Grammar Peeves

[walt629]

i'm notorious for run on sentences but that's just how i roll
heheh

And a lack of punctuation. :biggrin:

Funny thing, and this isn't exactly aimed at you EE, your posting just reminded me of something one of my teachers taught the class.

She said that the way a person presents them self through the written word is a glimpse at the inner character they possess. Someone that is in too much of a hurry to not capitalize a proper noun or to add a comma to break a thought, is also in too much of a hurry to put to word the true thoughts they have.

Being in a verbal exchange with someone is nothing like being in a written exchange. Face to face, thoughts flow and once the words are out, they cannot be retracted. In a written exchange, we have the ability to re-read what we have written to make sure that what we present is actually the words we want to use. We do have the ability to present our thoughts in an adult manner. We have the ability to check spelling (most every computer and smart phone has spell correct doesn't it?) and re-read what we wrote to make sure it makes sense.

Some people just don't care enough to present themselves properly but yet, they want to be taken seriously in the conversation. Lord knows there are times when I get on a rant and the fingers don't do what the brain tells them to do. I'll end up with a sentence that is more like a paragraph, but I remind myself that this isn't a verbal exchange. And if what I want to 'say' is important enough to me to sit here and put it to words, then it is important enough to take the time to 'say ' it with the right words and in the right form.

But that's me.

 

[Raider-3]

Who cares, this isn't a college paper. If you want your post in MLA, Chicago format, or APA that's up to you. I do most of this from my phone so it is simpler to just get my point out. If its not grammatically correct, go find a English professors forum to talk on.

 

[eagleeyes]

i never was much of a conformist ....however when i had to punctuate and be mindful of grammar whilst working as a scopist i did so and well, and whilst in school with grammar class and writing term papers grammar was graded upon as well so i paid attention to the minor grammatical details necessary to make the grade........on message boards and my lazy easy going typing habits i tend to run on no punctuation or caps , i don't consider it a mortal sin or anything to lax on grammar rules on message boards and enjoy the freedom to do so

..i see plenty of errors esp the kind noted in the op's link on this board .......those kind of errors i rarely make as i am aware of the differences ..also aware of my lack capitalization, running thoughts and sentences together like a fast flowing river and my lack of paragraphing as well,,,it's just my lazy laid back style sorry if it makes it hard to read at times
peace

 

[tcox4freedom]

When it comes to posts on forums such as this, I find that someone who doesn't use paragraphs bothers me the most.

The paragraphs need not be grammatically correct. But, there needs to be a break (and space) every few sentences in order to allow the eye & brain a brief rest. This "break" also allows time to process the information written.

-

 

[jg1967]

Who cares, this isn't a college paper. If you want your post in MLA, Chicago format, or APA that's up to you. I do most of this from my phone so it is simpler to just get my point out. If its not grammatically correct, go find a English professors forum to talk on.

That's what it's all about? What's the quickest and easiest and most effortless to do?

 

[Hoganbeg]

I think we must always try to remember that the other person can not get in our brain to know what we are thinking. That's why it's important to be as clear as possible in how and what we communicate.

Words generally have specific meanings and only rarely do even synonyms mean the exact same thing. The purpose of word choice, grammar, and the use of paragraphs, is to help clarify the meaning of the writer. To dismiss the value of these things is either an admission of fuzzy thinking, or that the writer does not really care if the reader understands or not. If that is the case, why bother?


Verbal vs Written

A huge problem is the result of the influence of video on common communication. People are tending more and more to speak in sentence fragments. This is not so much a problem when speaking face-to-face or even via telephone. When used in writing it is less satisfactory. In face-to-face, video, or phone communications, we gather additional meaning from vocal inflection and body language (gestures, facial expression, and body position) that compensate for the missing words so that the meaning remains intact. Lacking these visual and aural cues, sentence fragments, improper grammar and pronoun use, and misplaced modifiers, create ambiguity and confusion when written.

Paragraphs allow for the grouping of sentences which all support the same point, argument or idea. This approach both aids the writer in formulating his thoughts and creates a logical progression of thoughts for the reader to follow for easier assimilation of the overall meaning.


His or Her, He or She, etc.

When the person being referred to is general, i.e., not a specific person, but any person, the writer may use either he or she as the pronoun as either is appropriate to the meaning. Use of the phrase he or she is considered to be a political affectation (PC) and may be substituted at the writers discretion if it does not result in an awkward sentence. For instance, where the writer has multiple pronoun uses within a lengthy sentence, saying his or her a number of times distracts from the main points of the sentence. It may also be appropriate when addressing a specific audience or a topic germane uniquely to one or the other sex.

 

[eagleeyes]

''His or Her, He or She, etc.''
h/er
s/he
for short

 

[silvia0073]

Holy crap... People's grammar never even gave or will ever give me so much as an itch. I just don't see how such a minuscule thing could cause anyone to pop a vein. If it was in a publication, sure, but a forum... As long as I get the idea that's trying to be communicated I'm perfectly fine. If not I move on.

Oh well, if it makes folks feel better, I apologize ahead of time as English is my 3rd language.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Rich M]

I cant spell or compose a sentance... so what do I care?

Internet forums, no telling who or what nationality you dealing with. Take a best guess and keep on rolling. Cheese

 

[NotTwoShure]

I just read every post concerning this issue.
Wow.
How about this?
1. I am here for enjoyment, this is fun, to me, an old man who is “Youth Challenged”,
2. This is not supposed to be critiqued unless it really gets out of hand and I need to be verbally *****-slapped,
3. We are here to exchange ideas, views, and feelings and to help us beat the enemies of our Country,
4. My pet issue or peeve is with the use of small case “i” for “I”.
I use Word grammar, punctuation and spell check, it is my tool what I rely on to not look un-edumacated.
I have trouble seeing the screen in small print. Can’t help it. Getting old.
I am here to spread the use of carry ideas, to stop the enemies of freedom, the enemies of our way of life, enjoy, and have fun. I do not wish to make enemies. I think each one of us has a story to tell. After years of being critiqued by supervisors, I do the best I can and hope to have fellowship with folks who care. Maybe to share some knowledge of carrying, shooting and reloading. I am not paid for writing reports, PSI’s, POR’s or other important document as I have in the past. This is not my profession.
No texting, that is all I ask, no smart phone short hand. I am not tolerant of texting. That is the only thing that really burns me.
Let’s not sweat the small stuff. In ten days, no one will remember, in ten years who will really give good do do. I hope we are all around to not remember this.
Say good night Gracie.