January 3, 2003

Of Grammatophobia

By RODNEY D. HUDDLESTON and GEOFFREY K. PULLUM

For the last few decades, the teaching of English grammar has been out of favor among educators at all levels. When grammar is touched upon in the college curriculum, it is usually organized around free reading and creative writing, or it is reduced to lists of motto-style recommendations.

There is a cost to this neglect. Faculty members commonly complain that today's high-school graduates are not acquainted with even the most basic concepts of grammar, such as tense, case, or even

Digital or Print Subscription

Web Pass

Already have an account? Log In Now.