When my children were young, I would constantly correct their grammar. They would complain bitterly, but I kept doing it. Today, without exception, they thank me over and over and are now correcting their children’s grammar.
I am, frankly, disgusted at the incredibly bad grammar I hear all of the time. Even our President, in making an off-hand comment(not scripted) recently, used poor grammar. He is a Harvard graduate. How does this happen??
What is even more worrisome is that this bad grammar may someday replace proper grammar as acceptable. How often do you hear kids say, “Me and my friend”, instead of my friend and I? How about the bachelorette with her repeated “Him and I” instead of “He and I”?? For anyone with a good sense of proper grammar, this is like fingernails on the old chalkboard.
Kids learn what they hear and experience. If they are not getting proper grammar at home, are our English teachers really impressing upon them the importance of good grammar?? It is such a great gift to give a child, as a first impression is a lasting one. While good grammar says “educated”; poor grammar says “not well educated”.
Poor grammar creates a bad impression. It is certainly not good in an interview process for a job or a selection process for college and it leaves a bad impression with people who value good grammar.
I will keep correcting my grandchildren to do my part to help preserve our language as it should be spoken. It costs nothing and will pay dividends in their lifetimes. I am sure there are many of you out there who feel the same.
