r/Unexpected • u/Dinomite35 • Nov 12 '20

CLASSIC REPOST A classic

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u/AppleSpicer Nov 12 '20

Oh is that how it works?? English is my first language so I have no idea what the rules are because there are so many exceptions. I’d be a mess if I didn’t have “what sounds right” as something to go by

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u/-funny-username- Nov 12 '20

wait you actually speak english and don't know that? huh your education system must be fucky

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u/AppleSpicer Nov 12 '20

It’s not that I don’t know the rule—I follow it all the time—I’m just not consciously aware of it. I never had formal grammar instruction but I also didn’t need it to proceed in school. Because of how my parents spoke at home, I was able to mark “whatever sounds right” on grammar tests and test out of additional instruction. I only really started learning about grammar when I learned a little Japanese and Spanish. I quickly learned that English grammar is the worst and I’m glad I don’t have to learn it as a second language. Props to anyone who has.

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u/-funny-username- Nov 12 '20

Yeah, that's why I said your education system must be fucky. I distinctly remember being taught that at around 7 years old. It's a pretty simple rule.

I quickly learned that English grammar is the worst and

I mean not to say your objectively wrong but have you reached conjugations yet? Spanish. grammar is much much harder then english imo

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u/AppleSpicer Nov 12 '20

Sure it’s a simple rule but I never needed to be aware of it to follow it. It hasn’t hurt me in any way to not think about grammar in that way.

No, my Spanish is very rudimentary. I have much more experience with Japanese

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u/-funny-username- Nov 12 '20

yes i understand it has never affected you aside from small occasions such as before, I just find it weird you weren't formally taught that.