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How would a copyeditor know which "grammar" to use?

In the English language, there are so many different ways to use grammar, but there aren't any set rules on which ways are correct; it's more just a matter of belief (example: the Oxford comma). I realize that a particular university will teach their own beliefs about grammar, but I'm concerned about the workplace: what if a workplace wants to use grammar in a way my university didn't teach me? Or didn't want me to use?

Thanks!

#copyedit #copyeditor #grammar #write #english

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s’s Answer

I have a recommendation: If you've not done so, read ELEMENTS OF STYLE by Strunk and White.
A little gem.
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B’s Answer

Your workplace, especially if it does a lot of publishing, will follow a style guide.

The main ones are the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), American Psychological Association (APA), Modern Language Association (MLA), and Associated Press (AP).

You might already be using MLA style at your university for citations and bibliography formatting. You can ask your professors what they are most familiar with as well, since that is what they're probably teaching you.

If you work in journalism, you'll use AP. If you work in book publishing, probably Chicago. Science, probably APA.

You could study the different style guides now, or wait and see where you end up working and then train yourself on any specifics that are different from what you're used to. The fact that you already know the Oxford comma is used in some styles and not others means you are ahead of the game! And don't worry too much: most of the differences between styles aren't "right vs. wrong" but a matter of preference and consistency.
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Jenna’s Answer

If an organization has a particular "style" that you should use, then they will tell you. Many writing-intensive organizations have an in-house style guide that you should be able to access, or they will tell you which rules are to be followed (ie, use the Oxford comma or not). Some organizations are more concerned about readability and will leave it to your discretion (or will prefer readability over strict correctness). The best thing to do is be very well versed in basic and advanced English grammar, and to know when there are multiple variations that could be acceptable, and then you refer to either your style guide or check with your supervisor so you know how to write to meet company guidelines, if any.
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Kiran’s Answer

So grammar is not just about belief. They are set rules that we have to follow. Yes, there are always exception to rules and there are also times like the use of Oxford comma or not. As you pursue your degree in English, Journalism, or a relevant field, you will learn the differences between which "English" you should use. For example, in technical writing (instructional manuals, proposals, etc.), the Oxford comma is encouraged. However, in journalism type of writing, it is discouraged simply because such writing is limited on space for publishing reasons, so they let go of the Oxford comma.

Also, the type of writing you would be doing depends on what the content is, who is your audience, and how it is being presented to the audience. There are several types of writing you can do and I suggest to research and explore what type of writing you want to do. You can research and explore through your internships, mentors, teachers, high school and college classes, and wherever else you can gain knowledge from. Some examples of writings are copywriter, copyeditor, proofreader, technical writer, content creator, technical editor. The position names are endless. And unfortunately, two positions can have the same meaning and same role. I advise to look at job descriptions to learn what you would be doing in whichever career you want to pursue.
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Anna’s Answer

The advice shared here about style guides is great and accurate. If you want to be a copywriter, I also advise taking a basic journalism course - newspaper writing specifically. A journalism degree or experience is something many employers look for when hiring copywriters. Maybe that's because journalism teaches you so many things:
- Researching a subject
- Interviewing
- Quickly identify what's important
- Organizing your thoughts and your content
- Writing simply and keeping it short
- Using a style guide
- Meeting deadlines!
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