Join the most popular community of UK swingers now
Login

Is good grammar dead and buried?

I think you all know where I stand on spelling, punctuation and grammar so there's no need for me to repeat it here. In fact, we're really pedantic about it in this house. It's always been an obsession of mine - and I live with a professional proof reader :shock:
I completely accept that some people have a problem with spelling and I always take that into account when reading posts. Generally speaking you can get a feel for somebody's style and then get used to it. What I don't like is someone being lazy or playing around with the language on purpose because they think it's cool. It isn't! (I hope I will be fogiven the use of apostrophes in this instance).
Text speak is ugly and unintelligible. I don't even use it when I am sending texts.
Having a love of language I am naturally going to be drawn towards someone who writes well and, yes, spelling and grammar do matter. It is one of the things that attracted Sappho and me to each other, and it has attracted me to others on this Forum (Sassy, PoloLady and freckledbird for starters).
Will
You shouldn't have got me started!
Is anyone else going to tell him or should I?
H.x
Will! That's two in as many days. Are you being distracted? :twisted:
Quote by H-x
Is anyone else going to tell him or should I?
H.x

Ah, that would be me then redface
Bugger!! mad :x
My spelling is fine, but my typing can sometimes go a little awry when I am in a hurry. Well, no-one is completely infallible, you know.
Will
PS - it could just be that I am looking forward to being spanked! :twisted:
PPS - I know, I have spotted them and corrected them! redface
Quote by willxx69
... and it has attracted me to others on this Forum (Sassy, PoloLady and freckledbird for starters).

:shock:
I have a fan - innit!
lol
OK, here is a question...
Would you think better of a person who has:
A) Produced a well written pile of dross - perfect spelling, punctuation and grammar, yet lacking in any substance to the content.
B) Produced a section of typing full or errors - yet the thought behind the actual subject was deep and profound.
Quote by winchwench
(Sassy- Im supposed to be tidying up ready for an imminent visit by Redpantherman, now you've got me ranting! If he ends up thinking i'm a dirty bitch, it's all your fault!)

Aw hunni, you just know he loves a dirty bitch :rascal: and stop trying to make me jelous because you've got the red devil for the day smackbottom
pssst....give him one from me too kiss
Quote by PoloLady
OK, here is a question...
Would you think better of a person who has:
A) Produced a well written pile of dross - perfect spelling, punctuation and grammar, yet lacking in any substance to the content.
B) Produced a section of typing full or errors - yet the thought behind the actual subject was deep and profound.

Probably B. My spelling is also bad, and I know quite a few dislexic people - it's usually the lack of effort that goes along with the text speak that puts me off, it's invariably one line and you can tell they're not bothered.
H.x
Quote by Sassy-Seren

(Sassy- Im supposed to be tidying up ready for an imminent visit by Redpantherman, now you've got me ranting! If he ends up thinking i'm a dirty bitch, it's all your fault!)

Aw hunni, you just know he loves a dirty bitch :rascal: and stop trying to make me jelous because you've got the red devil for the day smackbottom
pssst....give him one from me too kiss
Actually....it's for the day...and the night....and some of the next day too....so I'll have plenty of time to give him several from you! Me? try to make you jealous? Never! :giggle:
But we have Mr W holding the camera, so I think therecould well be some saucy shots emerging if you're interested!
Poor old RPM has even agreed to come to my martial arts class with me....sucker! :twisted:
Quote by H-x
OK, here is a question...
Would you think better of a person who has:
A) Produced a well written pile of dross - perfect spelling, punctuation and grammar, yet lacking in any substance to the content.
B) Produced a section of typing full or errors - yet the thought behind the actual subject was deep and profound.

Probably B. My spelling is also bad, and I know quite a few dislexic people - it's usually the lack of effort that goes along with the text speak that puts me off, it's invariably one line and you can tell they're not bothered.
H.x
My answer is...
C) Produces a tasty cock out of his CK's and knows how to use it :twisted:
Quote by winchwench
But we have Mr W holding the camera, so I think therecould well be some saucy shots emerging if you're interested!

