By WALLYCE TODD

Ask anyone. I like alliteration (repeating initial sounds). I love creating pictures with words. Being from the South, I also like using colloquialisms and a “conversational writing” style, especially when I’m writing features or columns like this one. These mediums allow for creative flexibility and — as we writers like to call it – “poetic license.”

There are also times when I like to talk with lots of Southern-isms. Y’know what I mean: “I love some good ol’ hamburger steak and a glass of sweet tea,” and other such comfortable phrases. All these kinds of writings and sayings are well and good in their proper times and places.

However, there are definitely times when good grammar needs to be put into practice – and I, for one, am not sure we’re teaching our younger generation when these times are.

Given the advent of instant messaging, sms/text messaging, email grammar and other such technical realities, the landscape of our country’s communication has definitely changed. I believe that’s OK, as we all know change is one of the few things “that stays the same.”

When I was a student, we were told not to start sentences with “But” or “And.” That no longer seems to be the rule. Truth be known, I’m glad; you’ll see I use these words to start sentences, even in this column.

Years ago, I was also informed prepositions that ended sentences or dangling participles were academic no-nos – yet most of us in today’s world still utilize those “mistakes” when we write. Actually, it can be hard not to. See, I just did it.

Anyway, the whole reason for this column is to express my dismay about the fact that it seems many of our local students are reaching middle and high school without a basic knowledge of good grammar. If they do have the knowledge, then many are not utilizing it effectively.

I know this because as the coordinator for The News Reporter’s annual Christmas section, I received more than a few examples of writing from middle and high school students where poor grammar was allowed to remain.

In elementary school, students are still learning, so I can see where “keeping it original” may actually make for enjoyable reading in certain contexts. We can smile and chuckle at the way our youngest citizens incorporate “creative spelling” (and other grammatically incorrect items) within their compositions. It’s all a bit humorous.

However, a number of teachers in the area apparently chose not to edit their students’ assignments very well, or they chose not to make the students compose another draft. Instead, teachers and others who “should have known better” chose to submit many writings “as is.” And “as is” wasn’t very good in some instances.
This made me sad. In fact, I grieve for what it says about how we’re not being diligent to set good examples in this county. This is happening at home and at school. It’s not just about teachers.

When I was growing up, the adults in my world frequently corrected my grammar, even if it wasn’t written, but only spoken.

I am a former teacher. I even taught English grammar in a school in this county. I’ll be the first to say that I, personally, make grammatical mistakes, overlook typos, etc. But when a child or adult who “should know better” writes something where even the nouns and verb tenses do not agree – or when there seems to be no comprehension of how to use punctuation – I get a little worried.

I had ninth and tenth graders who could not even tell me what a noun or a verb was, let alone how to use them correctly – and these are grammatical rules students are generally taught in elementary school. Ack!

A colleague recently showed me a letter to her child, written by a local teacher. It was composed of just four sentences, and it had at least three major grammatical errors. No wonder our young folks don’t know when and how to write well if this letter was any indication. We’ve got to set a better example, folks.

Columbus County is full of some of the most intelligent and gifted people you can find, and yet, we’re not even able to sustain certain industries or expansions due to the lack of a skilled workforce. This lack includes a populace bereft of the basic knowledge of grammar.

Let’s work to change this. If you’re an adult, don’t leave it just to the teachers to help a student learn. Hold yourself to a higher standard. Use good grammar yourself. Write well. Help the younger generation learn when it is and when it is not appropriate to use a “conversational or computer style” of communicating. The best way for anyone to improve is to see it modeled, and to give time to independent study and to practice.

I am absolutely positive this can be done. My granddaddy, Dan’l Todd, never attended college. In fact, as far as I know, he only had an eighth-grade education when he left his family’s farm and entered the workforce. One of his first jobs was working as a secretary for the mayor of Wilmington.

A true story is that the mayor left his office one day and soon returned with a dictionary he’d bought specifically for my granddad. The mayor placed the reference book on my granddad’s desk and told him: “You need this.” For years, my very intelligent - though not formally educated grandfather – kept that dictionary by his bed and read it. He taught himself new words and correct grammar. I think this knowledge became one of the foundation blocks for his success in business and beyond.

I didn’t know a lot about all his success when I was a child. I only knew him as “Granddaddy;” that’s how he wanted it. However, today, when someone stops me on the street to compliment this very capable man for all he did to contribute to our community, I am thankful. And I am proud, especially because Granddaddy didn’t let where he was reared or his lack of resources as a youngster impair him as an adult.

I believe this is possible for everyone. We can all become better than we are – in the area of grammar – and in other areas, too.