Here's a grammar rule that I've never heard before: there is a special pronunciation rule for the use of the. The should be pronounced "thuh" when it comes before a word that starts with a consonant sound and pronounced "thee" when it comes before a word with a vowel sound, or when you want to add emphasis. I don't remember this rule ever being taught in my English classes, but it makes sense, now that I think about it.
Another short grammar rule: Alot is not a word. Spell check just confirmed it.
Isn't this fun? : )
Actually, I was just talking about this with my Japanese co-workers yesterday! I had never heard of this rule either until it was in one of my textbooks to teach the students, but apparently the Japanese teachers' students are really concerned about it. I told them not to worry too much about it since most native speakers don't even know that rule!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing what you learn when you start teaching your native language. ;-)
That's funny! Now I find myself obsessing over this rule, making for rather erratic speech! ;)
ReplyDeleteI actually learned this while I was singing in my high school choir. It made a huge difference when we were singing and was one of the first things we learned. American Grammer is already soo confusing! There is no way everything can be taught in school.
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