quote Originally posted by jimbolaya: Anal retentiveness = What this thread is about

Clear and effective communication = Basic literacy = What this thread is about

.

[This message has been edited by JazzMan (edited 12-05-2008).]

somewhat related... http://www.lssu.edu/banished

10 items or less is grammatically correct 'than ten' is tacit. Theoretically, it should read 'up to ten items'.
Although it is quite often used nowadays, and seems to be accepted, the spelling of 'enquire' is, to me anyway, the way to spell it, rather than 'Inquire'..just a personal quirk
Nick

Oddly enough, my spell checker flags the word "enquire", but not "inquire". Maybe I should send an inquiry to the Mozilla folks.

Ah well..appears to be a 'UK' thing ..anyway...this should keep you all reading!!
http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/...s/errors.html#errors

Nick
Edited to add:these are fun too

http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/more.html

[This message has been edited by fierofetish (edited 03-26-2008).]

quote Originally posted by fierofetish: 10 items or less is grammatically correct

I have to go with "10 items or fewer."

Fewer applies to discrete (i.e. countable) quantities (e.g. Fieros).

Less applies to continuous (i.e. analog) quantities (e.g. time) that are measurable but not countable.

[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 03-26-2008).]

As much as I would like to jump in on this sensitive topic for this board, I will refrain. The last time I noted my displeasure with the juvenile writing exhibited by some posters, I was soundly thrashed and reminded that I got a "red" rating bar because of my proclivity for proper use of written English.

As a professional editor of many hundreds of written media (books, essays, newspapers, speeches, etc) for the past 35 years or so (and an internationally published author) there is nothing I haven't seen, hehehehe.

So, now I simply keep my musings to myself and align myself with Jazzman. There are some posters' writings I simply refuse to read, regardless (or irregardless, hehehehehe) of the subject.

There are many foreign readers of this board whose first language is not English. This board is posted in ENGLISH. Therefore, I feel it is the duty of those who have English as their first language to post grammatically and spell properly.

Let's see if my bar gets redder!

This thread was meant as a free for all, to not point out culprits by name. If you want to post some of the misused words you have noticed, feel free. I'm sure no one will get any red in their bars for doing so. I gave you a plus because I have the same first name and middle initial.

[This message has been edited by avengador1 (edited 03-26-2008).]

quote Originally posted by avengador1: I gave you a plus because I have the same first name and middle initial.

It looks about 50 - 50 now. I've certainly seen worse! Thanks!

I've killed many word, sentences, and paragraphs, but one word I try to write correctly is Fiero and not fiero (with a small capital). Granted, I'm not sure if I'm right, hehe.

------------------




"Friends don't let friends drive stock"

quote Originally posted by Marvin McInnis: I have to go with "10 items or fewer." Fewer applies to discrete (i.e. countable) quantities (e.g. Fieros). Less applies to continuous (i.e. analog) quantities (e.g. time) that are measurable but not countable.

less(a): (comparative of `little' usually used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning not as great in amount or degree; "of less importance"; "less ...
(usually preceded by `no') lower in quality; "no less than perfect"
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs; "less interesting"; "less expensive"; "less quickly"
******(nonstandard in some uses but often idiomatic with measure phrases) fewer; "less than three weeks"; "no less than 50 people attended"; "in 25 words or less" *****
comparative of little; "she walks less than she should"; "he works less these days"

Seems like we are both right..idiomatically!!
Nick
PS..it was a '+', if you noticed an increment in your ratings bar

PPS..in fact, it would probably be even better to write 'No more than 10 articles please!'

[This message has been edited by fierofetish (edited 03-26-2008).]

quote Originally posted by JohnF: As much as I would like to jump in on this sensitive topic for this board, I will refrain. The last time I noted my displeasure with the juvenile writing exhibited by some posters, I was soundly thrashed and reminded that I got a "red" rating bar because of my proclivity for proper use of written English. As a professional editor of many hundreds of written media (books, essays, newspapers, speeches, etc) for the past 35 years or so (and an internationally published author) there is nothing I haven't seen, hehehehe. So, now I simply keep my musings to myself and align myself with Jazzman. There are some posters' writings I simply refuse to read, regardless (or irregardless, hehehehehe) of the subject. There are many foreign readers of this board whose first language is not English. This board is posted in ENGLISH. Therefore, I feel it is the duty of those who have English as their first language to post grammatically and spell properly. Let's see if my bar gets redder!

I have never given anybody/anyone a negative and this certainly is not a topic to start doing so. People are entitled to oppinions. I do admire people that master the written language, and your abilty to edit books is a great skill. However, this forum is not a text book. It is a place to discuss subjects, whether it be cars or politics. It allows us to expand our knowledge by conversing with people in a way we might not otherwise have an opportunity to do. So I think a little slack should be allowed. Just one man's oppinion.

