That reminds me of another couple: Your & you're. There & Their & they're.
tlbuljac wrote:
I'll add my funny to this list: "UP YOURS"
I think all languages know this meaning...... :lol: ;)
robertjerl wrote:
If that is true how did so many of the mothers at a typical PTA meeting qualify.
I personally think glasses often draw attention to a pretty pair of eyes.
When very young I fell much in love with a girl wearing glasses. Since then I ( personally ) consider wearing glasses is an asset or an ornamental item like earring, necklace, etc. in a woman. Silly...?...OK...
JimKing
Loc: Salisbury, Maryland USA
Searcher wrote:
My biggest problem with the English Language is the American version of "not caring".
An American will say "I could care less"
An Englishman will say "I could not (or couldn't) care less"
Two totally different literal meanings, but both used as "I don't care"
The American version literally means the user does care.
Well the bloody Americans have it wrong again. That has always annoyed me and, by the way, I am an American. Brits, thanks for "bloody".
Thank you all for the discussion concerning language and its usage. I am also one who becomes distracted negatively when reading improper grammar. It really shows how much less effort is now invested in teaching folks how to use the language. My favorite is 'preventative' vs. preventive, the latter should be considered the more correct word, the former invented by persons just wanting to be different.
JimKing wrote:
Well the bloody Americans have it wrong again. That has always annoyed me and, by the way, I am an American. Brits, thanks for "bloody".
I think "bloody" came about during the War of the Words.
boberic
Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander
viscountdriver wrote:
The BBC is supposed to be the suppositary of good language but I am am irritated by a recent habit of saying, for instance, more quickly instead of quicker. What's happened to the ER?
The American (English) language is full of localisms as well outright mistakes in grammar. We have an ever expanding dictionary. As A result of common usage incorrect words Such as irregardless become acceptable. What is improper today just may become proper in the future. It will always be thus. Get used to it, there are more important things to worry about. BTW I was not aware that the BBC was a suppository
Modern English is a 'living' language, as opposed to Latin, which is considered a 'dead' language. This means you are correct that incorrect can become correct over time. It can be said that incorrect grammar, that which violates basic rules laid out to facilitate continuity and ease of usage, is NOT a sign of high level communication skills. Reading well written composition is a quick and easy method of transfering information the writer intends to communicate, while poorly written 'stuff' requires the reader to slow his intake of information while attempting to decipher what the writer is trying to say, often reducing or eliminating the reader's interest in the writing and his opinion of the writer as well.
Just because they are news media doesn't mean they know what they are talking about or how to say it. :thumbup: :thumbup:
YES!!!!!! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
viscountdriver wrote:
The BBC is supposed to be the suppositary of good language but I am am irritated by a recent habit of saying, for instance, more quickly instead of quicker. What's happened to the ER?
I am reminded of a quote attributed to George Bernard Shaw: "The Brittish and the Americans are two people separated by a common language."
One of my favorite dislikes is the use of the word "prolly" instead of the correct word, "probably." I don't know where that originated, but it irks me when I see that.
As far as quicker vs. more quickly, either is correct depending on use and intent. For example, "He is quicker than me," or, "He completed the course more quickly than I did."
Besides, it's an apples vs. oranges situation. American English and British English are different in many ways, including the spelling of many different words, the idioms and pronunciation of words. We spell "color" for example, while they spell it "colour." Neither and either are pronounced a bit differently. In any case, the British have been speaking the English language far longer than we have over hear. Could be why it's called "English."
And I have heard news reported fracture the language badly.
chazz4623 wrote:
Modern English is a 'living' language, as opposed to Latin, which is considered a 'dead' language. This means you are correct that incorrect can become correct over time. It can be said that incorrect grammar, that which violates basic rules laid out to facilitate continuity and ease of usage, is NOT a sign of high level communication skills. Reading well written composition is a quick and easy method of transfering information the writer intends to communicate, while poorly written 'stuff' requires the reader to slow his intake of information while attempting to decipher what the writer is trying to say, often reducing or eliminating the reader's interest in the writing and his opinion of the writer as well.
Modern English is a 'living' language, as opposed ... (
show quote)
The rules of language have not changed. It's the acceptance of errors in common day speech that makes them socially acceptable and eventually placed in the dictionary but they do place a caviot to their usage as being colloquial or slang.
Searcher wrote:
My biggest problem with the English Language is the American version of "not caring".
An American will say "I could care less"
An Englishman will say "I could not (or couldn't) care less"
Two totally different literal meanings, but both used as "I don't care"
The American version literally means the user does care.
Not all of us say it that way. Just the lazy ones. I agree with you. It drives me nuts when I hear people say it that way.
Far North wrote:
One of my favorite dislikes is the use of the word "prolly" instead of the correct word, "probably." I don't know where that originated, but it irks me when I see that.
As far as quicker vs. more quickly, either is correct depending on use and intent. For example, "He is quicker than me," or, "He completed the course more quickly than I did."
Besides, it's an apples vs. oranges situation. American English and British English are different in many ways, including the spelling of many different words, the idioms and pronunciation of words. We spell "color" for example, while they spell it "colour." Neither and either are pronounced a bit differently. In any case, the British have been speaking the English language far longer than we have over hear. Could be why it's called "English."
And I have heard news reported fracture the language badly.
One of my favorite dislikes is the use of the word... (
show quote)
I think you meant to say: "....English language far longer than we have over here."
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