I have terrible grammar/writing skills
Not sure how common this might be but I have very bad grammar and I’m struggling a lot when it comes to work. English is my third language and I still struggle to have perfect or even close to perfect grammar. Even note taking is somewhat challenging when people are speeding or unclear, since it takes me a second or two longer to capture things.
I’m fortunate to work in a top group in a top BB but given the intensity of the group my weakness is even more apparent especially since I work with some very grammar strict individuals.
Any advice here? I constantly use grammarly and try to improve my grammar, which it has, but I’m still not close to being proficient enough to handle things on my own.
Which other two languages do you speak friend, I might have some tips
Spanish and another Latin based language
Did you put it in your CV? I left out most of the languages I know since it doesn't help outside my home country.
I mean I’m pretty proud but I’m also a bit terrified of having to do writing intensive things on my own. Just concerns about climbing up when I can’t even help draft an S1 because my grammar isn’t to that level of standards.
I’m also in a situation where I somewhat get belittle for not being able to have perfect grammar. Compared to other coverage groups/ecm/dcm that we collaborate with on deals , my grammar isn’t that terrible but working with certain individuals who are super anal on it, brings my morale super low on the daily basis when I’m not even allowed to send emails without sending drafts.
You say grammar, but I’m wondering which specific aspect of the language you’re struggling with. Proper sentence structuring and punctuation? Finer nuances, legalese, and vocabulary? Or more generally producing flowing, professional writing (e.g., concise business profiles)?
I think the former are tougher, and will take time, though GMAT verbal guides may assist to a degree. If the latter, my recommendation would be to gather as many well-written materials as you can in a collection, grouped by purpose, which you can then sample from. I have found this to be a helpful exercise when formatting slides and for other adjacent applications.
Separately, on the auditory comprehension and note taking side, I feel this should naturally improve through experience, but you could potentially practice typing at a faster rate to take more of a transcription-style approach to note taking as opposed to just the high level takeaways, which you could distill after the call ends. If you’re WFH frequently, or have a flexible environment in the office, and can get sound-cancelling Airpods and a silent keyboard, perhaps you could find marginal improvement through simply hearing clearer dialogue.
I’m okay with most of the former besides sentence structuring and punctuation here and there but it’s mostly the latter that I struggle with especially being concise. Thank you for the suggestions, especially the collecting well written materials.
I’m going to pick up reading as well as an active hobby to help improve my grammar. That could also be an issue, I never really read unless mandatory.
Seconding the typing to take notes - also possibly try recording using your phone and/or Google Docs (your computer may automatically transcribe the conversation onto the sheet).
Feel free to PM me.
I would go to Barnes and Nobles or any bookstore and ask for writing/grammar guides. They have plenty of resources that would cater to your needs.
As always, practice makes perfect. If you are open to it, consider an English class at a college to improve your writing skills.
I feel this is where the arts and humanities type major wins when it comes to writing.
It could help to read an SAT grammar book. It helped me tremendously.
você é brasileiro por algún chance?
I agree - preparing for standardized testing can help. For me, reading books helped a lot.
Also spend some time reviewing examples of good work products by those grammar strict individuals. May be grammar, or simply writing style.
Start reading as much as possible. Surprisingly, my grammar really picked up when I started watching shows with subtitles on since I watch a lot more shows/movies than read books. I would also save emails by your "anal" colleagues or any other colleagues that you think are very well written for future reference. And lastly, surround yourselves with native speakers if possible.
Just try to read as much as possible and start journaling in english (2 - 3 pages in the morning and same in the night). The idea is to think in English instead of thinking in your native language and translating it mentally, so writing makes you think more naturally in English and reading makes you improve your vocabulary and grasp the logic behind sentences. I am fluent in 6 languages and English is also my 3rd one (first Spanish and second another latin), mostly learned it passively through Podcasts, YouTube, some semesters abroad and a lot of reading (legalese especially). But usually comes with time, so just do your best and after some months or a year you'll se a lot of improvement.
Few methods that worked for me you can try.
- Look at comparable materials you are producing and try to mirror sentence structures. You will eventually improve through repetition
- Use the review tab in word doc and have Microsoft read your sentences out loud. You should be able to pick some grammar errors by listening to what you wrote
- Get a gf/bf who is good at grammar and ask them to proof important things for you
I’m in the same boat as you. English is my second language and once I hit the desk the difference in my writing as opposed to the other people in my group was significant.
Things that worked for me:
You will improve with practice. I know how frustrating it can be to be miles behind your colleagues but guess what, you are still getting paid the same. Once you go past the one year mark you will notice the improvement. Good luck!
Grammarly and LanguageTool are 2 excellent add-ons you can use. Would recommend using both and putting everything in English (windows, browser language...). Wrote this using them and they also fix mistakes like writing dont and i like this (had to put it badly bc it corrected it).
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