I think for most of us you have put your finger right smack dab
on the basic point - these things must be taught. And knowledge of these
things makes it less difficult for students to use language to make
themselves understood.

        Caroline

On Mon, 26 Jun 2000, Ruth Edwards wrote:

> Thanks for your reply.  In light of your reply...just how DO you conjugate a
> verb?   I was never taught how to diagram a sentence...it was in the books,
> but it was never taught.  I know I would have an easier time if that had
> been taught.
>
> Thanks,
>
> ~Ruth
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Paul E. Doniger <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Monday, June 26, 2000 11:11 PM
> Subject: Re: Educable
>
>
> > Ruth,
> >
> > I think ATEG would be only to eager to have your questions. Get in their
> and
> > ask away!
> >
> > Paul E. Doniger
> > The Gilbert School
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Ruth Edwards <[log in to unmask]>
> > To: <[log in to unmask]>
> > Sent: Monday, June 26, 2000 6:01 PM
> > Subject: Re: Educable
> >
> >
> > > As I continue to lurk in the ATEG background to glean whatever tidbits
> of
> > > information I can actually understand, I am in awe of the enormous pool
> of
> > > knowledge.  I have to wonder if you are aware of the presence of those
> of
> > us
> > > who have a lesser knowledge...those of us who want to know what you
> know.
> > >
> > > So many times I want to ask things like, "Just how DO you conjugate a
> > verb?"
> > > I can definitely relate to the following excerpt sent by David Mulroy:
> "As
> > a
> > > general rule, the college students with whom I deal are incapable of
> > > conjugating the verb BE.  Of course, they can use its forms correctly.
> > You
> > > could say that they have subconscious knowledge of its grammar in the
> same
> > > sense that birds have a subconscious knowledge of aerodynamics."
> > >
> > > I realize any question I might pose would be considered tedious to 99.9%
> > of
> > > you.  If it is inappropriate to ask such questions on this forum, do any
> > of
> > > you know where I can go for answers to these seemingly simple questions?
> > > Other sites don't really stimulate the thought that provokes the need
> for
> > > immediate answers...correct answers.
> > >
> > > In and amongst the valuable topics you discuss, is it inappropriate for
> > > those of us who want to be taught correct grammar to ask seemingly
> simple
> > > questions?  I sincerely doubt it possible to find a better place for
> such
> > > information than this forum.  Who better to teach those of us who are
> > eager
> > > and willing to be taught?
> > >
> > > Thanks for allowing me to "tag along."
> > >
> > > ~Ruth
> > >
> >
>