Interested? Do bears shit in the woods ? :thumbup:
Quote by PoloLady
OK, here is a question...
Would you think better of a person who has:
A) Produced a well written pile of dross - perfect spelling, punctuation and grammar, yet lacking in any substance to the content.
B) Produced a section of typing full or errors - yet the thought behind the actual subject was deep and profound.

well theoretically it's got to be (A) because (B) is a myth.
In reality it's (D)...someone who's actually read, understood and matches our profile whether or not they're actually capable of writing.
lol
Quote by banlwales
OK, here is a question...
Would you think better of a person who has:
A) Produced a well written pile of dross - perfect spelling, punctuation and grammar, yet lacking in any substance to the content.
B) Produced a section of typing full or errors - yet the thought behind the actual subject was deep and profound.

well theoretically it's got to be (A) because (B) is a myth.
In reality it's (D)...someone who's actually read, understood and matches our profile whether or not they're actually capable of writing.
lol
I agree. It has to be (D).
I rarely use text-speak, even in text messages. I find it quicker and easier to use predictive text (but beware - see another thread currently running).
It's good to see that the pedants are revolting!
Quote by LovesOlderWomen
It's good to see that the pedants are revolting!

Some of us are quite nice, actually -speak for yourself!
lol
(yes, I do know what you meant, before you say it!)
Although I endeavour to maintain a reasonable standard of grammar and syntax and wince when others don't, there is also the question of poor manners. I'm reluctant to comment on the English use of others because other people have a different way of expressing themselves. I don't know anything about the contributors to this site other than their text and, as they say in the US, "assume" makes an "ass" out of "u" and "me".
On the other hand, I was tempted to question a PM I had, supposedly from Admin. It was complaining about my putting my e-mail addess in my adverts - something which I don't believe I did. Re-reading the PM I realised that it was very poorly worded and punctuated and this made me sceptical - was it a real admin post by someone in a hurry who hadn't read their message through, or was it a scam? I didn't know whether to report it (and risk offending someone less snotty than myself).
Thinking about it, I'm in two minds whether to post this...
I have great difficulty in spelling & with son gets sick of me asking if i have spelt this & that right. My problem is even when i do spell a word right it looks wrong to me.
Looking at this from a person that does have difficult if someone was to judge me on just my spelling & grammer, then i'm afraid that i wouldn't want to know them. As they to me are judgemental and i think more of myself then a few words on a piece of paper.
I have meet people from all walks of life & it is their personality(hope thats right), manners
and how they treat people that is more important. You can be the spelling & grammmer queen or king and still be a or
Hope i haven't offended anyone but when you grow up with this hanging round your head & are judged by it. Then it does you off.
Quote by Jon
We discount any email's / PM's of this type right away.
Our reasoning is that if people cannot be bothered to 'pen' a decent reply to an ad or a first contact email, what else can they not be bothered to do?
First impressions count. Leaving us with the impression you are in such a hurry you can't string a proper sentance together, or that you are as thick as the proverbial two planks will not get you passed 'Go', and only have your nick added to the 'Ignore' box, and your mail/PM consigned to file 13.

Past? wink
Fire xxxx
Quote by Jon
We discount any email's / PM's of this type right away.
Our reasoning is that if people cannot be bothered to 'pen' a decent reply to an ad or a first contact email, what else can they not be bothered to do?
First impressions count. Leaving us with the impression you are in such a hurry you can't string a proper sentance together, or that you are as thick as the proverbial two planks will not get you passed 'Go', and only have your nick added to the 'Ignore' box, and your mail/PM consigned to file 13.

