Can Spoken Word be used to Teach Grammar??

[RainKing]

Can you utilize the spoken word in order to successfully teach how grammatical tools are used. For example, can you use the spoken word to teach where comma should be used a pause in writing?

Chip

[Vildecor]

Probably only to a small extent. It is easy to say "add a comma where a pause in breath is needed," but this doesn't always work out to be grammatically correct.

I think to get a real grasp on grammar, you've gotta immerse yourself and learn the rules as best you can. Learn that commas set off appositives, that a semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses that are closely related. You've also gotta learn the exceptions.

I really don't know many books covering the topic, but I think Strunk & White's "Elements of Style" would be a place to start.

Vild

[Harry Rutherford]

Originally posted by RainKing:
Can you utilize the spoken word in order to successfully teach how grammatical tools are used. For example, can you use the spoken word to teach where comma should be used a pause in writing?

Chip

Using speech to try and teach punctuation would seem to be making life unnecessarily difficult for yourself, as you can't even demonstrate usage clearly.

It's probably possible. But why would you want to?

Harry

[Julie]

Writing With Style: Conversations on the Art of Writing by John Trimble.

Everyone should have a copy.

Julie