Grammar & Me...Grammar & I??

    This semester I'm taking an introductory class to how to effectively communicate in the business world. I have to admit, after class on Tuesday, I raced over to the bookstore. I could not wait to see what everyone was raving about. I've had several friends tell me not only how great this class is going to be but also how much I'll  use the book afterwards. As I stood in line for check out, I even had strangers telling me how much they enjoyed the class.  After making my purchase I began skimming through it's pages. I could tell I would be learning quite a bit this semester. Then I started on the HW. Dangling modifiers what?
(*class joke)

       
This week, I learned I am not as comfortable as I thought I was with grammar and it's many rules. I was surprised by all of the examples they had provided and felt guilty when I saw what I know I have used in the past was marked "no" or "wrong."  For example, here were some of the fun rules I learned about in this week's reading...

1. Using adj & adv correctly. Seems self-explanatory right?? Think again.

No: I'm sure happy you're on our team.

Yes: I'm SURELY happy you're on our team.

2. Place modifying words & phrases close to the words they modify.

No: I'll only ask for $10 (definitely guilty of this one)

Yes: I'll ask for only $10 

So what? I want to be successful in life, which means I must be understood. Grammar will help me get there. Now what? There is probably a good reason we are focusing on grammar right off the bat. As my dance coaches often say, "practice makes permanent." Whether it be good or bad practice, it will eventually stick with you. So I will make sure I brush up on all of those great grammar rules this semester so I can apply and better my communication skills. I especially cannot wait to check out the "silly grammar songs" link on LS. Grammar, lets make it a great semester!