What bothers me a lot are signs that read: "CD's on Sale." Um... "CD's Contents on Sale" would be correct... as would "CDs on Sale."
I hold a specialized English degree and I'm a full-time editor. Although I would like to comment on many of these, I will limit myself.
First, I would like to point out the difference between correctness and usage. Although it is correct to say the meteorite impacted, I would say this is poor usage. "To impact" is clumsy and should be recast as something else. Another example is the word "utilize." I think you'll find this word in many dictionaries, but, ugh!, what's wrong with "use"?
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by cyrnel
I'd like to hear from the English majors in the crowd. What's the pro's take on how modern communications and changes in educational priorities have affected what's proper. Dictionary lifespans certainly aren't what they used to be.
|
This is a good point to address. Language changes at a rapid pace in the information age. If you do some research, you will note how grammar rules have relaxed in the past few years. For example, I am willing to accept the word "their" in place of "his or her." Sometimes having "his or her" fourteen times on one page is awkward. You'll see "their" listed in the OED as a disputed usage in this case, as you will with the word "themselves."
Another interesting aspect of grammar is the comma. This will forever be a matter of dispute between editors. I tend to use an open style, but I will not hesitate to use a comma where confusion and double meanings can creep in.
Remember, language usage varies depending on the purpose and medium of the writing. Books, essays, e-mails, blogs, grocery lists all have varying levels of formality. Rules are flexible at all of these levels, but you will find more rigidity in publications such as books and journals. Books tend to have higher standards of style and usage than things such as (not like
) magazines and newspapers.
I have one thing to say to grammar nazis: chillax!
And to all of you out there: I'm willing to field any questions on language and writing. I love this stuff!