Now back on topic. Sorry avengador.

Although not a word, comma splices are misused a lot. How do I know? Cuz I don't know how to use one.
Another one is a lot. Is it alot or a lot? I don't know.

Jim

BTW: How can you do spell check on a post? I see how to do it on a PM, but I don't see it on posting a reply to a thread.

quote Originally posted by jimbolaya: BTW: How can you do spell check on a post? I see how to do it on a PM, but I don't see it on posting a reply to a thread.

Simply install this FREE program.
Before you hit 'Submit Reply,' right click anywhere on your post.
It will show you the typos/misspellings and correct them for you.
I even used it to correct two typos on this post!
There is no excuse for poor spelling when you have free, fast help available with the click of a mouse.
When It comes to grammar, that's a different story.
You could type your post on Word, then have it correct the grammatical errors.
Then copy and paste it to PFF.
Is it worth all that trouble? I suppose it would depend on how bad your grammar is.
And how seriously you want to be taken.

[This message has been edited by NEPTUNE (edited 03-26-2008).]

There are also many little differences between the English language between countries. Like the use of the word center in the U.S. is used the same as we use centre. Also Canada uses many words that are spelled slightly differently such as: honour, colour, and harbour. Though I do believe the American spelling is becoming more accepted in Canada as of late.

I also have to admit a few wrong spelling issues in my past. Like when I was younger and first saw the spelling of the word wheel barrow I could not believe it wasn't wheel barrel. I also always thought chimney was chimley growing up. Hate to admit it but it's true.

quote Originally posted by jimbolaya: People are entitled to oppinions...abilty to edit books is a great skill. However, this forum is not a text book. Just one man's oppinion.

Yes, they are entitled to their own opinions (but even those should be spelled correctly)!

See why I got a "red" bar!

quote Originally posted by JohnF: Yes, they are entitled to their own opinions (but even those should be spelled correctly)! See why I got a "red" bar!

Very funny smart arse! Don't correct my spelling of arse. It'll get us both in trouble

Jim

I don't master the written language as well as you, so if it comes across wrong, I am just kidding.

quote Originally posted by jimbolaya: Very funny smart arse! Don't correct my spelling of arse. It'll get us both in trouble

Hehehehehehe!

quote Originally posted by fierofetish: less(a): (comparative of `little' usually used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning not as great in amount or degree; "of less importance"; "less ... (usually preceded by `no') lower in quality; "no less than perfect" used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs; "less interesting"; "less expensive"; "less quickly" ******(nonstandard in some uses but often idiomatic with measure phrases) fewer; "less than three weeks"; "no less than 50 people attended"; "in 25 words or less" ***** comparative of little; "she walks less than she should"; "he works less these days" Seems like we are both right..idiomatically!! Nick PS..it was a '+', if you noticed an increment in your ratings bar PPS..in fact, it would probably be even better to write 'No more than 10 articles please!'

I find it slightly amusing to have an argument over "10 items or less" vs "10 items or fewer" when a great many people don't even pay attention to the sign. Honestly, I was at Wal-Mart the other day and a lady had half a cart load of crap in the "maximum limit of 10 items or somebody might crack your skull open" line. The worst thing about it was her two kids were still shopping at the check out line. One was tossing in a stuffed bunny rabbit and another was loading up candy. All I could do was stare at this clueless, inconsiderate woman.

(ok end of rant)

Droll... LOL!!! it's a very mis used word.

Here are a couple more.
Drug instead of dragged.
Metel instead of metal, probably just a misspelling.

quote Originally posted by JohnF: As much as I would like to jump in on this sensitive topic for this board, I will refrain. The last time I noted my displeasure with the juvenile writing exhibited by some posters, I was soundly thrashed and reminded that I got a "red" rating bar because of my proclivity for proper use of written English. As a professional editor of many hundreds of written media (books, essays, newspapers, speeches, etc) for the past 35 years or so (and an internationally published author) there is nothing I haven't seen, hehehehe. So, now I simply keep my musings to myself and align myself with Jazzman. There are some posters' writings I simply refuse to read, regardless (or irregardless, hehehehehe) of the subject. There are many foreign readers of this board whose first language is not English. This board is posted in ENGLISH. Therefore, I feel it is the duty of those who have English as their first language to post grammatically and spell properly. Let's see if my bar gets redder!

Whale dezerved. Jaeatyet? Yawanto? Ur Emglish is goodly! makes me Proud to be Merican!

eXtreme words piss me off the most. Like Excape and Ax

You ESCAPE and you ASK

A former boss of mine used to say "magnatory" (there is no such English word) when he meant "mandatory". The scary thing is that no one else noticed.

