Punctuation and spelling are important.

We are human and prone to make mistakes. Is it fun when our mistakes are out there for everyone to see?

Nope.

Is it the end of the world?

Nope.

But it can sometimes send mixed messages. In the sign below, the car wash (two words) management likely meant to convey their apologies for not allowing mud in the tunnel area. Without the needed comma after “sorry,” however, the message seems to say the car wash has poor management. Then again, maybe an employee created the sign and omitted the comma on purpose to subtly share an opinion.

It’s difficult to proofread our own work. Find someone you trust to help. But, if a mistake slips by, don’t beet* yourself up about it.

*I know it’s beat. It was my lame attempt to further emphasize the point.