noticed an undeniable decline in the quality of communication and language across social media, but also on platforms and within institutions that once held high standards of quality. News outlets, financial institutions and business journals were all making errors in basic grammar, punctuation and overall presentation on air, in print and on websites.”

Goodridge, a self-publishing coach and author of over 48 books found triggers for his annoyance were even more prevalent in the online content creator sphere. “It’s arguably a good thing that the low barrier to entry means anyone can amass a following,” he explains. “The downside is that when people with millions of followers say things like, “should have went,” or “exact same,” or “could care less,” those errors become normalized for a younger generation or for people learning English, or other creators who simply follow suit.”

“There seems to be no consequence for bad grammar,” Goodridge laments. “It’s hard to convince a Youtuber to speak correctly or use less profanity when his/her subscriber count and bank account seem to indicate it doesn’t really matter!”

Goodridge maintains, however, that there are consequences. He argues that our society functions best through accurate communication, and that when we discard the rules of grammar, we lose more than annoying details. We lose clarity, precision, specificity, and details that matter.

“Grammar crimes,” as Goodridge describes them, “are not always victimless. Language is one of the tools we use to communicate instructions, warnings, contracts, measurements, responsibilities, and intentions. When that communication becomes ambiguous or sloppy, the consequences can extend far beyond a bad grade or being ridiculed in a comment section.

A misplaced decimal or an unexplained abbreviation can contribute to a costly financial error. A poorly written or misunderstood medication instruction can put a patient’s safety at risk. And a technical specification containing an ambiguous word, missing punctuation, or unclear instruction can result in the wrong component being ordered, manufactured, or installed incorrectly—with potentially serious consequences.”

It’s that danger that I see in the decline and that I wish to communicate to others to take seriously.

If you are writing a resumé, applying for a job, creating a Youtube video, even responding to a comment on “X,” or if you’re learning English as a second language, there is always benefit to communicating more clearly.

Interviewers, recruiters, clients and customers will notice–whether they comment on it or not. If you don’t have millions of followers, it could make the difference between getting or not getting a job, a business deal or a sale!

Goodridge’s “Make Grammar Great Again” videos, e-books, apps, jokes and skits are all ways to bring attention to this issue–that words mean things, that those things matter, and that clarity through better grammar is important enough to get right!

So, whether for yourself or your children, take the time to speak and write correctly…let’s make grammar great again!

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