Grammar and Dissertations

March 4th is Grammar Day. You want your dissertation to perfect. So, you dot every “i” and cross every “t”…

You want every detail to be perfect. You like to sweat the small stuff. For your dissertation that includes APA style, anthropomorphisms, passive voice,… and grammar.

“I” before “E” except after “C”…oh but wait… Except words such as science, sufficient, species, seize, vein, weird, their and so many more.

Writing a dissertation is hard. Finding a way to explain your research using a bunch of letters, grouped into words that make you sound like you’re, well, a doctor, can be quite difficult from many doctoral students.

The most important factor in completing your dissertation is remaining focused. But, spending too much time sweating the small stuff takes energy away from simply your getting ideas down on “paper,” so to speak.

Don’t get me wrong, grammar is important. In fact, grammar saves lives! Consider the subtle but important difference between

• Let’s eat Grandma, and
• Let’s eat, Grandma.

Grammar helps establish intent and meaning and ensures clarity in communications. But, if you let yourself obsess about the minor details of your dissertation, you divert precious time and energy from the big-picture focus of getting your dissertation done. And, that’s the last thing you want to do.

If you feel that you can’t get past the minutia to see the big picture regarding your dissertation, click here to schedule a quick, 15-minute chat with me to see if you’re a good fit for our Fast Track Your Dissertation Coaching Program. If you are, then I’ll invite you to join the fastest group of dissertation students out there and help you to reach graduation a good year or two faster than you would on your own.