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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 8:08 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 8:10 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 8:31 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.
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:57 am to StringedInstruments
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 on 12/10/20 at 9:04 am to StringedInstruments
Reading.
Posted on 12/10/20 at 9:11 am to StringedInstruments
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 on 12/10/20 at 9:11 am to StringedInstruments
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.
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 on 12/10/20 at 9:13 am to StringedInstruments
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 on 12/10/20 at 9:16 am to StringedInstruments
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 on 12/10/20 at 9:26 am to StringedInstruments
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.
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 on 12/10/20 at 9:28 am to StringedInstruments
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 on 12/10/20 at 10:19 am to StringedInstruments
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.
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