Grammar, bitches.

[juldea]

This article rant makes me happy:

http://www.earlygirl.com/sincerely.shtml

Comments

[sjo.livejournal.com]

I am SO glad I am not the only one.

I cringe when I see incorrect spelling/punctuation/grammar on signs and in newspaper ads.

[juldea.livejournal.com]

Absolutely. dervish and I used to live next to a store that featured a big "WERE BACK" sign. It still gives me shivers.

[juldea.livejournal.com]

It was on the gas station door, advertising a roofing company or windows or siding or something like that.

*nods*

[dong-bao.livejournal.com]

Grammar is not one of my better skills and I use to cringe when I ran across a blatant error. But you also have to keep in mind that some people have great difficulties with grammar and spelling due to dyslexia or something similar.

Re: *nods*

[juldea.livejournal.com]

I believe that neither that article nor myself has ever insisted that anyone be perfect. Difficulties are a fact of life. However, they are no excuse for not caring enough to give your work a double- or triple-check. Or more, if necessary.

[brewergnome.livejournal.com]

I have, "only a rudimentary understanding of the rules of English usage."

I still cringe when I see many of those things.

Sadly, "orientate" is a word. A STUPID word, but a word. There's a couple corrections in there that are, in fact, preferences, not rules. Though I won't argue that most of them make you look dumb, correct or not.

[anitra.livejournal.com]

I agree with brewergnome - some of those are preferences, not hard and fast rules. And I've never even heard the word preventive before. Dictionary.com says that both preventive and preventative are OK.

I'm willing to cut a little slack on the issues that I know are tricky and common (me/myself, affect/effect, lie/lay, grocer's apostrophes, etc.) But spelling errors? No way. And you'd better get your contractions right, too. Just stop and think what you're trying to say! (They're/there/their, could've/'could of', etc.)

I guess it stems from both parents teaching me good grammar - my father, an engineer, would regularly correct the speech of my mother, an English teacher.

[greyhame.livejournal.com]

Awesome.

[flyingindie.livejournal.com]

Very nice.

I get memos in my box at work (from fucking well-paid branch library managers) that look like this:

Shelver's:

When I was shelving in nonFix!!!!! So many boks out of placce. I know patrons' move them around but please whatch them okay?!!

It makes me want to shoot them in the face. People with college degrees who work at a fucking library shouldn't type like that.

[flyingindie.livejournal.com]

Most ad people use journalism grammar guides, which have some different rules from "literary" English guides.

Some of the errors, though, happen because ad people are stupid.

[greyhame.livejournal.com]

gah! STAB!

[sjo.livejournal.com]

I second that, and add a "Must... kill... now!"

[anitra.livejournal.com]

Next time.....

Dear Manager:

When I was reading your memo today, I noticed so many letters out of place. I know you write quickly, but please check, okay?

[crimson5.livejournal.com]

I don't mind paying attention to proper spelling and grammar. I get a bit confused with punctiation at times. But I also get upset at the grammar nazi's who forget that the English language is alive. It changes constantly, and perhaps several times within your lifetime. Be willing to accept that there will be some changes to spelling and possibly even grammar or punctiation usage. Words you dearly love may be replaced with slang you despise. Get over it. It might last, it might not. Either way, realize that language changes. I do agree that a person should at least understand the basics, and give at least a nod to proper English. But don't crucify me for small mistakes. Oh, and before you roast me, last time I heard, Ain't is now in the dictionary.