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Originally Posted by Baraka_Guru
I didn't want to get too technical, but willravel's problem was essentially a problem of grammar that would cause an etiquette problem: it is basically a case of subject confusion. It is rooted in the syntax of the phrasing (syntax refers to order of words and other parts of a phrase, ordered logically to attain certain meaning). In this case, the syntax confusion occurs when we are uncertain of John's last name because it doesn't appear directly after his first name. And with the wrong phrasing, his last name will appear to be the exact same as Jane's. To avoid this is a logical problem (i.e. a problem of grammar).
Now if you meant it was mainly a question of etiquette because of the consequences of being incorrect, then fine, I agree with that. 
But for the record, willravel was recruiting grammar nazis. |
Yes, yes, I see what you're saying. But what I'm telling you is that you will never learn this in a grammar class. And yes, I know what syntax is. I hope, for God's sake, that I've at least learned that in seven years of university.
Above all else, I can be a very strict grammarian. My significant other has the scars to prove it.
