Every time I begin teaching a grammar lesson, my students tell me that they will never use “this stuff.” In response to their immediate judgment on learning grammar, I attempt to show them that grammar is essential to “real life” communication. Without grammar, confusion would rule.
Case in point:
Earlier this year while driving across the Texas Panhandle, my husband and I decided to stop at a small town for dinner. Hoping to find some good home-style cooking, we chose a “mom and pop” restaurant that we soon discovered advertised interesting dishes. Upon entering the restaurant, we were immediately greeted with the “Today’s Special.”
The board proudly displayed one of the menu choices, and I must say, being an English teacher, I suddenly lost my appetite. However, my husband (not even thinking about grammar but more on his hunger) pointed to the whiteboard’s special and said, “I’ll have those---stir fried!” I grinned, not knowing I had married a cannibal.
Once again, a “real-life” example of how important grammar is in our everyday communication. Never did I dream of pronoun reference influencing what I would order in a restaurant.
Grammar is only valuable when usable. And what better way to learn how to use it than to understand “what” to look for.
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