Grammar Discussions

[robd]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

I was trying to think of the other one that annoyed me. And you have nailed it. Thanks.

I thought we weren't supposed to start sentences with "And"?

 

[rogerkambah]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

In formal writing, it still really isn't acceptable. Even starting sentences with "Also" should be avoided (although not necessarily as bad as starting with "And").

Starting a sentence with "And" is likely more common in speech or in a passage which is intended to imitate speech (or written in first or second person); the result of essentially substituting a comma (or semi-colon) for a period is then what results in the unwitting error, which in speech results in a firmer emphasis of the second statement / clause. For example:

"These documents must be at the client's office tomorrow by 8 am, sharp. And I really mean it this time!"

Of course, in the example, one could probably drop the 'And' and it will still makes sense, although there is a small sacrifice in carried meaning.





I use "Yours sincerely" sometimes but have avoided "Yours faithfully" for quite some time as it seems to (whether incorrectly or not) carry a somewhat religious connotation, or doesn't seem to convey a correct emotion for the letter which was written. More common usage is now "Best Regards" or "Kind Regards", but I tend to use "Yours sincerely" for those times when a written / signed letter is required.

I think you have swallowed a Style Manual , but not many people know what they are, or how to use one.

 

[robd]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

Agreed. That is another reason I suggested use only of, 'should have', without its contraction.

I'm with Serfty on this one. I usually just use "should've".

 

[rogerkambah]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

I'm with Serfty on this one. I usually just use "should've".

Up to you, sunshine!

 

[anat0l]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

I think you have swallowed a Style Manual , but not many people know what they are, or how to use one.

I wish I did, but no. I'm aware it is out there, but I have never used one.

Some of the stylistic matters I've learned from colleagues or reading the odd discussion here or there on the web.

 

[medhead]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

And "Shouldn't've"?

In formal writing, it still really isn't acceptable. Even starting sentences with "Also" should be avoided (although not necessarily as bad as starting with "And").

Starting a sentence with "And" is likely more common in speech or in a passage which is intended to imitate speech (or written in first or second person); the result of essentially substituting a comma (or semi-colon) for a period is then what results in the unwitting error, which in speech results in a firmer emphasis of the second statement / clause. For example:

"These documents must be at the client's office tomorrow by 8 am, sharp. And I really mean it this time!"

Of course, in the example, one could probably drop the 'And' and it will still makes sense, although there is a small sacrifice in carried meaning.





I use "Yours sincerely" sometimes but have avoided "Yours faithfully" for quite some time as it seems to (whether incorrectly or not) carry a somewhat religious connotation, or doesn't seem to convey a correct emotion for the letter which was written. More common usage is now "Best Regards" or "Kind Regards", but I tend to use "Yours sincerely" for those times when a written / signed letter is required.

Faith only conveys a religious connotation if you are referring to religion. "Your faithful servant" written by a public servant, for example, has no religious connotation. Writing to your romantic partner, again yours faithfully would refer to your "faith" to the person that you're addressing. In fact, generally faithfully refers to the relationship to the person receiving the letter. There would probably be very limited situations when it would convey a religious meaning. A bishop writing to the Pope, maybe?

Really sincerely or faithfully is best determined by your relationship to the addressee. In my business writing I would use sincerely and faithfully more for personal writing.

You would never use Kind Regards or best regards it a letter, I hope.

 

[rogerkambah]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

I wish I did, but no. I'm aware it is out there, but I have never used one.

Some of the stylistic matters I've learned from colleagues or reading the odd discussion here or there on the web.

Probably some of your university dissertations have required you to have an appreciation and appropriate usage of the English language.

 

[Buzzard]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

Should of or should have? I'm confused on that one.

I think he should of written should have

 

[rogerkambah]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

I think he should of written should have

Hey, enough!!!!

 

[serfty]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

TO me it seems "should've" is merely textualising the spoken word in this neck of the woods. The aussie I guess finds saying "should have" rather time consuming so "should've" is how it come out most of the time. "Should of" would be a means of textualising using 'official' words and while phonetically close does not represent the intention.

 

[whatmeworry]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

Please everybody I apologise and I should have said "should have" and not "should of"...

 

[Pushka]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

Should've - IPhone recognised it so it's more than an Aussie thing.

I haven't seen it on this forum but another thing I dislike is text speak in forums.

 

[anat0l]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

Probably some of your university dissertations have required you to have an appreciation and appropriate usage of the English language.

Yes, but except for postgraduate study and academic positions, you would be surprised what is allowed to pass in some circles at the undergraduate level; or, more precisely, what is allowed to pass in some circles of undergraduate study without failing (remember, university has both those who strive for top marks and others happy to go for just 51%).

 

[blackcat20]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

None that I recall. Certainly not aimed at anyone in particular.

Just annoyed I have to reread posts to get the intended meaning instead of the written meaning.

It's up there with people asking for 'advise'....

 

[rogerkambah]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

Yes, but except for postgraduate study and academic positions, you would be surprised what is allowed to pass in some circles at the undergraduate level; or, more precisely, what is allowed to pass in some circles of undergraduate study without failing (remember, university has both those who strive for top marks and others happy to go for just 51%).

For years, in my employment, I experienced the language 'skills' of recent (and not so recent) graduates.

 

[anat0l]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

For years, in my employment, I experienced the language 'skills' of recent (and not so recent) graduates.

I assume from your expression, their skills leave something to be desired?

 

[whatmeworry]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

Just remember the English Language is evolving.

 

[JohnK]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

I thought we weren't supposed to start sentences with "And"?

You can start sentences with anything you want.

"And" is perfectly acceptable if rubbish like "C u l8r" is acceptable.

 

[Pushka]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

The rules of grammar and spelling aren't evolving; it's just that more words are being added to the dictionary.

There's another incorrect use of a word that annoys me. Stationery and stationary. I'm continually correcting documents at work for this error.

 

[anat0l]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

There's another incorrect use of a word that annoys me. Stationery and stationary. I'm continually correcting documents at work for this error.

Well, I'll be! I think I have never known the difference between these. Thanks!

That said, I use 'stationary' a lot more than the other one, so I've probably just been lucky.... used correctly, of course (stationary meaning still or not moving).

I guess 'stationery' would be more common if you're into office supplies or if you're a petty cashier.