Grammar!

Hey group! For the record, a clause has a subject and a predicate J

As interesting, complicated, and frustrating grammar can be, I must admit that I have thoroughly enjoyed this past week in class.  Although Gordon’s book can be a bit overwhelming, I think it is important that we, as native English speakers, learn the grammatical components of our language.  I think that retaining knowledge about grammar not only enhances our personal writing, but can help us address writing issues we experience in the Center.  How much we might actually use specific terminology and reasoning is debatable, but I would argue that having a basic understanding of grammar is an extremely useful tool as writers.

I think I have enjoyed the past week so much because it was a refreshing change from our previous focus of writing center theory.  I think this enjoyment stems from my math/science-based brain that favors absolute answers and formulas as opposed to theory and philosophy.  To me, grammar is relatively straightforward.  You’re given the definition of a specific concept, and several examples of when and how to use it properly.  Of course, there can be ambiguity about what grammatical concept is presented in a sentence, but the general grammar rules apply.  On a side note, I found Mike’s PowerPoint to be extremely helpful because it gave clear-cut examples of specific sentence structures.  I was able to connect those structures with my own writing and understand the importance of proper punctuation to a greater extent.         

Throughout the week, I have been challenged by the numerous grammatical components of the English language.  At times, I get disheartened because I don’t know if I have a lack of knowledge/understanding about grammar, or if I’m just so used to applying the tools that it’s hard to think on a basic level.  As many students have generalized in class, we understand what sounds right/wrong in written language, but we may not always know why something is incorrect.  I know that I want to be able to explain to any writer why something is grammatically wrong, and not by simply saying, “Just because.”  Therefore, I think that it is important to understand grammar in both a colloquial and formal manner.  If we can think of grammar as being a formula for writing, then I think it can be an enjoyable topic of study—not just a tedious and boring way to pass the time.