Suffer with Grammar as an Adult?
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I have found it quite hard to get grammar right as an adult. When I have to write long paragraphs or even a sentence.
Have you experienced this?
I am currently reading 'Grammar For Grown Ups' by Craig Shrives. Best book so far on this topic.
Not personally. It kind of annoys me when someone tries to make his/her comment directed at someone and fails.
Typically I see "Thanks John" when it should be "Thanks, John." the comma and full stop are essential.
Grammar is important to get the meaning of what people are saying. Your example, not so much.
"Let's eat, grandma" vs "Let's eat grandma" have very different meanings.
"Thanks John" and "Thanks, John" mean the same - what else would they be saying, other than thanks to the person they mentioned? And when you speak it out loud, you don't pause - it's a pretty useless comma.
Of course, punctuation is really important in long sentences and paragraphs, but your example is pretty over the top in my opinion.
MeestairChrees my example was quite good, actually. That's like saying some think "then" and "than" have the same meaning.
When speaking you're right that the comma us ineffective but in writing it makes the difference and when people are unable to use commas and full stops, shows they lack knowledge.
Rockman it's nothing like that example. Those are two very different words and I can understand why that would grate.
So with your first example, how does the meaning change without the comma? They're not eating their grandma - they're still thanking John, no?
I must admit I would not pause between saying thanks and the name of the person I was thanking, unless I had forgotten their name and was struggling to bring it to mind MeestairChrees
MeestairChrees agree as long as it doesn't affect the meaning of the point being expressed I'd live and let live. I now feel I should offer an open apology until a time where I leave LD, I struggle badly and although I do try my hardest please be gentle when I get it wrong, thank you.
If there were such a thing as the 'Grammar Police' I would be a fully paid up member. I cannot stand to see the English language abused and used incorrectly.
There is a well known book called Eats Shoots and Leaves, the title can have a different meaning depending on where you put the comma. If you say something out loud, just put the comma where you would naturally pause.
They're, their and there are commonly misused but it is so simple to think about those three little words and never get them wrong again. Most people just don't bother or care.
I am not infallible and often make typos due to predictive text, but I always read over anything I write before posting, or edit if I notice something after posting.
One of the worst examples of bad English, grammar and spelling is the Daily Mail online journalism. Horrendous! I sometimes feel as if I am reading articles written by children with no English qualifications whatsoever.
Best thing to do is just avoid the Daily Mail (online and offline). It's not just full of bad grammatical errors, it's full of hate, lies, and generally awful journalism.
MeestairChrees Have to agree with you there. I must start weaning myself off it but it is rather like LD, addictive!
Lynibis you're in bad company there, and that paper (among others) is largely to do with why this country is in a mess at the moment. That paper is best avoided like the plague.
That book is great and sits on my book shelf at home. Speaking and writing English properly cannot be underestimated.
I am not perfect, and my texting fat fingers are appalling.
Ceebers same here. But I think most people can tell the difference between technology and plain ignorance. I must say at this point that, despite my obsession with good English, I also appreciate some people with dyslexia, learning difficulties etc do have problems.
There really is no excuse for being ignorant these days when we have so much information at our fingertips.
I left school at 15 and have spent my whole life self educating, either by reading books, going to evening classes or listening to those who are academically way above me.
This was funny: My boss and I were travelling abroad and I was getting frustrated with all the airport business. He finally got frustrated with me and said, 'for an intelligent woman, you can be pretty stupid sometimes!'
Wasn't sure how to take that!!!!
I feel like I am fairly good with my use of grammar also I do sometimes have hiccups and it always annoys me when I realise the mistake later on but I hope it helps me to learn from it and improve.
My family must get fed up with me forever pointing out errors. On a menu: Sirlion Steak. In a bank: Stationary when it was obviously Stationery. I just can't help it, I am tempted to carry a black felt pen and go over all the errors I find.
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