My only bad habit is an overuse of the ellipses, but I think it's because my mind wanders so much that I actually think "..." in my head and my brain continues on to another thought.

 

Guilty!

As a person who cringes when gross grammar negligence is apparent, I'd like to offer a few tips that I've used over the years that have helped me immensely. These are in no way to be considered fool-proof, but they do work most of the time. They've been offered by several English teachers and professors throughout my life:

 

• "I before E, except after C"
  
• Generally, use a comma where you would normally take a breath within a sentence.
  
• Ellipses: An ellipse is used to denote a pause between thoughts, or sometimes an alternative to the stricter rule of a parenthetical phrase. But the second use is not a recommended one. Many people use ellipses instead of commas, which is completely incorrect.
  
• Ending a sentence in a preposition seems to confuse people who aren't sure what a preposition is. A preposition is (generally speaking) anything Snoopy can do to his doghouse: in, on, above, beyond, etc.
  

I deplore improper sentence structure as well. I mourn the fact that diagramming sentences is no longer a standard practice in elementary schools. I have no idea why spelling and most simple grammar mistakes occur, especially in e-mails and word documents. Dang it! It's so simple to run a spell and grammar check!

 

I think that anyone who has problems with using correct verb tense in a sentence should spend 4 years studying French. That'll cure you.

 

Probably one of the most astonishing thing I see isn't even something I can figure out. It's the complete and total making up of new words. For instance, deservant vs. deserving. And what is conversate? :idunno:

 

It's a strategery employed by the dictionary manufacturers to ensure (not insure) that people purchase new ones.

So that's why you cut your hair?!! :lol::lol::lol:

 

:laugh::laugh:

:lol: You had me going and seeing red until the last two lines. :lol:

 

But, to debate the issue:

 

In the case deservant: There is already a word to denote the probable meaning of that word. Why does one feel compelled to completely ignore that, and make up a new word? There is simply no basis for making up a new word simply because one chooses to not use the word that so conveniently already exists. :lol:

 

I also want to protest the "if you use it enough they'll add it to Webster's" theory. That works for completely new words to denote new ideas/technology/theories, etc. It doesn't work for new words to replace old ones. :lol:

 

I am going to protest your protest.

 

The 2006 word of the year was "plutoed." It means "demoted." The manager at work just got plutoed. She's now back to being a cashier.

I am going to protest your protest.

 

The 2006 word of the year was "plutoed." It means "demoted." The manager at work just got plutoed. She's now back to being a cashier.

 

Webster's has sold out. BOOO!!!! Daniel is rolling over in his grave, I'm certain. :taz:

How about, "I seed him play", or "I heerd that he could play."

 

Haven't had either of those dropped on me...yet. I cringe at the mere thought of either though.

 

To, two, or too amazes me. It's not that hard. There versus their is often a typo, but also one that is often misused.

Let me add one more that shocks me.

 

Than vs then.

 

I'm stunned at how many times people use "than" when it should be "then."

I seen is the one that really gets me, but I shouldn't say anything about anyone's grammar.

Incorrect subject-verb agreement - especially with is/are - makes me cringe.

Incorrect subject-verb agreement - especially with is/are - makes me cringe.

 

Came across that tonight. Subject plural but used "is" instead of "are."

At my age and coming from the Hollars in Northern Alabama I type like I speak and its not pretty, I use the edit button a lot. On the spelling I will look up words that I'm not sure about.

I am not one to talk about grammar because mine is hideous. I probably screw up a lot of things on here that drive people nuts.

I've noticed a lot of grammatical errors recently, so I figured I'd step on Clyde's original stage.

 

Just a reminder:

 

You're/Your - Just think of You're as "you are."

Your is possessive, like "your point was great!"

 

Their/there/they're - Again, think of they're as "they are."

There is supposed to be used in terms of a place. "Put your shoes down over there."

Their is possessive such as "Their type of play is unorthodox."

 

 

Just thought I throw in a little reminder. :thumb:

Gee Mr Clyde, you speech real good.

Gee Mr Clyde, you speech real good.

 

:laugh: