Pierce Course Brushes Up Adults’ Grammar

Pierce College Office of Community Services is offering a workshop for adults who get tongue-tied over grammar.

The Good Grammar for Grownups class focuses on the basics of grammar in writing and conversation, and reteaches the correct terms and rules of the language for those who have little confidence in their communication skills.

Course instructor William Holmes has taught in high schools, college and universities for more than 25 years. He said the class is designed to teach the “ABCs” of grammar, including the eight parts of speech, in a relaxing environment.

Many times people who lack a strong verbal foundation are less able to communicate effectively, Holmes said.

“And even if they do have a foundation in words, they don’t put it all together with the structure they need,” he said.

Two of the main pitfalls to good grammar are punctuation and pronunciation, he added.

“The idea is to get it through to them in 12 hours,” Holmes said. “And when they leave, they usually say they enjoyed themselves and learned something from the class.”

The Good Grammar for Grownups workshop is scheduled from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. each Wednesday beginning this week at the college, and is offered through Pierce’s Extension office.

The popular four-week course is offered once per semester. Space in the fall class is limited, but officials said another class will begin in February. The course costs $47.

To register this week, call the Extension office at (818) 719-6425.