Is grammar really that important in this day and age?

Question

I am always getting pulled up on my grammar on YA, not that I care. I am only here for the interesting questions and answers posed by others. However, it has got me thinking about the English language (Britain in the main, but also that of other English speaking nations). How important is grammar. I get pulled up at work for it too.

When I stated "this day and age" I was referring to the fact that language is evolving all the time (we don't say/write "Ye Olde" anymore as a prime example). It wasn't meant as anything insultive

Since my grammar is pretty poor (and if that is a bench mark for intelligence as some of you believe, than I guess that makes me stupid too), I thought I would put it to the public vote!

Answer 1

Yes it is,,,,and will always be important,,,

Answer 2

It still is, although it gradually loses its significance. Content takes over form, which is a good news. But it is a very gradual process. For example, if you look at Greek 2,000 years ago and Greek today, you'll see that modern Greek has simplified its grammar to a very high extent - it has dispensed with many unnecessary and burdening grammar rules and structures. The same if you compare Latin with its incredibly difficult grammar and modern Romance languages - Italian for example. Or even modern English with old English. German unfortunately has retained a very complicated grammar, and that is one of the main reasons why this language is so unpopular outside German speaking countries, even though Germany is the third largest world economy.

So, I believe as time passes by, we'll find new, more potent yet less complex way of expressing ourselves, where grammar will only serve to facilitate our communication and not burden it.

Answer 3

If you didn't use grammar you would be incomprehensible, so yes, it is important. However according to linguistics scholars there is no "correct" grammar. Alternative grammars are just evidence of a changing language, as all languages change. So when you make a mistake it is not actually a mistake, it just shows you are more receptive to language change. If enough people start to use language the way you do then eventually the official grammar will change. It's obviously important to use proper grammar in formal situations, but I wouldn't worry too much about your grammar "mistakes" in other situations.

Answer 4

Language is evolving all the time yes, but we need some standards to be able to communicate, otherwise there would be confusion with everyone using their own personal version! So, although we should not criticise those who use a version of English different from the standard, we have to keep some kind of rules and regulations.

Take the time to learn about grammar, it makes the language much more interesting, and shows us how it has come to this point. But keep on with your own version, idioms, slang words etc., all these make language stay alive.

Answer 5

Grammar is the framework of rules around which a language is built. Without grammar, people wouldn't have comparable rules that transfer from language to language which would make translation from e.g English to French almost impossible. The Romantic languages (French, Italian, Spanish, German and a couple of others) are based on Latin so they all have the same rules and knowing Latin makes learning any of these easier. So yes I think grammar is important

Answer 6

Grammar is very important, especially if you want to be taken seriously when you say or write something.

Lately in a number of places (Including on the Yahoo Answers forums), I've seen a LOT of people who seem unable to spell even the basic words. Or to use punctuation. And that's scary, because these are the people who in theory are or will be taking care of our world.

Answer 7

Your grammar seems very good, so I don't know what you are worried about. The problem with bad grammar is that it can sometimes interfere with communication and what is said (or written) is not actually what is meant. An example would be useful here but I just cannot think of one at this moment.

Answer 8

Grammar is always important.It is a worldwide and used by everyone.You can not make a grammar structure by yourself.Maybe you do not have to be so addicted to grammar structure but you should use it properly if you want everyone to comrehend you.Because English is not in this shape and situation to be understood without literal structures of grammar...In the time,it will perhaps change into a slang way,then you will be able to realize your idea...
I hope it helps...

Answer 9

The "Youth" of today may speak and communicate in a more modern version of English than people of my age or older but in the workplace there has to be a uniform standard of English so everyone can understand and is also polite as not all peeps r knot savy @ yoof speak and find it 2 difficult 2 understand innit!

Answer 10

Your command of the English language speaks volumes about who you are and what other people should think about you.

If you can't be bothered to use proper spelling, syntax, and grammar, you're telegraphing to the world that you're ignorant, lazy, or stupid; and they're not likely to take you seriously or consider what you have to say. Even if you have the greatest idea in the world, it amounts to nothing if you can't express it coherently.

Answer 11

Of course it is, poor grammar is a sign of laziness and/ or ignorance.It shows that people have no pride in their language. It is largely the fault of the education system which dumbed down that aspect of English in order to promote creative and 'flowery' writing.You reap what you sow.