Teaching English Grammar Penny Ur 2015

‘Variants, not errors’

• A popular approach today is that which sees forms such as ‘she come’ as legitimate ‘variants’ among ELF speakers, not as ‘incorrect’.
• ‘Correct’ has become a politically
• incorrect term.
• BUT…

I would correct them all.

…because I am a teacher.

Why should we relate to these usages as incorrect?

• Students have a right to be taught the most useful, acceptable and important forms used for ELF worldwide.
• I don’t have time to teach everything: need to decide on priorities.
• Students want clearcut guidance.
• We need a clear basis for classroom teaching, materials design and tests.