Has anyone here noticed the appalling spelling mistakes & grammatical errors generated by users here?

Question

I have often gone through many questions here and the appalling level of the written word is beyond belief. Worse still are the grammatical errors, poor punctuation and general level of lack of ability to express in precise detail what the questioner has asked. Is it me, or is the oral and written English language getting worse? Indeed, I would ask if English is still being taught in our schools? Anyone care to comment in a sensible and concise way without profanity? Wot? Fanx!

Answer 1

Absolutely. I may only be 16, but I detest incorrect grammar. Why must anyone have an excuse for it? How can anyone misuse a little mark (the apostrophe)? Are they so stupid as to be outsmarted by the apostrophe and the simple rules that come with its use? I must admit that correct grammar is not taught properly (in my school, at least) at GCSE level. The only time I have come across a grammar lesson was for coursework requiring it! It isn't just you; I have noticed the decline in the use of the apostrophe, the semicolon, the colon and even the full stop! It's time we put an end to this and stand up against poor punctuation, grim grammar and substandard spelling. One area of debate, however, is that of the serial comma. . . I don't use it. . .

Answer 2

You are right, of course, the standard of English in most of the questions asked is very poor.

I guess that those who use English so badly do not think it matters.

There is, it seems, a sub-culture which says 'It's cool to be un-educated", which is reinforced I think by an attitude amongst some teachers that rigorous learning is unnecessary, also too difficult.

English as I knew it is not taught in schools, when I mention this to teacher friends I get a condescending smile and I am told 'Things are a lot different now."

But the inability to speak accurately and clearly impacts on the ability to think accurately and clearly. Language and intellect are closely bound together.

Correct speech is derided as pompous, inarticulate gruntings are cool.

Would it be mischievous to ask if this is the turning point and we are now descending back from whence we came?

Answer 3

I'm a Jr. High English teacher, and I am appalled! There seem to be a number of reasons why, and elaborating on them would take all day, but the number one reason I see here (and among my students) is text messaging. These people think that text message spelling is standard English, and refuse to learn proper spelling, capitalization, punctuation, etc.

If I could find the so-and-so who invented text message lingo, with my bare hands I'd...

If I continue, I'd break your rule about being sensible and not using profanity. Use your imagination.

Answer 4

I do agree. However, considering this is not an English writer/teacher forum, I don't let it bother me.

Sometimes you can tell English is not the first language of the asker. Sometimes it's just laziness. Most of the time people just don't care. They're here to get a question answered, so as long as they communicate the idea it's all fine by them.

English isn't dead. It's just becoming more formal than practical in the wake of all the communication technology coming out.

Answer 5

Yes, I've noticed it. I think with the new jargon and short cuts for Instant and Text messages they forget to use correct spelling and in some cases the younger generation does not care. Kids these days talk a whole new language and it's one you will not find in any text book.
Unfortunately this behavior is becoming more apparent. Most business use e-mail this habit the younger generation is using will follow them and may cost them good jobs because they did not learn correct grammar and spelling. For those users that are not English speaking, this does not apply to you. I would have to guess that a good majority of our misspelling users are English speaking

Answer 6

There are many ignorant people on this site. Sadly, it shows the typical education level of the average American. I have often wondered if they have given up teaching English. That would explain the pathetic excuse for English that is used.

Answer 7

I was taught to swim before reading or writing,if the same thing happened today it will probally be 20 years time before someone will get round to correctly delivering the English Language.I agree with you the three r`s have virtually gone out of the window I cannot believe just how bad this country has gone to the dogs.

Answer 8

Yes, it is a shame! Most of the time, I cringe as I read through many of the questions. Personally, I would be ashamed if I hit the submit button without proofing my own stuff. I think that for the most part that people are just lazy and don't really care.

Answer 9

Take in to consideration that not all in the community have English as their mother language.

I for example I live in México so I speak Spanish, then I learn Italian (a family thing) and then learn some Latin (fancy high school), in short I learn English as my four language and very late in life.

So you cannot expect My English to be very good.

On the other hand I would like to see how good you are at Spanish, and Italian.

Answer 10

Has one not noticed that, when the English language, is written in the precise way that you would wish it to be written. It takes alot more words to express the most basic of comments?