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How did you learn how to write using (mostly) standardized English?
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:00 am
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:00 am
Seems to be some decent writers here. The occasional grammatical error is swiftly bullied by the grammar Nazis. Overall, I’d say the writing ability displayed on TD is superior to other forums like YouTube comments, local news comments, and Facebook.
As an English teacher, I take what-seems-to-be an unconventional approach to teaching grammar. I don’t think students give a shite about learning the vocabulary or memorizing rules, so we discuss exemplar texts and model how to write for different audiences across diverse genres. We read and speak intentionally about language. I hope they read on their own. I feel that’s the best I can do.
My colleagues have always felt differently. Diagramming sentences. Memorizing grammar rules. Worksheets. More of a traditional approach.
How did you learn grammar? Do you ever think about grammar when you write, or can you structure sentences correctly without the metacognition that focuses on the rules?
As an English teacher, I take what-seems-to-be an unconventional approach to teaching grammar. I don’t think students give a shite about learning the vocabulary or memorizing rules, so we discuss exemplar texts and model how to write for different audiences across diverse genres. We read and speak intentionally about language. I hope they read on their own. I feel that’s the best I can do.
My colleagues have always felt differently. Diagramming sentences. Memorizing grammar rules. Worksheets. More of a traditional approach.
How did you learn grammar? Do you ever think about grammar when you write, or can you structure sentences correctly without the metacognition that focuses on the rules?
45
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:02 am to StringedInstruments
Friend,
There are two ways to learn to write correctly and well. First, read classic books, especially the Bible. Second, learn Greek.
Yours,
TulaneLSU
There are two ways to learn to write correctly and well. First, read classic books, especially the Bible. Second, learn Greek.
Yours,
TulaneLSU
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:02 am to StringedInstruments
quote:
what-seems-to-be
What’s going on here?
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:03 am to StringedInstruments
You learn to write well by reading well-written material.
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:04 am to StringedInstruments
Reed. It helps wit spellling and grammer,two.
This post was edited on 12/10/20 at 8:13 am
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:05 am to StringedInstruments
https://www.urbandictionary.com/ is a great reference for learning
This post was edited on 12/10/20 at 8:06 am
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:06 am to StringedInstruments
Grammar is a tool of the white male patriarchy and is therefore racist, sexist, and misogynistic.
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:07 am to Bigfishchoupique
quote:
Reed. It helps wit spellling and grammer,two.
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:08 am to StringedInstruments
quote:I think reading helped me more than memorizing "rules". I wouldn't say that I have the best grammar, but when I read my writing, or the writing of someone that I'm editing I typically defer to what "sounds" correct.
How did you learn how to write using (mostly) standardized English?
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:09 am to OysterPoBoy
quote:
What’s going on here?
I hyphenated the phrasal adjective. May not be a phrasal adjective.
That’s another point - if the sentence can be understood, does the accuracy of the grammar matter outside of writing situations that require a style guide?
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:10 am to StringedInstruments
I had a composition/writing class in high school. In addition to obvious grammar lessons and real world application for future jobs and stuff, showing us examples of ‘adults’ that sucked at writing in general was quite effective. Idiot shaming
Sure anyone can be successful if they’re good at what they do, but this day in age it really stands out like a sore thumb if you have been alive for decades and use similar sentence structure & vocab to a 2nd grader.
Sure anyone can be successful if they’re good at what they do, but this day in age it really stands out like a sore thumb if you have been alive for decades and use similar sentence structure & vocab to a 2nd grader.
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:17 am to StringedInstruments
quote:
My colleagues have always felt differently. Diagramming sentences. Memorizing grammar rules. Worksheets. More of a traditional approach.
We had all this when I was coming up and I guess it was helpful in some ways. But I always wrote just like I was speaking it. I loved reading books though, so I always tried to emulate the books I was reading.
But, I always just wrote how I was speaking in my head. If there was a pause in my head, I'd place a comma. Avoiding run on sentences. Stuff like that. When I would get tripped up, I would say it, in my head, a couple different ways and go with what sounded the best. I'm not the best writer. There are some good ones here. The way I remember doing it laid the groundwork for when we did start diagrams and formatting essays and such.
This post was edited on 12/10/20 at 8:18 am
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:19 am to IAmNERD
quote:
The way I remember doing it laid the groundwork for when we did start diagrams and formatting essays and such.
Think you could diagram a sentence now?
What if I asked you to identify all of the appositives, subordinate clauses, and indirect objects in the thread? Could you do that without review?
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:21 am to Erebus
quote:
Sure anyone can be successful if they’re good at what they do, but this day in age it really stands out like a sore thumb if you have been alive for decades and use similar sentence structure & vocab to a 2nd grader.
I agree. But just to point out, you gave a quick vague comment about the “obvious grammar lessons” and a memorable example of exemplar texts. Makes me think those obvious grammar lessons didn’t really help much.
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:21 am to StringedInstruments
quote:
What if I asked you to identify all of the appositives, subordinate clauses, and indirect objects in the thread? Could you do that without review?
Without review, probably not. I could do the basics like subject and verb. But I haven't heard a couple of the words in your question in over 20 years probably...
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:25 am to Centinel
quote:
Grammar
Modern English grammar was made up by white dudes wearing wigs. Screw them, death to "whom".
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:25 am to Erebus
quote:
Sure anyone can be successful if they’re good at what they do, but this day in age it really stands out like a sore thumb if you have been alive for decades and use similar sentence structure & vocab to a 2nd grader.
I work for a blood sucking multi national mega corporation... my president... who has a seven figure compensation package... can’t construct an email without a smattering of ellipses.
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:28 am to StringedInstruments
quote:Per my English 101 professor (who has a PhD in English), no. His philosophy was that he earned a doctorate in English and he didn't even know all of the "rules" of grammar, so he wouldn't hold us accountable for them either. Barring egregious errors.
That’s another point - if the sentence can be understood, does the accuracy of the grammar matter outside of writing situations that require a style guide?
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:30 am to Epic Cajun
Omission of commas is a huge problem. I’m alarmed at how often I have to re-read published sentences because of omitted commas.
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:31 am to StringedInstruments
My degree is in English. I would say that is the reason I don’t type like an idiot, but I’ve been writing correctly (for the most part) as long as I can remember.
I remember when we were practicing for the upcoming AP exam, my teacher had us peer review each other’s papers using the 1-4 grading scale. I ended up with the highest score from my peers.
I learned the traditional way, but honestly I liked it. Even when I got older, one of my favorite courses at LSU was a syntax one. I agree with others, though, that reading helps a tremendous amount.
I remember when we were practicing for the upcoming AP exam, my teacher had us peer review each other’s papers using the 1-4 grading scale. I ended up with the highest score from my peers.
I learned the traditional way, but honestly I liked it. Even when I got older, one of my favorite courses at LSU was a syntax one. I agree with others, though, that reading helps a tremendous amount.
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