Community Forums

oatmeal · 07-18-2016, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bo Walker

TeJay, it is a common and understood term in the south for a construction worker to say "I changed out the front entry door". Now, should I put the period before or after the quotation mark?

If you "change" the front entry door, it could mean that you altered it, for example by painting it. If you "change out" the front entry door, it's more clear that you removed that one and put in another.

As for the period, in the U.S., it goes before the quotation mark. In England, they put it after.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TechWriter

Quote:

Shame on that English teacher.

Why is that?

Probably because you wrote this:

Quote:

To me the acid test of using any language, written or spoken, is do you understand the speaker? I’m pretty sure I would understand someone using “I seen” instead of “I saw” . . .

My own comment was that I was disheartened by this. Language does evolve, but there is still a standard that I hope English teachers teach and adhere to. When reading here that someone was afraid he was going to "loose his breaks" I can figure out what he means, but that doesn't make what he wrote right.

There's a big difference between knowing the rules and choosing to break them and not knowing the rules in the first place. In a very casual conversation I might say, "Me and Harry went to the store," but it would be a choice I'm making because of the context; there are many people who wouldn't have any idea "Me and Harry" is wrong. That is simply ignorance, and something English teachers are presumably paid to help prevent.

jmaellis · 07-20-2016, 02:28 PM

Here's one that gets me, "I'll get back to you at my earliest convenience". I often here this when listening to voicemail greetings, for example, "Please leave me a message and I'll get back to you at my earliest convenience".

This is essentially telling the caller that she will get back to them as soon as it's convenient for her to do so.

Replace "convenience" with "opportunity" and you have a proper greeting; or "as soon as I can".

vtwinwilly · 07-20-2016, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmaellis

...

Replace "convenience" with "opportunity" and you have a proper greeting; or "as soon as I can".

Unless of course it's a telephone solicitor, and then it's perfect as is!

DMTTRANSPORT · 07-20-2016, 03:08 PM

My opinion....one can not criticize ones mistakes unless they have never made one themselves.....

MSHappyCampers · 07-20-2016, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmaellis

Here's one that gets me, "I'll get back to you at my earliest convenience". I often here this when listening to voicemail greetings, for example, "Please leave me a message and I'll get back to you at my earliest convenience".

This is essentially telling the caller that she will get back to them as soon as it's convenient for her to do so.

Replace "convenience" with "opportunity" and you have a proper greeting; or "as soon as I can".

That one really irritates me too! One even better than that is the message a friend of mine has on his cellphone.

"Sorry I missed your call. Leave me a message and I may get back to you"

jmaellis · 07-20-2016, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

That one really irritates me too! One even better than that is the message a friend of mine has on his cellphone.

"Sorry I missed your call. Leave me a message and I may get back to you"

At least he's honest!

BoJango · 07-21-2016, 01:42 AM

jmaellis, speaking of misuse of words, I'm sure you meant to say hear and not here.
See, we do it all the time.

Glenn and Kathy · 07-21-2016, 11:58 AM

Good catch, Bo.

Glenn

jmaellis · 07-21-2016, 01:03 PM

Dang!

Alleyman · 07-21-2016, 03:49 PM

who cares! this is an RV forum where someone is trying to get help, not an English class! GET REAL GUYS.

Jim T. · 07-21-2016, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alleyman

who cares! this is an RV forum where someone is trying to get help, not an English class! GET REAL GUYS.

You are correct. This is an RV forum, however, there are occasional posts that are incoherent.

Jim & Shirley & Abbie (Scottish Terrier)
2013 Newmar Canyon Star 3911
2005 Dodge Grand Caravan - Braun Accessibility Modified Toad
Remco Lube Pump
5 Star Tune
Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C
Coach Net Emergency Road Service
FMCA 378968

Podivin · 07-21-2016, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G.G.

Agree with you 100%, however, there are times when it's about more than hanging out. Job interviews, business dealings, and sales presentations come to mind. And, yes, there are well-educated snobs with perfect English who don't come close to being as smart or as good a person as DH. But, sometimes they hold all the cards for the given situation. For these times I'd rather be on a somewhat level playing field.

Well said.
I concede the point.

MSHappyCampers · 07-26-2016, 10:07 AM

I consider myself pretty good with grammar, but I've always had trouble with when to use "who" and "whom"

Anybody have any simple rules for this?

EV2 · 07-26-2016, 10:25 AM

Some here seem to believe that grammar and punctuation are not the important.

I submit this for your review:

Go outside and help your uncle Jack off from his horse.

Go outside and help your uncle jack off his horse.

Grammar can be messy!

And, meaning changes with proper spelling:

I am having trouble with my winch.

I am having trouble with my wench.