May 1, 2023

Think grammar, usage, and punctuation don’t matter? Think again.

As a business owner, you might be thinking that “getting it right” when it comes to the English language is something that only novelists or journalists need to be concerned about. But that’s not necessarily the case.

As a business owner, grammar, usage, and punctuation are very much relevant to you as well. Let’s look at an example of a company who learned this the hard way.

Back in 2002, Rogers Communications Inc. signed a contract with Aliant Inc. to string some cable lines between utility poles. This was to be a five year contract (so Rogers Communications thought) and they were happy with having secured a long-term deal.

But then three years later, Aliant told them they were enacting a massive rate hike. Confused, Rogers Communications said that went against their deal.

Aliant was legitimately and honestly confused. They said they were exercising a clause in their contract.

Here’s the phrase in question:

“shall continue in force for a period of five years from the date it is made, and thereafter for successive five-year terms, unless and until terminated by one year prior notice in writing by either party.”

Rogers Communications’s intent was to lock up a five year deal plus more five year deals. Subsequent five year deals could be terminated if notice was given in writing one year in advance.

But because of the second comma in the contract, that is not how Aliant read it.

When CRTC regulators got involved, they actually sided with Aliant, saying that the second comma changes the meaning of the agreement and, “allows for the termination of the [contract] at any time, without cause, upon one-year’s written notice.”

Take a look at the wording again:

“shall continue in force for a period of five years from the date it is made, and thereafter for successive five-year terms, unless and until terminated by one year prior notice in writing by either party.”

Because of the placement of that second comma, the clause that allows for termination of subsequent five-year agreements actually allows for termination of the original five-year agreement—the one that Rogers Communications thought it was locking down.

It’s estimated that this comma cost Rogers Communications, Inc. 2.3 million dollars.

The Takeaway

Is a misplaced comma going to cost your business millions of dollars? Probably not. In fact, that’s highly unlikely.

Will incorrect grammar, usage, and punctuation cost you customers and clients? Well… that’s far more likely. To learn why, read this: Why Unclear Web Content Could Be Costing You Western Clients.

I’ve written before how people are wary of businesses that don’t present themselves well through their written content. Often, people are worried that these businesses are actually scams, because scams are often associated with a poor grasp of the English language. If your product or service is totally legitimate and helpful, the last thing you want holding you back is written content that’s making people nervous to buy from you.

Here at English Outsourced, we make sure that doesn’t happen. We particularly specialize in helping business owners who speak English as a second language and are seeking prospective clients and customers from the western world. Click here to discover how English Outsourced can improve and enhance your written business content starting today.