Grammar
Let me begin with telling you that I don't really know what this falls under. I would assume grammar but, yeah.
Tonight, I was having my dad take a look at my Personal Narrative. I gave it to him in hopes that he could give me some feedback, etc.
He took one look at it and said, "You need to double space between sentences."
I know that he uses this strategy in his writing, business e-mails, etc. I just thought - NO! You're wrong! He bet me $500 that he's right, but I know he's wrong. I proved it to him (unfortunately, I'm not $500 richer).
Using two spaces between sentences is an outdated form of writing. It was basically discontinued after the 1950's. The majority of our parents probably write using this method as it was taught well into the 60's and even 70's (I think).
This subject got me thinking though. How much has grammar changed over the years. Why? Who decides it?
It makes our lives miserable.
Note to Ms. Mork - If you had any insight onto this topic, that would be appreciated.
You might recall that double spacing is not an issue of grammar but rather of mechanics. The very essence of English grammar has only changed slightly at the "professional" level but slang and vernacular grammar changes frequently. Sensibly, the best way to define grammar rules would be by the public, but instead we have committees (MLA, ALA). However, grammar is like dress code: depending on your field, the strictness of grammar may vary.
ReplyDeleteI don't like that. I figured that it wasn't grammar but I wasn't sure what it technically would be. I guess I would prefer one know all committee. Makes things easier.
ReplyDeleteActually, according to APA, your dad is right! :-)
ReplyDelete"Regarding punctuation in manuscript drafts, APA suggests using two spaces after periods ending sentences to aid readability."
No me gusta.
ReplyDeleteI think that according to Chicago and MLA, I'm right. That makes it 2-1. I win.
By the way, did you know that animals are supposed to be referred to as 'that' (instead of 'who') according to MLA. I think that's kind of strange, considering dogs are like humans to many people.