23 Feb 14
One of the comments in that link says it all:
"there has always been a contest between the vernacular and the proper. the vernacular eventually wins."
I'm as irritated by grammar blunders as anyone on the planet, but I've long since admitted defeat in the fight for civilised English language. I'm really happy that I didn't choose to be a teacher.
23 Feb 14
Originally posted by KewpieDo you really believe that people who use I and me improperly are winning the grammar war?
One of the comments in that link says it all:
"there has always been a contest between the vernacular and the proper. the vernacular eventually wins."
I'm as irritated by grammar blunders as anyone on the planet, but I've long since admitted defeat in the fight for civilised English language. I'm really happy that I didn't choose to be a teacher.
23 Feb 14
Originally posted by Grampy BobbyNote the following from the American Heritage Dictionary online:
The adjective 'healthy' is so frequently substituted for 'healthful' that it's even used by the media (here) with abandon: "healthy food" rather than "healthful food": organs and organisms may be healthy; food may be beneficial/healthful.
The distinction in meaning between healthy (possessing good health) and healthful (conducive to good health) was ascribed to the two terms only as late as the 1880s. This distinction, though tenaciously supported by some critics, is belied by citational evidence — healthy has been used to mean "healthful" since the 16th century. Use of healthy in this sense is to be found in the works of many distinguished writers, with this example from John Locke being typical: "Gardening... and working in wood, are fit and healthy recreations for a man of study or business." Therefore, both healthy and healthful are correct in these contexts: a healthy climate, a healthful climate; a healthful diet, a healthy diet.
23 Feb 14
Originally posted by HandyAndyThank you.
Note the following from the American Heritage Dictionary online:
The distinction in meaning between healthy (possessing good health) and healthful (conducive to good health) was ascribed to the two terms only as late as the 1880s. This distinction, though tenaciously supported by some critics, is belied by citational evidence — healthy has been used to ...[text shortened]... ect in these contexts: a healthy climate, a healthful climate; a healthful diet, a healthy diet.
23 Feb 14
Originally posted by SuzianneBut the grammatically correct "My wife and I" sounds awful and is liable to be mocked. I find myself avoiding either and use "we" whenever possible.
This is my single biggest grammar pet peeve ever.
Person says "My wife and me are going to the concert." I say "Hey, Tarzan, enjoy the show." They never get it. 😞
23 Feb 14
Originally posted by KewpieYeah. I love it when parents argue with me and claim that alot is one word and I'm wrong in teaching their children to write a lot.
One of the comments in that link says it all:
"there has always been a contest between the vernacular and the proper. the vernacular eventually wins."
I'm as irritated by grammar blunders as anyone on the planet, but I've long since admitted defeat in the fight for civilised English language. I'm really happy that I didn't choose to be a teacher.
Don't get me started on mines instead of mine, I won him instead of I beat him, and Valentimes.
24 Feb 14
Originally posted by wolfgang59Excellent point. As a retired widower, I still refer to travels and events involving Evelyn in conversation with "we" and "us".
But the grammatically correct "My wife and I" sounds awful and is liable to be mocked. I find myself avoiding either and use "we" whenever possible.
24 Feb 14
Originally posted by Grampy BobbyMy mother taught me that, too. Food is healthful for us. We become healthy.
The adjective 'healthy' is so frequently substituted for 'healthful' that it's even used by the media (here) with abandon: "healthy food" rather than "healthful food": organs and organisms may be healthy; food may be beneficial/healthful.
24 Feb 14
Originally posted by SahuaroPet hates
Yeah. I love it when parents argue with me and claim that alot is one word and I'm wrong in teaching their children to write a lot.
Don't get me started on mines instead of mine, I won him instead of I beat him, and Valentimes.
lend/borrow
practise/practice
lay/lie
to/too
and the ridiculous "of" instead of "have" 🙄