Why do so many Americans have poor grammar skills? People write their or there instead of they're, witch instead of which, and so on. Even managers in companies do it. Why?
2006-10-04 06:30:59 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Other - Social Science
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2006-10-04 06:39:47 · answer #1 · answered by laurel 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There are many reasons. I can think of five.
Number one; they weren't born in the USA to begin with and English isn't their first language.
Number two; English grammar and punctuation were not drilled on a regular basis in their schools, therefore, they never learned the difference between its and it's, there they're and their.
Number three; after college and writing papers for all those years, they simply said - forget it!
Number four; they only focused on math and sports in school and slept through English class because it was the first class of the day.
Number five; they don't read literature on a regular basis, and if they do read, it's magazines and they only look at the pictures.
2006-10-04 13:42:28 · answer #2 · answered by alwaysbombed 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As a former teacher, I can tell you that some children paid attention and wanted to learn. Others didn't care! Some children came to school tired, hungry, dirty, and neglected. Teachers can't undo what parents have done to the children no matter how hard they try. If children don't have proper nutrition, enough quality sleep, good hygiene habits, and lots of love and attention, they don't learn as well. It shows on websites such as this when something was/is missing in some people's lives.
2006-10-04 13:42:26 · answer #3 · answered by missingora 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because your view of appropriate English is Standard Academic English (SAE), which is what is taught in most schools, but there are other forms.
Also, consider that your question asks about "Americans," which technically associates to everyone in North America and South America. Perfect grammar never compensates for content difficulties.
2006-10-04 13:40:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The answer is simple. Computers. Think about it. If you use a word processing program, it automatically fixes your grammar and spelling mistakes. Some see it as a pointless skill to learn because machines fix their problem's for them.
2006-10-04 16:35:00 · answer #5 · answered by SilverRain_Jae 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think people are too lazy to take the effort to make proper use of the English language, and colloquial English lends a sort of pseudo credibility to the spoken word being written as it is spoken.
2006-10-04 13:40:43 · answer #6 · answered by synchronicity915 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This goes along with my recent question of why don't people use the spell check? It drives me nuts too when I try to read something with poor grammar and spelling. I think its because people are lazy and want instant gratification and don't care. They figure the reader will figure it out anyway, and if not, they don't care.
2006-10-04 13:40:53 · answer #7 · answered by The_good_guy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It drives me nuts. The only thing I can figure is that they must have managed to pass classes in school even though their work was poor. Since they successfully graduated they must think it doesn't matter.
It sure matters to me.
2006-10-04 13:33:17 · answer #8 · answered by MoMattTexas 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know, but it drives me up the wall.
It's so sad that teachers in America don't bother to teach spelling or grammar.
2006-10-04 13:38:50 · answer #9 · answered by ♥Pamela♥ 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Our failing educational system.
2006-10-04 13:38:55 · answer #10 · answered by Olive Green Eyes 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