[azaz]

I must say that since i started reading Fantasy my english Language and literature has improved.

When I first started reading Fantasy, there where many news words used in places I never knew they could be used, the were new words. So the dictionary in my brain has continued to grow as the more I read and come across new words. Also they way the sentences are put together, as non of the Authors have the same style you learn much, and are able to improve your own style of writing. My writing and even speaking have improved much since reading, and with so many new words, some I like some I don't, I am able to confuse my friends and family, and sound intelligent for once. Also as many fantasies are based in medieveil times, and some on other history you get a large knowledge of devices, settings, etc of the pass. The books also help make you more creative and your imagination is allowed to run even more free.

So has fantasy helped you in gaining knowledge apart from giving tremendous joy and excitement.

[LeMort]

Well, at the risk of insulting anyone (and that is definitely not my intention!)…

I'm not sure if reading does improve your writing ability.

Without mentioning any names, I've noticed that many of the people who post messages on these message boards (and message boards in general) can barely write a coherent sentence. Only a few people seem to be able to spell correctly. Even fewer have any kind of comprehension of the rules of Grammar.

This even seems to be the case on the writing board!

[Erebus]

Ouch! Maybe we're all just really bad typists...? http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Barbarossa]

I think there are several reasons, quite a few of us (yours truely included) are not native speakers of English. Judging from myself that means there is a lot of room for improvement before reaching perfection.

Another is that, I at least and I guess many others too, log on during or after work, often tired, sometimes in a hurry, neither helps with your concentration.

Yet another reason is the tendency that many people don't see the need for grammar, whole sentences or even spelling on the net, at least that is my impression from several years on several boards.

Finally some of us, well me at least, are rotten typers.

[Hans]

I agree with Barbarossa.
When I go on the internet I'm not bothered how I write, for its the internet, and you can say a whole new language. You just write what comes straight into to your mind, rather than thinking it over.

Oh, yeah I have learnt new words reading Fantasy, so my vocab has been increasing.

[Vroomfondel]

Plus, many people who ordinarily write perfectly coherent sentances in reality often write like this online:

i like phantasy its cool lol and i really like george martins books they toally kick arse lol!

[Rob B]

u rly hit the nail on hed Vroom.
http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gifroflmao http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

[BoxingGriffin]

Right on, vroom...except you have to spell cool as "kewl". =)

Of course this is only funny until one of your students turns in an assignment written like that. Uhg.

[Alucard]

I'm pretty sure that people don't worry all that much about the grammar and sentence structure when posting on a message board, not very fair ground to judge someone's actual writing ability upon. And true enough, I usually don't get to sit down on the computer until midnight, not the best time for concentration.

[FitzChivalry]

I agree with Barbarossa, a lot of people here are not native to the english language, so you can't expect them to type as well as americans or brits.
Sometimes people forget that the internet is international.