I just wrote an email to send to my mailing list. I read it and read it again to check for sense. Then read it again to check for grammar. Luckily I sent a test email because when the test came through I noted a grammatical error.
Families verses family’s – One is plural (more than one) One is possessive (belongs to).
Out of context I totally know which one is which, but when including in a piece of writing my memory becomes overwhelmed and I’m focussing on what I am saying rather than how it is spelt! Even when reading back through I don’t always notice errors The sentence I wanted to write was actually possessive. Her family’s journey… referring to a journey they made as a family. What I had actually written washer families journey, implying there was more than one family.
A little thing, and a rule, I understand, but just because I understand it doesn’t mean that I can always use it correctly! I had read that email three times before sending the test. It was only because today I had time to step away and reread that I noticed it.
So we can begin to understand how in a busy classroom environment or in an exam situation where we are under pressure that we make these errors and not given the time to correct them. Whilst it needs pointing out because ultimately it’s not right, it can be embarrassing and chip away at self esteem, mostly because we understand what is wrong and are annoyed with ourselves for not noticing. We know what the person is saying and this is more important than us correcting them and then them being way too scared to use their voice.
Correcting grammar can actually silent a persons voice. So next time you point out an error to a student or a fellow adult on social media have a bit of patience and be kind. I can guarantee they will either be completely unaware of the difference OR have just not noticed. It’s not because they don’t care or they are unintelligent, but quite likely, they are being brave and wanting to use their voice and get their point across and are thinking about what they want to say rather than how to spell it!
Let’s not silent people by picking up on tiny errors!