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re: How did you learn how to write using (mostly) standardized English?

Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:36 am to
Posted by Epic Cajun
Lafayette, LA
Member since Feb 2013
32986 posts
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:36 am to
Something else that was helpful for me, was that I never adopted the slang language used in social media, texting, etc... I was using (mostly) proper English on AIM back in the day
Posted by LouisianaLady
Member since Mar 2009
81329 posts
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:37 am to
On the flip side, I interact with a couple of people who use way too many commas. While commas do signify a pause, you don’t just place them randomly in sentences because you paused in your thoughts.
Posted by sabes que
Member since Jan 2010
10156 posts
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:38 am to
Amigo, when is your top ten list of victims you have murdered coming out? I assume they all resemble mother. TIA.
Posted by S
RIP Wayde
Member since Jan 2007
156307 posts
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:39 am to
Sapphire’s How not to write
Posted by rotrain
Member since Feb 2013
390 posts
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:43 am to
quote:

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.


16 first person pronouns in 7 sentences, and your degree is in English?
Posted by LouisianaLady
Member since Mar 2009
81329 posts
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:47 am to
It’s a message board asking a direct question. It’s not a research paper. Calm your tits.
Posted by StringedInstruments
Member since Oct 2013
18574 posts
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:52 am to
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 my thought as well. I already got something wrong in the OP. No one is confused.

Peer review and editing is part of the process, so if a text really needs to be perfect, it can get there.
Posted by Mstate
Birmingham
Member since Nov 2009
9759 posts
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:57 am to
quote:

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?


For me the traditional approach of diagramming sentences, rules and worksheets did not help me learn grammar. I always struggled with grammar but was an excellent speller and loved to read so reading through the years is really the only thing that helped me with grammar. For most kids though they don’t like to read so it’s a bit more of a struggle
Posted by soccerfüt
Location: A Series of Tubes
Member since May 2013
66307 posts
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:58 am to
I wanted to bang chicks like Lilith.

Seemed like good grammar was what they desired.

Posted by Odysseus32
Member since Dec 2009
7452 posts
Posted on 12/10/20 at 9:04 am to
Reading.
Posted by FinleyStreet
Member since Aug 2011
7912 posts
Posted on 12/10/20 at 9:11 am to
quote:

Diagramming sentences


I didn't find this helpful.

I still have nightmares about adverb clauses, and I still don't know what the hell they are or how they're useful.
Posted by McLemore
Member since Dec 2003
31652 posts
Posted on 12/10/20 at 9:11 am to
I had a mix of the traditional stuff you listed, lots of classics reading, writing book reports and research papers, phonics, and later Latin.

As a young kid, I had older smart friends whom I tried to emulate. I read a lot of books that were way beyond my reading level and kept a dictionary handy.

In college, I had some formative professors who demanded clear writing.

The biggest grammar goof I see on TD is a habit that seems endemic to Louisiana: "... should have went" and "... should have came." I grew up hearing those usages more than the proper versions. And, when written, it's of course, "...should of."

My own poor writing usually results from a mix of laziness and typing on phone with one thumb and a baby in arms.
Posted by DmitriKaramazov
Member since Nov 2015
4471 posts
Posted on 12/10/20 at 9:13 am to
quote:

How did you learn grammar?


By reading well-written books extensively. I did study formal syntax and grammar when I was young, but I hardly recall any of the principles now. Rather, as a result of expansive reading, grammar and usage have become intuitive and instinctive. In any event , I've never believed in slavish adherence to the rules of grammar. Many gifted novelists depart from strict grammatical mandates.
This post was edited on 12/10/20 at 9:14 am
Posted by jfw3535
South of Bunkie
Member since Mar 2008
4728 posts
Posted on 12/10/20 at 9:16 am to
I'm older, but I was taught classical grammar rules - diagraming a sentence, memorization of rules, etc. The rest I pick up, as many have noted, through reading, reading, reading.
Posted by Sneaky__Sally
Member since Jul 2015
12364 posts
Posted on 12/10/20 at 9:26 am to
I read a lot and growing up I read a ton of books too so probably just absorbed grammar that way.

As far as internet forums, I take the stance that the level of grammar and vocabulary should be catered to whatever medium you are writing in.

Posting on a forum, you can use minimal punctuation and the idea to emphasize your point in an efficient manner. Long winded and flowery posts that are perfectly crafted are wasted as most everyone is just scanning anyway.
This post was edited on 12/10/20 at 9:31 am
Posted by The Easter Bunny
Minnesota
Member since Jan 2005
45575 posts
Posted on 12/10/20 at 9:28 am to
Taking Latin for 3 years in high school really helped with my grammar. Also tried to read a lot when I was younger. I should quit spending so much time online and read more
Posted by Sneaky__Sally
Member since Jul 2015
12364 posts
Posted on 12/10/20 at 9:32 am to
quote:

Taking Latin for 3 years in high school really helped with my grammar. Also tried to read a lot when I was younger. I should quit spending so much time online and read more


Ya i got away from reading for way too long and the last 3 or 4 years I've average about 30 - 35 books a year. I wake up early to try and get a good hour in every day. Can't believe I got away from it for so long, its like my favorite thing to do.
Posted by go_tigres
Member since Sep 2013
5187 posts
Posted on 12/10/20 at 10:19 am to
As an 80’s child, I learned through memorization. However, that was short-term memory or just enough to pass tests. Reading taught me proper application despite not knowing the rule of the application.
Posted by jctiger73
Baton Rouge
Member since Nov 2009
256 posts
Posted on 12/10/20 at 5:01 pm to
Catholic school - 1957-1969
Posted by HempHead
Big Sky Country
Member since Mar 2011
55559 posts
Posted on 12/10/20 at 5:05 pm to
My dad made me do book reports once a week for things we both read. He would give critical feedback about my writing and analysis, the severity of which depended on my age. I would probably type and sound like a mongoloid without that kind of expectation.
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