GRAMMAR LESSON

 

Today's post is not about dachshunds, but about grammar and usage.  As an English teacher, these errors are some that drive me crazy.  So, here ya go:  print it out and tape it to your computer screen.  Voila!  Instant grammar (or at least it's a start :).

 

 

 

SAY WHAT YOU MEAN, AND MEAN WHAT YOU SAY!

Just a misplaced comma can totally change the meaning of the statement below the picture.

I've always been a big advocate of proper punctuation.  Problems arise when one does not adequately communicate; in fact, I submit that misunderstandings can (and do) arise in the workplace when reports and memos are punctuated incorrectly.

In my English classroom, I've always taught that certain punctuation marks can be considered as traffic signs.  If not used correctly, the driver (writer) might cause an accident (misunderstanding)!


COMMA = yield sign/slow down and look ahead - it often prevents misreading (see picture above)
Example:  He wants to eat, Grandma!  The baby is ready for his milk.

SEMICOLON or PERIOD = stop sign
Example:  Yesterday, I was tired; today, I am more rested.
-OR-
The rain came down heavily.  Cars began slowing down.

COLON = look ahead to see what's coming.
Example:  Three things I enjoy doing:  reading, writing, and laughing.

Well, you get the idea.  The old adage, "Say what you mean, and mean what you say," is applicable for using punctuation--make certain that what you write actually communicates what you mean.

ENGLISH IS A CRAZY LANGUAGE

I've always told my English students that I didn't create English grammar and usage rules:  I just teach them (or attempt to teach them) to those who often aren't too keen on learning them!  However, I submit that knowledge of grammar, usage, and writing skills is pretty important in just about every facet of life today.  

At the very least, filling out an application form without spelling and punctuation errors, for example, can often mean the difference between landing a job and continuing the search for a job. I have seen glaring mistakes in resumes and cover letters from those who should know better.  Perhaps a misspelled word does not have a bearing upon one's ability to perform a job, but in today's competitive job market climate, first impressions are still the name of the game.  If job seekers overlook spelling errors on their own letters and resumes, what else might they miss while on the job?  (I'm just being the devil's advocate here, thinking like an interviewer for filling positions--which I have been at times).

So, I'll readily concede that "English is a crazy language," but it behooves us to learn it and know it well.  After all, our language is the vehicle through which we communicate to the world out there.

How well are you doing so?