The War Against Grammar

The War Against Grammar examines the decline of formal grammar instruction in American schools over the past century. Author David Mulroy traces historical changes in education policy and teaching methods that led to reduced emphasis on grammar and sentence diagramming. Mulroy presents research and evidence to support the value of traditional grammar education, drawing connections between grammatical knowledge and academic achievement. He analyzes standardized test scores, student writing samples, and educational outcomes across different teaching approaches. Through case studies and classroom examples, the book demonstrates practical applications of grammar instruction and its role in developing critical thinking skills. The text includes specific recommendations for integrating systematic grammar teaching back into school curricula. The book contributes to ongoing debates about educational standards and literacy, questioning whether progressive teaching methods have served students' fundamental needs. Its central argument frames grammar not as an archaic discipline but as a foundation for clear communication and intellectual development.

Readers describe this book as a defense of traditional grammar instruction and its educational value. Teachers and language enthusiasts make up the primary audience. Readers appreciated: - Clear arguments for grammar's importance in education - Historical context of grammar instruction's decline - Research citations supporting grammar education - Examples showing how grammar knowledge impacts reading comprehension Common criticisms: - Repetitive arguments - Confrontational tone toward progressive education - Limited practical teaching suggestions - Focus on complaints rather than solutions Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (12 reviews) Amazon: 4.2/5 (15 reviews) Sample reader comments: "Makes a solid case for grammar instruction but comes across as angry at times" - Goodreads reviewer "Good research but needed more classroom applications" - Amazon reviewer "Changed my perspective on grammar's role in critical thinking" - Amazon reviewer "Arguments feel dated and don't address modern teaching realities" - Goodreads reviewer

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The Mother Tongue by Bill Bryson The evolution of English grammar emerges through historical developments and the language's spread across continents.

The Power of Grammar by Mary Ehrenworth and Vicki Vinton Research-based evidence connects grammar instruction to improved writing and cognitive development.

📚 David Mulroy wrote this controversial book in 2003 after teaching Latin and Greek at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for over three decades. 🎓 The book argues that the decline in formal grammar instruction since the 1960s has directly contributed to falling SAT verbal scores and reduced college readiness. 📖 Mulroy traces the anti-grammar movement to the 1963 Richard Braddock study "Research in Written Composition," which incorrectly claimed grammar instruction didn't improve writing. ✍️ One of the book's key assertions is that students who study Latin and formal grammar perform significantly better on the verbal portions of standardized tests. 🗣️ The author demonstrates how ancient civilizations, including Greeks and Romans, considered grammar essential to education and viewed it as foundational to clear thinking and effective rhetoric.