Why is grammar so important?

I never knew that there were so many different types of grammar. Why is grammar is so important? Perhaps it isn’t as important as we think it is. Do we even know what grammar is? Grammar can be commonly be confused with usage. I like the example in the book when the author used the word ain’t in a sentence. Microsoft word sticks a red line underneath it as if it is spelled wrong. That particular sentence is grammatically correct. It has all the components necessary to make a complete sentence. Should we be teaching our students that it is okay to use ain’t in their writings? I think it would just confuse students if they thought that using ain’t was grammatically correct. They need to know that it is a usage error rather than a grammatical error. I would simply just tell students to avoid using ain’t in their writings. On the other hand, they need to know the difference between usage and grammar. How can we teach them how to differentiate the two?
I strongly believe that a grammar class should be a requirement to graduate college if you are obtaining a teaching or an English degree. Think about it. Do you want your children to learn grammar from someone who hasn’t had a grammar class since middle school? The author said that the grammar taught in 3rd grade is the same in 12th grade. I think grammar should be taught throughout every year in a small dosage. Even though the author doesn’t believe correct grammar makes a student a better writer, it can’t hurt to try.
I still have trouble with certain words, as I am sure many college students do. I have to think before I use the words lie and lay. Who and whom is another one I have to think about.
I know I have mentioned this before, but I am going to bring it up because Williams brought it up again. He used the example of, “Where is he at?” I cannot stand this. It is nails on a chalkboard for me. Why do people feel the need to tack on at? This is absolutely not necessary. The question in the one journal entry asked us whether or not we had someone in our lives that corrected our speech and if we minded. My mother always corrected me. She actually still does! When I was younger, I hated it. Now, I thank her for it.