I get really annoyed by misplaced apostrophes, poor grammar and spelling and badly worded questions. There are so many grammatical errors on this site! For some of the people it is evident that English is their second language and so they may be forgiven. However, what's happening to the standard of English? Am I just a boring old pedant? Does anyone agree with me? Can you restore my faith with beautifully constructed replies, please?
2006-06-22 22:15:31 · 8 answers · asked by Shona L 5 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Ah, I see I am not alone, jnwht23! Wonderful. Nevertheless, I beg to differ. A comma is not strictly necessary in the sentence you identify, though I agree it may be used. Perhaps other pedants may like to comment? :-)
2006-06-22 22:24:15 · update #1
OK, OK, you pendants don't half 'run on'! How about this...
Some of the people, for whom English is obviously a second language, may be forgiven.
I plead guilty to grammar-crime!
2006-06-23 02:18:34 · update #2
You are definitely not alone! I agree that we can't be harsh on those for whom English is a second language; but for those of us who have been speaking and writing it almost since birth - well, it's a disgrace! You are not a "boring old pedant"; bad grammar and spelling make it very difficult sometimes even to understand a question, or comprehend what the asker is saying. It's all about communication, and badly constructed sentences impede that communication.
My pet irritations are (if you're interested!):
Your and you're
Between you and I (between you and me!)
Me and John went to the shops (John and I...)
Lets go to the shop's (let's go to the shops)
He took a photgraph of John and I (...of John and me)
Who and whose
Those who are obsessed with putting apostrophes before any "s"
Those who are obsessed with using mainly unnecessary "myselfs"
And many more...
Another boring old pedant...
2006-06-24 06:39:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the posters who object to your run-on sentence; moreover, I think the mere addition of a comma would not rectify it. I just used a four-clause sentence (appropriately, I daresay), but my tendency is to disapprove of such things.
Your sentence would have been better worded thus: Evidently, English is the second language of some of the people; their errors may be forgiven.
I'm a semi-colon nut, myself.
2006-06-23 01:00:03 · answer #2 · answered by Goddess of Grammar 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just learned a new word. Pedant. Is that what I am? Cool. I myself get annoyed when there should be a hypen. As in-- I have some money saving ideas. It sounds like my money is saving ideas. It should read-- money-saving ideas. Or germ-killing properties. You get the idea.
I just looked it up. Yeah, that's what I am. I'm really picky.
2006-06-23 04:13:31 · answer #3 · answered by kitten lover3 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you most certainly do have a run-on; furthermore, some people do not understand the effects of the "check spelling" tab. I sincerely hope this helps you in your quest for grammatically correct fellow beings.
2006-06-22 22:22:13 · answer #4 · answered by Boom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as an english major, i definitely agree with you! i've also noticed horrible grammar mistakes when answering questions. while i tend to answer my questions in a casual manner, as i am doing now (sorry if my lack of proper capitalization bothers you), i do wish people would pay more attention to their spelling and syntax. sometimes i can hardly understand their question.
2006-06-22 22:31:07 · answer #5 · answered by mooncake421 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have a run-on.
For some of the people it is evident that English is their second language and so they may be forgiven.
punctuate it properly, please
2006-06-22 22:18:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey, you watch your language, this ia a family question and answer show
2006-06-22 22:32:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have quite the same opinion.
2006-06-22 22:24:37 · answer #8 · answered by Sunshine 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