Correcting people's grammar - acceptable?

maman

missbiggles1 wrote: »

Actually, this thread has moved quite a way from the original topic as I don't think many people have said that they normally correct others' spelling and grammar on forums. It's simply become an argument between those of us that think correct language matters and those who just can't be bothered (with those who have medical problems thrown in as if that's the normal reason for it).

Pollycat wrote: »

I disagree.

I do think correct language matters - and have said so several times on this thread.
Posted on 30/12/2015 (post #8 page 1):

Unlike the OP, I just don't feel the need to sneer at those who may not have had a similar level of education, or are too het-up to post in the most coherent manner and of course 'those who have medical problems thrown in as if that's the normal reason for it'.

Why is arguing out that correct language matters considered to be sneering? Surely if someone has been unfortunate enough to have a poor level of education then they'd want to take every opportunity to learn.


What's bothered me most in the discussion is the 'race to the bottom' attitude where it was suggested that if we use poor language often enough it then becomes the accepted norm. I think it was described as evolution.

Pollycat

maman wrote: »

Why is arguing out that correct language matters considered to be sneering? Surely if someone has been unfortunate enough to have a poor level of education then they'd want to take every opportunity to learn.

Maybe it wouldn't be normally but I based that comment on what the OP wrote.
It was the use of the word 'perpetrators' that I found distasteful.
That is just my opinion of the first post made by the OP.

As for having a poor level of education and wanting to learn, you (and others) may see a public forum as the appropriate place to teach people.
Personally, I don't.
That is also just my opinion.

maman wrote: »

What's bothered me most in the discussion is the 'race to the bottom' attitude where it was suggested that if we use poor language often enough it then becomes the accepted norm. I think it was described as evolution.

I have no idea (and I suspect neither does anyone else on MSE) if the people who don't use punctuation etc in their posts on here are better or less educated than you or I and they simply don't see a public forum as the place to practice what they know.
They may be perfectly capable of writing a superb letter when necessary.

Using proper punctuation, grammar and spelling in texts etc comes naturally to me.
I have a friend who is a teacher and I know that she knows all about s/p/g but her texts are atrocious.
As long as I can understand what she means, I wouldn't dream of pulling her up on it.

maman

Pollycat wrote: »

They may be perfectly capable of writing a superb letter when necessary.

Using proper punctuation, grammar and spelling in texts etc comes naturally to me.
I have a friend who is a teacher and I know that she knows all about s/p/g but her texts are atrocious.
As long as I can understand what she means, I wouldn't dream of pulling her up on it.

Like you, I wouldn't pick anyone up on it publicly either but it doesn't stop me noticing and being concerned that a low standard of language seems to be acceptable. It's particularly worrying that schools are doing all they can to teach high standards of language from a very young age but that some adults on here almost seem willing to applaud sloppiness.


I have a friend like that too. She's not a teacher but her spoken language is proper to the point of being pernickety yet her texts are almost incomprehensible. I think she believes she's being trendy or even saving money!:rotfl:

fierystormcloud

maman wrote: »

Why is arguing out that correct language matters considered to be sneering? Surely if someone has been unfortunate enough to have a poor level of education then they'd want to take every opportunity to learn.


What's bothered me most in the discussion is the 'race to the bottom' attitude where it was suggested that if we use poor language often enough it then becomes the accepted norm. I think it was described as evolution.

Wow, patronising much? :rotfl:

Who made YOU the grammar police? Why do you think you have the right to attack people's grammar and spelling? Why do you think YOU should be 'teaching' them?!

Seriously? Who do you think you are?

Pollycat

maman wrote: »

Like you, I wouldn't pick anyone up on it publicly either but it doesn't stop me noticing and being concerned that a low standard of language seems to be acceptable. It's particularly worrying that schools are doing all they can to teach high standards of language from a very young age but that some adults on here almost seem willing to applaud sloppiness.


I have a friend like that too. She's not a teacher but her spoken language is proper to the point of being pernickety yet her texts are almost incomprehensible. I think she believes she's being trendy or even saving money!:rotfl:

It doesn't stop me noticing either.
A missing or misplaced apostrophe sticks out like a sore thumb to me.

But I don't think a public forum is the place to get all concerned about it.
And that's not - imho - being 'willing to applaud sloppiness'.

mumps

Many years ago I was a Saturday girl at M and S. One of the display staff got a food display wrong, apparently the food was "Frozen fresh not" I've always wanted to try a frozen fresh not, or even a fresh one. Sadly I have never found one.

missbiggles1

Pollycat wrote: »

Maybe it wouldn't be normally but I based that comment on what the OP wrote.
It was the use of the word 'perpetrators' that I found distasteful.
That is just my opinion of the first post made by the OP.

As for having a poor level of education and wanting to learn, you (and others) may see a public forum as the appropriate place to teach people.
Personally, I don't.
That is also just my opinion.
.

It may well not be an appropriate place to teach (I don't think I've ever corrected anybody) but it could certainly be a suitable place to learn.

Pollycat

missbiggles1 wrote: »

It may well not be an appropriate place to teach (I don't think I've ever corrected anybody) but it could certainly be a suitable place to learn.

But only if someone wishes to learn - or indeed needs to learn.

System

Wt u dk abt grammar is any 4m of grammar cn b interpret8d by any1. U dnt hv 2 b prfct 2 get ur msg across 2 sum1 nd tht is all tht is important :beer:

pollypenny

I can't be bothered with any thread when the opening post begins'So..........'