"IN ENGLISH PLEASE" IS OUT! "WITH CORRECT GRAMMAR" IS IN! :D

            As Cyril Connolly says, The English language is like a broad river on whose bank a few patient anglers are sitting, while, higher up, the stream is being polluted by a string of refuse-barges tipping out their muck.

            “IN THIS PAPER ARE THE CORRECTIONS I FOUND IN YOUR POSTS” it is not exactly the words my teacher in English III said; I think I had goose bumps in that very moment! I felt that I am one of those who made certain errors that are unfortunately placed on that paper. For me, it is a weird thing to correct other’s mistakes. I was not comfortable doing that and I also thought that do I have the right to correct it and do I have the knowledge for that? Maybe it is funny for others but for me it is a serious thing. I had a comment from my teacher that I had grammatical errors in one of my posts that is why I am very affected.  Besides all those feelings and thoughts, I saw the PROS in it. I was able to identify some of the errors correctly and apply the lessons I have learned. I realized that I do not have to be ashamed or get nervous because there is nothing to worry about! Sentences in my posts are not included in the paper, which made a great relief in me. As we continued checking, I realized that it is not wrong to see and correct other’s sentences. Honestly, I learned a lot from it. It made me more conscious and careful in writing not only essays but also even simple sentences. The activity opened my mind that not everyone can have correct grammar in speaking and writing. One of the best lessons I learned is I cannot hide my mistakes in grammar in making my sentences “WORDY”. No offense but that really made me laugh!

             In studying, I know English subject is different from others. And there are a lot of “EXCEMPTIONS to the RULES” (most remarkable line whenever I am in my English class) I remember back when I was in elementary, there was a lesson in grammar and I think that when I speak or write, do I have to say that it is in that tense… Now, I knew its importance. In writing, I write sentences and if my grammar is incorrect, my work will not be inspiring to others and that will result a lower grade for me (personally speaking). Also, it is like cooking, if my ingredients are not correct, my dish will not taste good. Grammar is really important. It is not only used in speaking, but also in all the fields of communication and in expressing my thoughts and emotions. Although I am a Filipina, I should learn how to CORRECTLY use English, why? Because I cannot translate the sentences in “tagalong” to English if I do not know the correct grammar that I will use in translating it. Others may misinterpret my writings or what I will say if I am not aware of it.

            I admit that I have grammatical errors especially when I am tired or I am in a rush to finish it. I think this is a good way to improve my grammar skills. In  blogging, I am able to see my errors and I become more aware of it. Before, when I write, the thing that is always in my mind is, “okay lang na may mali, isa lang naman makakabasa nun e” but now everyone can read it! And I have no control who will read, analyze and sometimes others may laugh at it. Being more aware on how I apply the lessons I learned can also help me to improve it and be better. I think I will not just listen, I should also prove that I have learned. I WILL ALWAYS bear in my mind that Filipinos are good English speakers and I should be confident enough to believe in myself that I can improve my weaknesses.

“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”

That quote from John Wesley inspired me a lot.