Are there any other "grammar nazis" out there?

Answer 1

Now that you put it that way, I guess I am one too!! I cringe when I see misspellings and misuse of apostrophes, and non-use of hypens. (yes, they do still exist!) I'm not good at very many things, but this is where I can feel a wee bit superior.

Answer 2

I'm a huge fan of grammar, but not a grammar nazi. Grammar nazis often try to enforce rules for which they don't understand the intent or the origin. The problem is that every grammar nazi seems to have a different understanding of just what those rules are, and the rules change from context to context! They're awfully arbitrary anyway. I prefer to educate people about what the possible grammar choices are, and then leave it up to them to make the choice for themselves, depending on the social consequences they want. I don't think I have the right to choose for them.

If you want to learn more about the history of grammar rules, do a search on "history of prescriptivism" in Google. It's pretty interesting...

P.S. I think using a lower-case letter on "nazi" is just fine, because you are not actually using it to refer to a member of Hitler's political party, but instead using it in a figurative way. See what problems you get into when you start trying to enforce rules that aren't clear?

Answer 3

Sorry, I probably am one. I grade standardized tests for different states. I grade how kids use grammar and spelling, and I've gotten to the point where I could scream if I see another "its" used for "it's," or "before" spelled "b4."

Answer 4

That sounds like me. My biggest grammar pet peeve is when people use adjectives when they are supposed to use adverbs (i.e. I'm doing good vs. I'm doing well). Email slang or abbreviations also drive me crazy.

Answer 5

12 points

Answer 6

Nope, just the "Soup Nazi"!

Answer 7

Of there are, please don't tell them where I am. Thanks