tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10113687.post2202424317142868620..comments2023-11-30T02:30:42.825-08:00Comments on E a r t h G o a t: Strunk & White wrong, outdated, mockedGrendelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664099783685963708noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10113687.post-17006310465051340252009-04-17T06:29:00.000-07:002009-04-17T06:29:00.000-07:00I liked these critiques, too. They may even have ...I liked these critiques, too. They may even have convinced me to stop recommending Strunk & White in my syllabus -- especially because my students are confused enough about passive voice as it is.<br /><br />But I still like S&W. Now I'll admit, though, that I like it not because the advice it gives is so great, but just because it's so well written. Will Pullum write a book about grammar -- about *grammar*! -- that is such a pleasure to read that it will last for decades? As between the author who writes a memorable, engaging book and the critic who accurately points out its flaws, I know whose side I'm on.<br /><br />Besides, I'm not sure how realistic it is to think that people will learn grammar by reading books about it. Five-year-olds in Paris know much more about French grammar than I can ever hope to. Better to put a good book in front of someone, regardless of what it says.cjhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06037832907654311079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10113687.post-4832130253240068002009-04-17T05:26:00.000-07:002009-04-17T05:26:00.000-07:00I'm in the midst of a job search right now and I'm...I'm in the midst of a job search right now and I'm using the serial comma unrepentantly. I hate serial commas! The problem is that caution favors the most restrictive usage. Strunk and White is full of restrictions. That matters so much more to its longevity than the specifics.<br /><br /><br />In other words, you're exactly right!cfphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13229011285921460494noreply@blogger.com