Writer's Workshop on PBS
By worldwise1
@worldwise1 (14885)
United States
January 3, 2008 6:56am CST
I frequently am up early enough in the morning to catch the Writer's Workshop on my local PBS station. This morning I received a much-needed refresher course on the use of the apostrophe. The lesson today centered around the much overused instances of the apostrophe, and I found that I was guilty of not remembering just when it should and should not be used. I have to work on that. It also pointed out the shortcomings of the Spell Checker system-which I was already aware of. Finally, there was a brief interview with Sue Grafton, author of the Alphabet Series of murder mysteries. She confessed to overusing certain phrases, which led to extensive editing on her part before she could submit a finished manuscript for publication. So, I guess we could all use a bit of a refresher course in writing and language skills from time to time. Which of the above are you guilty of? Do you have to restrain your urge to correct people when they make glaring grammatical errors?
2 people like this
9 responses
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
4 Jan 08
The only people I try to correct is my friends who are learning English.I try to use good grammar, maybe I should say the best grammar I can.I agree that everyone should have a refresher course on writing English.
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
4 Jan 08
Trying our best, sarah, is all any of us can do. A real friend won't get angry if you correct them.
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@kimberlylynn (978)
• United States
3 Jan 08
I have never heard of that show, I will have to see when it comes on. I know I have bad grammar sometimes. I always get confused - THERE or THEIR? I try not to correct people for grammar - unless it's my kids. I do see a lot of spelling errors that drive me crazy but I try to get over it.
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@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
4 Jan 08
Yeah, kimberlylynn, don't you just hate it when someone "murders" the language! LOL I even see it happening with a lot of people who are college-educated.
1 person likes this
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
3 Jan 08
I do notice grammatical errors but keep my opinion or advice to myself. It's better that way. I always notice misspelled words or ending a sentence with a preposition. Have always been able to spell well but sometimes I get in a hurry when responding to discussions on myLot and goof. It sticks out like a sore thumb once the conversation jumps back to my initial response.
Have not seen the program you are referring to above but should find out if it's offered in our area. I can always use a refresher course in sentence formation.
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@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
4 Jan 08
This is the reason I will occasionally start a discussion on grammar, carolbee, because I see so many errors daily here on MyLot. I hope to draw attention to the fact that we could all use a refresher course in grammar from time to time.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
3 Jan 08
One of the advantages of my position as a para in the schools is that I get to go to third grade. As a result, I have the opportunity to get my basic grammar reviewed. It is really helpful, as then I know the rules and I can think some of my usages through. I do find from time to time that I repeat certain phrases, so I have to edit myself. Like you, I understand that there are certain errors Spell Checker cannot check or does not catch. I may look into this Writer's Workshop and see if it is available here.
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@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
4 Jan 08
It's a very worthwhile use of time, GG, because most of us lapse into poor usage at times. I catch the show, usually, a couple of times a week.
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@Sillychick (3275)
• United States
3 Jan 08
I have to work very hard to restrain myself sometimes. I think the whole world needs a refresher in the proper use of apostrophes, as well as the correct use of 'your' and 'you're,' and 'there,' 'their' and 'they're.' I also cringe everytime I hear (or read) non words such as 'brang.' I am not perfect, and I make a typo every now and then, but some people take it to extremes.
How early is that show on? I'm usually up pretty early, maybe I'll try to catch it.
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@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
4 Jan 08
You have pointed out the most frequently misused words, SC, and the show comes on about 5 in the morning where I live in the Eastern time zone. I don't think it's on every morning though.
1 person likes this
@yanxchick (250)
• United States
3 Jan 08
I work in the writing business and when I see mistakes, it just drives me crazy. I want to tell people all the time, but instead of telling then, I usually go to the person in charge and let them know about what needs to be changed.
My biggest problem is that when I get lazy and I am just trying to finish something quickly, I start to use cliches. It's terrible and I hate them, but I do it.
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@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
4 Jan 08
I know how easy it can be to fall victim to the cliches, yanxchick. Having lived in "The Hood" for most of my life, I have a constant battle against using slang expressions. I really try hard to avoid them, and it even works-sometimes, lol. I think my ideal job would have been as an editor.
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@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
4 Jan 08
If you don't use it, you lose it, sigma, right? I believe we all tend to get lazy about proper usage as time goes by-unless we are directly involved in some line of work that requires us to keep on our toes regarding these matters.
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@cher913 (25781)
• Canada
3 Jan 08
no, i am horrible that way. i work for a boss who is dyslexic, so that is part of my job...and unfortunately it carries over into my regular life, my writing (which is a good thing i guess) and other aspects of my life!
when is this show on? (i am close to buffalo, ny and get the pbs station out of there)
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
4 Jan 08
I usually catch it very early(about 5:00 A.M.) on Sunday mornings and some mornings during the week, cher. I'm sure you could find out more if you visit www.pbs.org, and check out their early morning schedule. They are very informative, and have made me aware of some of the errors I have lapsed into making when I write.
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
11 Jan 08
I'm going to have to try and find that show on my local PBS station, I could sure use a writing and language refresher course. I always try my best to use good grammar and punctuation but I'm sure I make mistakes. I probably make lots of them! I'm sure I misuse the apostrophe at times and I know I overuse some phrases but I try to change them when I catch myself. And, yes, I do have to restrain my urge to correct people when they make grammatical errors!
Annie