:giggle:
bolt
Quote by Saffy
I have great difficulty in spelling & with son gets sick of me asking if i have spelt this & that right. My problem is even when i do spell a word right it looks wrong to me.
Looking at this from a person that does have difficult if someone was to judge me on just my spelling & grammer, then i'm afraid that i wouldn't want to know them. As they to me are judgemental and i think more of myself then a few words on a piece of paper.
I have meet people from all walks of life & it is their personality(hope thats right), manners
and how they treat people that is more important. You can be the spelling & grammmer queen or king and still be a or
Hope i haven't offended anyone but when you grow up with this hanging round your head & are judged by it. Then it does you off.

Nothing to add... I just thought this was worth repeating. smile
Quote by freckledbird

It's good to see that the pedants are revolting!

Some of us are quite nice, actually -speak for yourself!
lol
(yes, I do know what you meant, before you say it!)
Me too. Naughty but nice. But I can still be a revolting pedant.
Quote by Kiss_Me
We discount any email's / PM's of this type right away.
Our reasoning is that if people cannot be bothered to 'pen' a decent reply to an ad or a first contact email, what else can they not be bothered to do?
First impressions count. Leaving us with the impression you are in such a hurry you can't string a proper sentance together, or that you are as thick as the proverbial two planks will not get you passed 'Go', and only have your nick added to the 'Ignore' box, and your mail/PM consigned to file 13.

:giggle:
bolt
I noticed that Kiss_ Me but was'nt 100% sure so I let it go :giggle:
xxx
I am dyslexic (amongst other things!) and I’ve always worked really hard to make up for it. I do make grammatical mistakes – everyone does! But there is a big difference between typing:
Loved you’re profile…… i am looking for personaltiy aswell as looks….. please mesage me back thanks
To:
luved ya prof]ile an lookin 4 gud things txt me 4 cam chat 2nitexx
I hope people appreciate that that’s the angle I’m speaking from.
Quote by Kiss_Me
I am dyslexic (amongst other things!) and I’ve always worked really hard to make up for it. I do make grammatical mistakes – everyone does! But there is a big difference between typing:
Loved you’re profile…… i am looking for personaltiy aswell as looks….. please mesage me back thanks
To:
luved ya prof]ile an lookin 4 gud things txt me 4 cam chat 2nitexx
I hope people appreciate that that’s the angle I’m speaking from.

Someone close to me is dislexic. Anyone who disregards what a person has to say in writing because of a spelling mistake is seriously missing out on getting to know an intelligent and very giving personality and a bluddy good time in bed :giggle:
Love
Fire xx
Quote by Kiss_Me
I am dyslexic (amongst other things!) and I’ve always worked really hard to make up for it. I do make grammatical mistakes – everyone does! But there is a big difference between typing:
Loved you’re profile…… i am looking for personaltiy aswell as looks….. please mesage me back thanks
To:
luved ya prof]ile an lookin 4 gud things txt me 4 cam chat 2nitexx
I hope people appreciate that that’s the angle I’m speaking from.

this is a genuine reply taken from our mailbox..!!
"hi were 25 verry atractive from c******n and r intrested in meetig u"
irresistable huh..?
we fully appreciate your angle.
:cry:
Quote by lucyfingers
I agree Sassy, grammar is important as it tells a lot about people and their behaviour. Having said that, there are lots of very nice people who find grammar difficult and are still nice!
I suppose it does put one off to begin with and may make one not dig deeper into the profile, therefore some good people will be overlooked.