I never mentioned it to them.

NUKE-YOU-LER

I must confess that of all the mispronounced words why is it that the most powerful one in modern science is the one we can't even say correctly?

NUKE-LEE-ER people!

quote Originally posted by Toddster: NUKE-YOU-LER I must confess that of all the mispronounced words why is it that the most powerful one in modern science is the one we can't even say correctly? NUKE-LEE-ER people!

Actually. I think I like "Strategery"

This is seen in The Mall many times. "FOR SELL"
That makes me want to scream. It's "FOR SALE"

I can't believe no one has said this yet -

"Literally"

1. In a literal or strict sense. 2. Really, actually.

vs.

"Figuratively"

in a figurative sense; "figuratively speaking,..."


example - "I literally jumped out of my skin!"

I want to SCREAM "NO, you jackass, unless you are now somehow skinless, I think you mean you FIGURATIVELY jumped out of you skin!"

[This message has been edited by OKflyboy (edited 03-28-2008).]

My current pet peeve is the suddenly widespread misuse of "everyday".

Everyday (one word) is an adjective. It describes something - similar (not simular - arrgh!) to "common" or "usual".
Every day (two words) means just that: each day.

Correct usage: "Running is part of my everyday workout."

Incorrect usage: "I work out everyday."

I pass a sign on a hardware store every day (correct usage) that says "Low Prices Everyday!!" (Bzzzzzt. Incorrect.) "Everyday Low Prices!" Would be correct, however.

This and the blatant misuse of apostrophes on any word ending in "s" really drive me nuts. I drove past a restaurant in Philadelphia that had an awning all the way around the building. On it was printed: Vinnie's Italian Specialtie's Sandwiche's Cheesesteak's French Frie's Soda's. How many people designed, approved, printed and installed this signage??

If I see another professional business letter that begins with "In regards to", I'm going to scream.

Has anyone else noticed the current trend of describing everything as "Premium"? "Try McDonald's new 'Premium' Chicken Sandwich (It's better than that other crappy chicken we sell.)"

</rant>

[This message has been edited by Gary W (edited 03-28-2008).]

quote Originally posted by OKflyboy: LOL. I see that one on Craigslist a lot! A little off topic, but I swear if I see one more "Camero" for sale I'm literally going to kill someone. I know IE spell checker will tell you Camaro is spelled wrong and prompt you to change it to Camero, but it's YOUR DAMN CAR and you should know that IE spell checker is wrong, Hell, walk outside and look at the damn badge if you need to check how its spelled!

Yep, I've seen that sell/sale on Craigslist a lot also. The other thing on Craigslist that bugs me is "For Sale 1992 Ford 626" or "Must go Chevy Ranger". Good grief how do you try to sell something when you can't even name the make and model?

quote Originally posted by OKflyboy: example - "I literally jumped out of my skin!" I want to SCREAM "NO, ... I think you mean you FIGURATIVELY jumped out of you skin!"

I always chalk this one up to irony or intended hyperbole. I think it was originally stated as, "I almost literally jumped out of my skin!" but has become corrupted over time. That seems to happen frequently, as catchy new phrases become popular and overused. (Entropy of colloquialisms?)

quote Originally posted by FieroRumor: crocodile ---> alligator---> These two are often confused.

Agillator, Alnumnum

Extreme.

quote Originally posted by Gary W:This and the blatant misuse of apostrophes on any word ending in "s" really drive me nuts. I drove past a restaurant in Philadelphia that had an awning all the way around the building. On it was printed: Vinnie's Italian Specialtie's Sandwiche's Cheesesteak's French Frie's Soda's. How many people designed, approved, printed and installed this signage??

I think you answered your own question......this *is* Philadelphia we're talking about!

Relative = Having relationship to

Relevant = Applies to

Grammer..sorry Todd, couldnīt resist it

grassroots opinion...since when did grass have an opinion, let alone its roots?
groundswell of opinion..aaagh!!
And TV reporters who start EVERY sentence with 'I mean...' OMG!!
Nick

Birth Cerfiticket as opposed to Birth Certificate

quote Originally posted by OKflyboy: I can't believe no one has said this yet - "Literally" 1. In a literal or strict sense. 2. Really, actually. vs. "Figuratively" in a figurative sense; "figuratively speaking,..." example - "I literally jumped out of my skin!" I want to SCREAM "NO, you jackass, unless you are now somehow skinless, I think you mean you FIGURATIVELY jumped out of you skin!"

LOL! Oh my yes! That rates up there with starting the answer to a question "Well, if you want the truth". Absoluteltly not! Please, tell me the a lie! You know that's what i want to hear!