Have you ever tried to read something with zero grammar? It's rough, isn't it? Let me give you an example.
sometimes people think its cool to leave out all commas and they just write because they just feel like writing is a way to express their feelings and commas and grammar just get in the way the annoying extra flick of the finger that extra button pushing the space that it takes up on the page its just ridiculous and apostrophes? whatever those are pointless everyone knows what i mean right i mean seriously we are in the 21st century the texting age so what the hell do i need to know about grammar for thats for those geeks up top. grammar. its not like im doing this whole blog thing to try to get into college.
Reading should not require deciphering and comprehension. Writing, therefore, should be clear and clean cut, just like math. So if you are good at math, learning simple grammar rules (like commas and apostrophes and periods and capitalization) shouldn't be too daunting of a task. It seems as though it is, however, and the more I read, the more it frightens me how little our high school students really understand about communication and how vital it is to the betterment of our nation. If we can't communicate clearly to each other, how in the world are we going to communicate with people outside of our culture? Miscommunication is the root of all evil (well, a lot of evil, anyway). So let's all make it a goal to improve our writing skills. Here are a few tips:
1. Write every day, whether you feel like it or not. Get a daily journal, and just write about your day. Not a big deal, even if it's just a few sentences. Just write.
2. Read often. Reading good grammar will help remind you what it looks like. So read, I suggest, daily.
3. Learn the basics of grammar. Those are the ones that get most people. If you mess up on a bizarre rule, most people won't pick up on it (except for grammar nerds like me... but don't worry about me). But if you mess up on a basic rule, everyone notices, including future employers, colleges, and scholarship boards.
4. Re-read, revise, re-edit. And do it twice. The more you go over what you have written, the likelier it is to be correct in the end. I suggest reading it out loud to yourself. You'll be amazed at what you pick up.
5. Although texting language is generally accepted for texting, try to not use the same format for anywhere else, including emails, letters, and college essays. I can't even stand to use it when I'm instant messaging people (or when I've ever texted, for that matter), though I notice that even colleagues and administrators have gotten into the habit of easy typing, easy communication. I just think it looks funny. Anyway, try to get out of the habit.
The clearer your writing, the more correct it is, the more chances you have of being heard. I myself find it hard to not overlook poor writing. If you can't communicate in writing, you cannot present yourself professionally, and you are therefore easy to ignore. Unfortunately, that's the truth of the matter. So don't let yourself be ignored!! Practice those vital writing skills. Listen to your English teacher. S/he is NOT crazy!! :)
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I applaud you for the effort it must have taken to intentionally type out your example. I've done it before, to serve a purpose much like your own, and I know how difficult it is to have to think about what you're typing when proper grammar is what your fingers instinctively type.
I hate texting language when it's written. It doesn't matter if it's through instant messaging, texting, an email--I can't stand to look at it (unless it's being used purposely and in a mocking sort of way). However, I do find myself speaking it. I think it started as a joke (most likely following the "idk my bff jill?" commercial, and then it kind of just stuck. "OMG" and "brb (or sometimes birrb)" roll off my tongue like a second language. It is now one of those quirky things about me that make my friends giggle. ;-)
Your advice is fantastic; I hope people follow it.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/sawaboof
"...There is a crushing guilt that comes with being a Catholic. Whether things are good or bad or you're simply... eating tacos in the park, there is always the crushing guilt."
-30 Rock-
I'm actually terrible at math. :P
But I do read every day, and ever since I was five I've been writing stories.
Also, the 'texting age' is out of control. I always use correct punctuation when I text, (my friends make fun of me for it,) but I'll always recieve little messages backs, like "hey. wuts up."
I think the texting age influences the way my friends right as well. I was reading a friend's paper a couple of months ago, and all of his sentences had texting language in them -- bc instead of because, u instead of you, and various simple words spelled incorrectly. It was sad. Whenever I see bad writing, it really is hard to take someone seriously after, because all you're thinking in your head is, "They can't even spell 'thinks' right...."
My friends think I'm a big dork because of my texts. One of my friends, though, has a great texting quote.
Her grandma saw her texting one day and said, "You're not typing with your thumbs, are you? I don't trust anybody who types with their thumbs! Who does that?"
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
Thank you! Another point is we are in an age where people are using computers MORE then print writing. Daily writing in a journal not only encourages writing but it is also great penmanship practice. I hand wrote a letter the other day and at the end of it I was appalled at how bad my handwriting has gotten over the years.
Shameless plug
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/almostdone
"A library is a hospital for the mind." Anonymous
hah. I journal nearly every day because I love to look at my own handwriting. It's a small vanity I have. I also practice calligraphy though; it may or may not factor into it. ;-)
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/sawaboof
"...There is a crushing guilt that comes with being a Catholic. Whether things are good or bad or you're simply... eating tacos in the park, there is always the crushing guilt."
-30 Rock-
I would love to journal every day but I find that I end up putting it off and skipping months.
How do I solve that problem?
I started journaling when I was very young. I made a decision to write every single day, whether I felt like it or not, and I did it at the exact same time - right before bed - every day. Sick, I know, and somewhat geeky. But whatever. But a lot of it, for the beginning of things, it just has to be a conscious decision, before it can become a habit. So choose your time, maybe over breakfast (I did it at night because that is when my mind was most active) or right after lunch or something, some part of the day when you know you are sitting and you have a few minutes alone - I don't know how likely that is for you - and you just have your journal with you. Anymore, I have to have it with me wherever I go, just like my brother carries his sketch book wherever he goes. Just in case. It will become a necessity to you eventually. :) Anyway, you make time for what's important to you, whether you think you have time for it or not.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/kariskoett
I carry a notebook with me, or at least sheets of paper, and a pen everywhere I go. If I think of something, I write it down. Even if it's just a passing thought, I write it down and expand on it later, other wise I'll forget.
I also write down things I hear people saying. Especially people who are quickly walking by and I happen to hear something out of context that just looks hilarious on paper when I return to read it later. :-)
I also journal all of my blogs--so, you know, if myspace, facebook, livejournal, and my harddrive all disappear at the same time, I'll still have my writings saved somewhere.
My biggest piece of advise to you is to just carry a pen and paper with you. :-)
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/sawaboof
"...There is a crushing guilt that comes with being a Catholic. Whether things are good or bad or you're simply... eating tacos in the park, there is always the crushing guilt."
-30 Rock-
I don't actually know what that means, but I think it means I completely agree with everything you said in your post!
Well said, well written, much needed 'round here!
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman