[Insert catchy title here]

I definitely struggled through this chapter. Williams lost me at about page 190. I felt like I was going through a grammar/usage lesson myself. Everything Williams was talking about was extensive and exhausting, but it made me re-think the topic from the previous chapter… is grammar more important than meaning? Or vise versa?

Well, after this reading, I could care less about who or whom and lay or lie. At this point, meaning seems to be a hell of a lot more important than the mechanics of writing. Now, I’m not saying that correct usage should be thrown out the window completely but does it really matter if you write or say who instead of whom? I or me? Of course, there are the exceptions.

And no wonder why children seem to never grasp the concept of correct grammar, and get frustrated because it always seems to be changing in accordance to teaching styles. I think that’s where the real issue lies (or lays?). Two teachers can grade the same paper differently because both teachers have a different definition of correct grammar and usage. So when teaching students, is it better to have grammar taught through certain grades only, or should it be continuous throughout their education so they don't get confused?

To me, the topic of usage seems confusing to everyone – young and old – because no one really knows the correct form, and according to Williams, only a few really do. If most people don’t use correct usage, how do we teach it? Or why should we teach it (in depth)?

All in all, at this point (in reading Williams), I would have to say that meaning would be more important than grammar; however, I still believe students should have a basic knowledge of grammar (as referenced on pg. 171). On the topic of usage… I’m still confused.