Hello, all!

This is supposed to be a "grammar lovers" forum, right? But why are 
so many post on this list from people who atack grammar and state 
that teaching grammar does not make sense, and makes no difference in 
writing? The explanation appears to be quite simple: these people do 
not like grammar, do not understand grammar, and do not want to teach 
grammar. Their posts indicate that they are fighting as hard as they 
can to avoid the inevitable.

Of course, grammar cannot cause any improvement in student writing if 
those who "teach" it have no idea what grammar is and how to teach it.
What role model, or inspiration can a teacher who fumbles around and 
is in confusion about grammar could be for students? I had a few of 
such teachers and instructors, and often I had to teach them myself 
what they needed to know in order to qualify for teaching.

If I did not like grammar I would not bother to be on this list. What 
for? To read again and again about others love and I hate? Part of 
the endless harangue in the forum is caused by the situation I have 
just described, people who love grammar fighting with people who hate 
it. In the meantime, some people do the quiet and unrewarded work of 
teaching their students Standard English in spite of the attacks on 
them and the displeasure of the grammar haters. 

Eduard 

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