Saturday, March 6, 2010

Booking Through Thursday - Grammar




In honor of National Grammar Day … it IS “March Fourth” after all … do you have any grammar books? Punctuation? Writing guidelines? Style books?

More importantly, have you read them?

How do you feel about grammar in general? Important? Vital? Unnecessary? Fussy?


I have never heard of National Grammar Day - cute concept!


I used to refer to a style and writing guide when I was in primary school, and had dreams of becoming the next Enid Blyton.


I have lots of grammar books, but honestly haven't read any of them. They are sitting in storage boxes for the time being, until we find our way back home, and I am ready to try my hand at some serious writing.


Grammar is vital. As some other responses have commented, a correct understanding of grammar (from the perspectives of both writer and reader) ensures that the right message is communicated. Unfortunately for me, I was one of the unlucky ones that went through school with the bare minimum of grammatical training - the little bit I have picked up has been gleaned from reading books, and a pedantic mother!


Verbally I am less concerned about precise grammar, because the tone of voice can carry almost as much meaning as the actual words. I have to admit, though, there are some grammatical slips that make my eyes water.