Since grade school English grammar had been part of my life. Nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs were the main lessons. I always remember answering “run” when asked to give a verb. But when I entered higher levels I learned that it’s truly complicated. There were unusual rules for a certain word, phrase or sentence. Different kinds of sentences, verbs, nouns and others made it harder. I should always be aware of the agreements between subjects and verbs. And I have to mind the exemptions too. Recently we were given a list of sentences and phrases from our blog that were incorrect. We were asked to identify and correct it.
I found it hard to recognize the mistakes in some sentences for they sound right. But after discussions I learned that a rule like that exists. Other sentences were easy to correct. The problems were subject-verb agreement, difference between there and their, past tense and consistency of pronouns. These mistakes were also my problem. There and their confused me. Double thinking is needed in subject-verb agreements. I’m not sure when to use have and has. And I must proof read my work before I pass it.
Despite the fact that I’ve been studying grammar for 9 years I still find it hard to make a perfect article. I understand grammar lessons fairly and when given a seatwork I got average scores. However, when I am asked to apply it in writing it seems that I should repeat the lesson again. And that’s why I prefer literature than grammar.
Reading books helped me to improve in grammar, writing and expressing myself. I don’t know how but reading developed my grammar. I use new words and unique ideas while writing or speaking. English movies and TV series are simple to understand. I can easily relate to different topics because I gained knowledge from books.
Therefore books had assisted my intellectual growth. And reading more books will enhance my skills. I believe in this saying:
Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. And no entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting. - Charles W. Eliot and Mary Wortley Montagu.
Lastly, I need to ask God for more wisdom for He gives generously to all without finding fault.
P. S. Just to make you laugh. My uncle submitted a term paper back in college. When he got it back from the professor the comment on the front page was “Your grammar is uncorrect”. Of course my uncle wanted to reply “And your grammar is incorrect.”
You made me laugh, Chelsea. Perhaps, it was sort of a typo error by the prof.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, you still have the best post.
thanks again ms.
ReplyDelete