[OT] today's random language gripe

[alsih2o]

Here, here!

For example, it may one day become acceptable to write an entire post without using a single capitalized letter. Much as I hate the idea of that being acceptable, I'll deal with it when that day comes.

so, none of my posts are acceptable?

 

[Arnwyn]

I'm still trying to figure out when people say others are "whinging". What the hell does that mean?

Yep, language is defined by its use. Thankfully, though, more people spell correctly and capitalize sentences than those who don't - and I'm thankful for that.

 

[Praeco]

noone is fine as far as i care. language belongs to the people who use it. however they use it is the right way. any other argument eventuallyt leads us down a road to speaking in "thou" and such, or even back to latin, and whatever came before.

Language evolves over time, and in this age of rapid and nearly overwhelming amounts of communication it is natural to see the abbreviation and condensation of commonly used phrases as well as the erosion of grammar conventions. The goal is often to just get the point across as quickly as possible. I have no problem with this, as long as the language people use actually succeed in that. However, I fear that this attitude will eventually breed laziness such that many people will no longer be capable of communicating on deeper levels.

 

[Pielorinho]

so, none of my posts are acceptable?

No, no! I count two capitalized words in your last post! It's fine!

Daniel

Of course, they're both in your sig file, but beggars can't be choosers.

 

[Greatwyrm]

My thing is people who try to make words into a different part of speech.

My current, most hated example is the word "transition." Transition is a noun, not a verb. You make a transition from one thing to another. You don't transition from one thing to another.

To paraphrase one of my grade school english teachers, "get up and transition for me." You can't do it. If you can't do it, it's probably not a verb.

 

[alsih2o]

Yep, language is defined by its use. Thankfully, though, more people spell correctly and capitalize sentences than those who don't - and I'm thankful for that.

emerson once said, "a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds."
far more people make language errors, or intentionally use language outside the "rules" taught by english teachers in the u.s. than those who never make errors or always use "rules" so i think you are very very wrong.

look around, many many grown, educated adults cannot keep the vagaries of our language straight- http://www2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/grammar/Capital3.html is but one example.

i wonder what it is that bothers people so much about capitalizations. i assume when i say napoleon bonaparte you knwo who i mean, no capitalization needed. and i assume you are also smart enough to find the beginning of a sentence (i know you are, i have read your posts) so what exactly about this gets under peoples skin so much?

it is very hard to make some of my points woihtout crossing the lines the board sets up, as it would drag into a religious debate.

 

[alsih2o]

No, no! I count two capitalized words in your last post! It's fine!

Daniel

Of course, they're both in your sig file, but beggars can't be choosers.

i laughed at this till my belly hurt, thanks, i needed that

 

[bwgwl]

To paraphrase one of my grade school english teachers, "get up and transition for me." You can't do it. If you can't do it, it's probably not a verb.

i can't dance, but i'm still pretty sure that's a verb.

add me to the list of the people who can't be bothered to capitalize...

 

[johnsemlak]

My thing is people who try to make words into a different part of speech.

My thing is people who try to make words into a different part of speech.

My current, most hated example is the word "transition." Transition is a noun, not a verb. You make a transition from one thing to another. You don't transition from one thing to another.

In general I would agree with you about transition, but I think it's common in English for verbs to become used as nouns and vice-versa. That's just the flexibility of the English language.

Impact, transfer, switch, etc.

 

[KidCthulhu]

How about all right? It's two damn words, people, not allright!

And there is no reason in heaven or earth to ever use the phrase "Where's it at?". Ever. I don't care where you came from. It's just ugly and makes you sound ignorent.