Reply #6: Yes, I understand that language change is

[SheilaT]

an unstoppable process.

But I am pointing out that when grammar, in any form at all, is not taught, the entire notion of correct or proper usage disappears. And I'm not trying to force outdated usages -- I got into an interesting battle with my freshman English teacher in high school who insisted that the correct past tense for "I will not" is "I shan't", a form that even then (1962) hadn't been in common usage for about 40 years.

You at least seem aware of what's "correct" and what isn't. A blissful unawareness leads to truly careless usage of the language which not only marks someone as ignorant -- which really does matter more than many people think -- but worse yet, leads to incomprehensibility.

In a related matter, I'm curious: Do you think Shakespeare should be "translated" into modern English for students today, or do you think it should be left unsullied, which means it simply can't be understood without extensive notes and explanations.