I find spelling difficult, but this is mainly due to dyslexic tendancies (My sister and grandmother are fully dyslexic and me, my mam and her siblings all have mild dylexia). Spelling doesn't come easy to me but having being a total bookworm for years I have learnt most words now so it is improving.
My grammer is terrible. I was never taught English language at school so don't know the rules. During the first three years at Comprehensive the English teachers I had were always on the sick (the first year the first teacher was in and out of hospital, then we were given a teacher with MS who kept having relapses, in second year the teacher had a complete nervous breakdown and in tird year the teachers husband was terminally ill). This meant we had a string of supply teachers who just kept giving us books to read.
When it came to GCSE years I was told because I was in the top set, I would be sitting English Lit and English Language, however, there wasn't enough time in lessons to do any English language work, the course work was all given as homework. We were told that we had had three years of English language teaching and shouldn't need anymore. We did try to complain that we hadn't actually had ANY English language teaching and had just been reading books for the most part of the previous three years, but were just told to get on with it.
Having said that. When I sat the English Language exam, not having a clue what to expect, I came out with an A grade :shock:
I don't use text speak, but for anyone educated in the rules of the English language by grammar probably looks appaulling. I apologise, but the only thing I can do is to try and write how I would speak. Put comma's and full stops in where I would take a breath, If I was speaking the words.
I have to say that I do find threads like these belittling and insulting. I am lucky in being naturally academic, I attended a fairly good school and am educated to a BSC(hons) level (yet still don't know a lot of the rules of the English language). A lot of people are not as lucky as me. The may not have attended a very good school or they may just have struggled with academic subjects. Should they (or even myself) be looked down on as being inferior just because our syntax isn't perfect? Do you think by picking apart, less than perfect posts, you are encouraging people to continue to post and contribute to this forum? Or, do you not think you might be alienating them?
Les
Quote by Kiss_Me
But there is a big difference between typing:
Loved you’re profile…… i am looking for personaltiy aswell as looks….. please mesage me back thanks
To:
luved ya prof]ile an lookin 4 gud things txt me 4 cam chat 2nitexx

Of course there is - they are asking for two different things.
But seriously, I do understand the difference. I too get annoyed by people who type crap (which is a collective term), as in your second example. On balance though - some people are far too anal about spelling, punctuation and grammar.
There is an obvious difference between a lazy bastard and mistakes - or even just not knowing.
Some of the funniest, intelligent, interesting, sexy and down-right ferkin' horny in bed people I know would not pass the grammar test when it comes to writing.
I'll take substance over punctuation any day of the week.
Les, I don't belittle people for poor spelling, punctuation or grammar. We all make mistakes, after all.
My issue with the lack of these things, is that it can be difficult to understand what a person is trying to say when their post/PM lacks punctuation and key words are incorrectly spelled, which could (and has) affected the tone and intention of the post. When someone does it in every post, it can be hard to see where they are coming from.
Quote by freckledbird
Les, I don't belittle people for poor spelling, punctuation or grammar. We all make mistakes, after all.
My issue with the lack of these things, is that it can be difficult to understand what a person is trying to say when their post/PM lacks punctuation and key words are incorrectly spelled, which could (and has) affected the tone and intention of the post. When someone does it in every post, it can be hard to see where they are coming from.

Which is fair enough.
To claify what I find belittling. It's not the odd spelling correction post, which is usually done as part of a jokey hijack, and usually tongue in cheek. It is the fact that there are whole threads like this one, which crop up time and time again in this forum. There are several people who have posted saying it is just laziness, that they would immediately discount a person because there spelling or grammer is less than perfect etc, etc.
I agree that text speak is laziness, but that is not the point that everyone on this thread is making. A lot of posters come across as saying that it is just the general gramatical mistakes that put them off. If someone posts "Is their any women?" rather than "Are there any women?" the meaning is obvious. For this to then be picked up on and then ridiculed in the forum is nothing more than bullying (IMO).
Just because a person is not able to show intelligence using the written word doesn't mean they are lazy or in some way inferior. Someone who is unable to express themselves academically may be far superior than the academic when it comes to the arts or vocational subjects.
Is the person who has a good grasp of the English language, asked by a person with poor grammar to send a video clip of themselves stripping a car engine and reasembling it, or to email them a drawing they have done, to assess if they are intelligant enough to be worth meeting? No.
How many people on this forum post technical questions? How many posts have their been with people asking for advise about car trouble? To the people who take the time to answer those posts, the solutions probably seeem obvious and simple. Yet those people never belittle the person asking the question for being to lazy or stupid to have learned the subject themselves. So why is it OK to dedicate whole threads to saying how annoying it is when people actually take the time to post in the forum, or to answer an advert and the have been "too lazy" to learn good English grammer, puntuation and spelling first.
Les x