"You read it wrong..."

Okay, I cannot tell you HOW many times a student has said that to me!  But here's the deal.  I can really only read it the way you state it!  That is WHY grammar and punctuation are so very important!

But then, every so often, you get a phrase like this: "Keep the promises you make to yourself."

Hmmm...  you have to wonder...  does that mean that if you make a promise, you should keep it to yourself?  (Yes, this is certainly one interpretation.) Or does it mean if you make a promise TO YOURSELF, you should keep it? 

Folks, this is where CONTEXT comes into play!  Okay, IF, for example, you're in mixed, not terribly nice company, I'm going to go with the former--keep it to yourself.  Keep EVERYTHING to yourself.  Don't say ANYTHING to ANYONE about ANYTHING!  lol! 

BUT!!!!! 

If you are, perhaps, eating a Dove Chocolate, and the little affirmation thingie says to  "Keep the promises you make to yourself," I'm going to go with the latter...  And, as I WAS eating a Dove chocolate (a milk chocolate Promise, to be specific), then yes, I think it does mean to KEEP the promises you make to yourself.  Which, of course, spawns a whole different post on a different blog.  :)

RLW

Gramar Nazis, and why they're annoying....

So, I ran astray of a Grammar Nazi the other day.  Such fun....

And now, the disclaimer: No!  I'm probably NOT using 100% perfect grammar here!!!!  And I don't CARE! :) Because that's not the purpose of this blog and/or post.   

Okay, yes, I am an English teacher. As such, many people think I'm going to go all Grammar Nazi on them (and yes, if you're sending a professional document, and you ask me to read it, and I see something massively wrong, I'm gonna call you out on it...)

But really, at heart, I am a writer.

So, how is that different, you ask?  Well, a writer knows that there is both casual and professional writing, and knows when the difference is important (no, you may not submit a casual essay in class.  That needs to be professional in its tone and phrasing.)

A writer also knows that while important, grammar rules can occasionally get in the way of tone and the creative process.  And in a creative piece, or a quick note, you're sometimes trying to "sound" a certain way.  And let's face it, grammar often gets in the way of that sound...

And really, no one likes a Grammar Nazi....   I mean, they suck all the fun out of writing!  And writing should be fun.  Really, really FUN!  Think about it--writing is a creative endeavor.  And some of the best writers I know--while yes, they know the difference between a comma and a semicolon, and a noun and a verb, and yes, we probably have discussed the inherent annoyance factor of the comma splice--they don't always follow EVERY SINGLE grammar rule out there.  There's no need, once you know the basics, and you're writing for yourself and your own enjoyment.

Now, all that being said, if you are blogging, or sending emails, etc., it is nice to at least adhere to the basics of grammar usage (you know, using commas, proofreading, proper noun and verb use, no run-on (aka "fused") sentences, etc.) After all, we have these rules to simplify the reading/writing process, and it's nice, as a reader, to have a sensible text in front you (ever read a novel riddles with errors?  Annoying, isn't it?)

So, want to become a Grammar Nazi?  Or at least improve your grammar and know when (and how) to NOT be too casual?  Well, you might check out the Grammar Girl. Or, if you're looking for a nontraditional grammar textbook, you can take a look at Eats, Shoots & Leaves or The Deluxe Transitive Vampire: The Ultimate Handbook of Grammar for the Innocent, the Eager, and the Doomed. Cuz, really, Grammar is dull!  You should try teaching it!!!

Thanks!
Prof. Wilson