Spelling and Grammar

rupee99

Juicyloo is almost certainly a troll, maybe another incarnation of another poster on this thread.

My spelling and grammar are by no means perfect, anyone who sets themselves up to criticise others should ensure their own affairs, at least in that regard, are perfect and while I don't like to disagree with wontfallforit, Juicyloo falls down lamentably on both fronts, perhaps to the extent that s/he is merely a parody.

Almo

What a strange thread! Most entertaining though. Juicyloo, as a teacher myself (not in mainstream education), I can tell you that the proverb about horses, water and drinking can be readily applied to most students. Despite this, I do strongly believe that grammar and spelling should be taught at school. Unfortunately I think the decline in grammar, in particular, is more because young people today do not read in their free time. I acknowledge that is a gross generalisation, but my point remains. Perhaps, then, the fault lies equally with those parents who do not encourage their offspring to read for pleasure.

My pet peeve is people who rant on about Americanisms and particularly the American accent (which I know you have not mentioned). In some respects American English is closer to British English of the 18th and 19th centuries and some words that we consider to be 'American' are in fact British English words which have fallen out of favour in modern British English.

euronorris

Almo wrote: »

My pet peeve is people who rant on about Americanisms and particularly the American accent (which I know you have not mentioned). In some respects American English is closer to British English of the 18th and 19th centuries and some words that we consider to be 'American' are in fact British English words which have fallen out of favour in modern British English.

Really? I did not know that! Must admit, I am guilty of ranting about the Americanisms at times (Oopsy!).

Have you got a few examples for us? Or can you point us in the direction of a site that perhaps provides more information on this. Sorry, I just find language really interesting these days.

I wish we were encouraged, much more, to learn a second language whilst at school. It would be so valuable to have!

raebhoop

wontfallforit wrote: »

Teenagers and young adults are now communicating in writing at a rate never before known. Yes, most of their scribblings (or typings!) are banal, but they're just one generation removed from a time when working class people would forego education, illiterate having left school far too early, in favour of menial jobs in which they'd never have to put pen to paper again.

I personally know at least half a dozen people in their 40s and 50s who cannot read or write - people of otherwise "normal" intelligence.

I was at school in the fifties...just a common or garden state school. No exam passes of any description,but I can spell and count a damn sight better than some younger characters on these forums.
Maybe my Mother encouraging me to join the junior section of the public library at age five, and making sure I attended school made a difference.

I remember some educational 'expert' on TV in the sixties spouting that spelling and grammar were not important.The content of a letter being the be all and end all.
When I became an employer, it was letters from applicants that could spell and use proper grammar that I put in the 'in' tray.

I know none from my time at school that couldn't read or write.

Fly_Baby

Everyone here is commenting on the OP's command of English - could anyone kindly re-write the original post to make it perfect in terms of spelling and grammar? Just curious.

Thanks in advance!

Caroline73_2

The OP is considering a career in nursing. May I suggest that the OP becomes less judgemental prior to commencing any type of nursing education?

rupee99

On the subject of spelling and grammar I think I read recently that the Scottish examinations authority was shortly going to allow "text speak" as answers.

It is a great pity as I recall in my youth that people from Edinburgh were considered to speak the best (most correct) English in the world.

wontfallforit

euronorris wrote: »

Really? I did not know that! Must admit, I am guilty of ranting about the Americanisms at times (Oopsy!).

Have you got a few examples for us? Or can you point us in the direction of a site that perhaps provides more information on this. Sorry, I just find language really interesting these days.

Not sure about websites, but Bill Bryson's book Made In America is a really good read on this topic.

gazelle8760

Juicyloo wrote: »

I think it is me- I wanted attack- although I'm proud of my education, I have a want of attack- hey now I'm no psychologist, but love a good debate- lol

Seriously, realle hope have not offended anyone, but am watching my back!

You seem to love the useage of - in your paragraphs, to give you an example of how to use - you could say, time-to-time, face-to-face, you would not say I wanted attack- although, that should have read, I wanted attack, although.......................although what your saying makes no sense, what do you mean, you wanted attack?

Absinthe_Fairy

Almo wrote: »

Unfortunately I think the decline in grammar, in particular, is more because young people today do not read in their free time. I acknowledge that is a gross generalisation, but my point remains. Perhaps, then, the fault lies equally with those parents who do not encourage their offspring to read for pleasure.

I think you are right in this - I read avidly as a child, still do, and my spelling and grammar are (mostly) very good, despite hardly having any grammar lessons at school. When you read lots of books you start to get a feel for what is right and most of the time you can tell instinctively when something is spelled wrongly.