[rhema]

The distinction between "was" and "were" is outmoded. The meaning, in either case, is clear. Why pressure the student with extra worries when there are egregious errors such as, "He gave the book to I"? Or, "Me and my wife went to the show."

As a teacher, I'll respectfully disagree, kitkat. The meaning of "Me and my wife went to the show" is also clear. Just as students should know pronoun cases, I think they should also know the three moods of verbs: indicative, imperative, and subjunctive.

[kitkat]

***As a teacher, I'll respectfully disagree, kitkat. The meaning of "Me and my wife went to the show" is also clear. Just as students should know pronoun cases, I think they should also know the three moods of verbs: indicative, imperative, and subjunctive.***

I agree with you, Rhema. I didn't make my point clear, did I? Let me try again: Since there are so many OBVIOUS mistakes in grammar, such as putting the personal pronoun first, I would like to see teachers spending more time on the basics. At least then when one speaks or writes, the mistake is not as glaring.

I wish ALL teachers were given the time to teach indicative, imperative, and subjunctive verbs.

[AndyJackson]

I think they should also know the three moods of verbs: indicative, imperative, and subjunctive.

actually there are 5 or 6, including infinitive, participial, and gerund depending upon whether you view that as the same or different from the present participial form.