Some people believe that grammar is an indication of intelligence. I always thought an IQ test was conducted by a professional under specific conditions. Sure, there are ways to tell if someone is smarter than others, but should an unobjective layperson use grammar as a psychometric tool to state such a ‘fact’? It sounds like a recipe for contempt and division.
Bad grammar is neither a sign of high nor low intelligence. Instead, poor grammar can suggest influencing factors in the writer’s life, such as their literacy level, disability, or cultural and environmental influences. Additionally, some intelligent writers do not care about using proper grammar.
For a long time, people have associated a person’s grammar with their level of intelligence. It’s been used as a form of discrimination since the inception of schooling, where only the wealthy could partake in formal education.
What about the rest of the world’s population? They were considered uneducated and uncultured heathens. Amazingly, this trend continues in modern times.
Bad Grammar Is Not A Sign Of High Or Low Intelligence
When a person uses poor grammar, it would be wrong to conclude that person has low intelligence. Instead, lousy grammar can indicate other influencing factors. Examples include:
- A lack of literacy,
- A barrier to learning, such as dyslexia,
- A disability that hinders clear communication,
- Cultural differences,
- Environmental influences, and
- A not-bothered-by-proper-grammar mentality.
Many brilliant people struggle with grammar or can’t be bothered with the frivolities of spelling. Their focus is on other things, like being creative, problem-solving, success, or working on complex higher-order equations that could cause hemorrhaging in the prefrontal cortex of a grammar snob.
So, who are we to assess a person’s IQ based on their grammar?
Research conducted as far back as the 1980s suggests there is no direct correlation between a person’s intelligence and the grammar they use. So, where does the association arise, and why is it still an issue?
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How Grammar Can ‘Define’ A Person’s Intelligence
In an online world of written words, proper grammar reflects your credibility. It shows that you care about the small details, such as the difference between their, they’re, and there. As such, if you are the type of person who cares enough to adhere to ‘insignificant’ rules in writing, you will probably consider other often-overlooked details in life.
As an example, if u dont care abt ur grammer, poeple mite think yor not so smart n juj u 4 it.
(Writer’s note: The previous sentence took a lot of bravery on my part because I’m scared you’ll judge me.)
When a person uses proper grammar, it indicates that they take the time to edit their words. It suggests they want to coherently convey their message and avoid misunderstanding.
Using proper grammar can show the reader that the writer has taken an interest in their education and prefers to apply their knowledge of grammar.
Proper grammar also suggests the writer has foresight and is a critical thinker. They consider if/then scenarios and set themselves up for success, thus creating an association between success and intelligence.
This is not to say that all Keepers of Grammar are successful or intelligent, nor does it imply that successful people are all smart or grammar snobs. However, successful people and those who use proper grammar share some common qualities, which could explain a few things about this topic.
Some of their shared qualities include the following:
- Their work is done excellently,
- They perform a quality check (or edit) to maintain high standards,
- They conduct research and improve their work or product,
- They weed out errors or problems that compromise their credibility,
- They take preventative measures,
- They communicate clearly, and
- They practice or train to reach their desired target.
The problem is we live in an impatient society where messages are conveyed at the click of a button without much thought about grammar. Language is changing as it always does, yet it’s still only an excuse for people to box other people into categories.
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As a result, the person who wishes to be seen as credible or intelligent in their written word should take the time to check their grammar.
Conversely, if u now ur smart but dont care abt grammer or what poeple say, gud 4 u! But don’t be surprised if a certain group of people continue to look down up you. You may even find that it becomes a barrier to you taking your seat at the very top table of whatever organization you are working in.
For many, poor grammar can come across as a bit ‘chavy’, or ‘low class’, and after all, whether subconsciously or otherwise those people are more likely to become marginalized than those whose grammar is of a normal standard, or at least not obviously poor.
Conclusion
If a person uses bad grammar, it does not mean they have higher or lower intelligence. Instead, it could mean other influencing factors cause them to use poor grammar.
Examples include their literacy level, a possible disability, or cultural or other influences, to name a few. Thus, a person’s use of grammar should not be used to judge their level of intelligence.
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