General Chat

Of course it matters, but not necessarily on a chat board!

If we are compiling CVs, or writing a letter of application, or carrying out our work, of course we would ensure that spelling and grammar are as good as possible.

Some people just do not 'like' words, my OH for one. His spelling and grammar are both fine, but he does not feel comfortable writing and often gets me to check things. Give him a load of figures or periodic table, or a map, and he's in his element!

I care very much about the English language and enjoy 'playing with words' but don't see why people should be belittled if they don't.

I don't think anybody was being belittled.

Sheila, I only meant on social sites or forums that doesn't matter.

Sorry if it wasn't clear in my post.

:-)

Why get infuriated if someone uses,,,,Of instead of Have or Can't/Cant instead of Can Not.......,,,,,,perhaps they were not able to grasp,had no interest in basic english at school.

How many have left school without having a good abiltiy to read it let alone put it in its correct context,,,,,,,,,,give some space for them please and dont condem because they lack these skills,some are very clever people.

Some have the ability..some dont.

Kitty, I wasn't referring back to your post - it was more 'having a go' at the arrogance of others that thinks we should all be in thrall to the wonders of language :-D

Exactly Kitty!! When people thing it is their right on a public forum to comment on or belittle/humiliate people who misspell or use a word in a way that it is commonly used now but not it's original meaning there has to be an arrogance attached to that person. This subject has been discussed before and the comments and posters are probably same similar.
Things have changed, the dictionary and pronunciations have changed - Boadicea, Uranus and Himalayas for starters.

I don't care if people can't spell or have a good command of grammar - this is a genealogy forum, not for teaching me the rights and wrongs of the English language.

As I have asked before, what is so wrong about striving to use correct English and grammar?

Nobody is being belittled and nobody is "having a go" at any particular individual about their own usage.

what about text talk I think that's much worse
by the time I work out what somebody has texted

I've usually bumped in to them and go the message first hand :-( :-(

I know that feeling!

Personally, I do not like "text speak" and avoid it wherever possible.

Some youngsters even use it on examination papers!

Well you did say they were dumbed down GCSE papers Errol, so fair enough :-D :-D

Why do people get so touchy about certain comments.?

Can we not have discussions on here any more without someone getting upset about a subject that touches a nerve?

We all have our own opinions ,and sometimes want to air them.
I tend to agree with Errol...I am not getting at anyone,we all make mistakes,sometimes Huge ones ...not just a remark.
I usually avoid controversial threads but it seems you have to watch everything you say these days!

Is there anything on this earth not capable of annoying someone, somewhere?

I get very irritated when folk talk 'over me'.

i use text speak on mobile if i dont im there all day fiddling with the buttons




:-D :-D :-D :-D

at least you are able to text Shelly - something I cannot do :-D

I'm not brilliant either with mobile phones....use a smart phone now and that's easier,but...computer and tablet ..not bad,but only tend to use mobile for emergencies .....and texting the old way....hopeless!
As long as you get the message across...that's the important thing!
:-S

I did try texting by using voice commands,,,,it was ok apart from not recognising OH's name and called him Kevin when his name only has three letters, plus it wouldn't let me swear ( s**** ) :-D

I wonder why Denis didn't stick around? :-S

I don't belittle anyone who can't spell, use accepted grammar etc, but I do think it is a shame that young people may be at a disadvantage in finding work, or just passing exams because of 'sloppy speech' , and that is the main reason many people use 'should of' instead of 'should have' , they are writing what they hear.

I agree with Island - where's Denis the OP???

It's all to do with should've, could've, must've - which has now become should of, could of, must of - nothing to get your knickers in a twist about :-D

Talking of people getting their knickers in a twist - where are you?

Wend

I thought it was.....

Should'a, Would'a, Could'a........ :-D

I could'nay give a flying poop about grammar, spelling and punctuation.

It's the character of a person that is important to me.

;-) :-D