How to write good

[Ed W]

I came across this a couple of days ago.  It's a hoot!

And he says to I, "Today is the 50th anniversary of Strunk and White's Elements of Style." (1)

So I got me a copy and totally mesmerized this vast suppository of information. For instance, Strunk and White says, "Write with nouns and verbs." (2) Myself, for one, is relieved to know this, as I have been trying to write with macaroni and cheese.

I had to send it to a friend who teaches English, of course.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103169900

[carltonplace]

I not get that what was funsome. It were good writings to mines eyes.

[Red Arrow]

I not get that what was funsome. It were good writings to mines eyes.

There are lots of optometrists in the yellow pages.   

[cannon_fodder]

Today my son said "the dog bees bad way too much."

I asked him if that was the way he should say it and got a blank stare.  I informed him that "bees" only refers to a group of insects that makes honey.  To which he told me "not to the kids in my class."  To which I replied, "well, it still does in this house."

I feel like an old man watching "the kids" butcher the English language.

[Ed W]

I feel like an old man watching "the kids" butcher the English language.

The shorthand they use for texting is finding its way into their classroom writing.  They see nothing wrong with that.  But if writing is meant to transfer an idea from one mind to another without distortion (did someone on here say that?) then poor writing skills introduce a greater possibility for errors, and worse, make the author look like an idiot. 

[nathanm]

I sometimes butcher, but I mostly do it on purpose in a usually failing attempt to be humorous.

[Red Arrow]

The shorthand they use for texting is finding its way into their classroom writing.  They see nothing wrong with that.  But if writing is meant to transfer an idea from one mind to another without distortion (did someone on here say that?) then poor writing skills introduce a greater possibility for errors, and worse, make the author look like an idiot. 

Be, are, and am all abbreviate into one letter each.  Using the wrong verb form just tells me the person has had a poor education.  I have heard some groups intentionally use what I would call incorrect grammar specifically as rebellion against the establishment.  Rebell all you want.  Just don't be surprised when you are excluded at job or promotion time.   If you need to speak street talk to fit into a group fine.  Have the ability to turn it off or on at will, kind of like using foul language. Intentional misuse of grammar is usually obvious from other communications by that person.