"Grammar" and "Punctuation" nit's unite! You're "head" will literally explode! - Page 73 - Other Topics Forum - Discuss Pop Culture, Arts and Entertainment

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"Grammar" and "Punctuation" nit's unite! You're "head" will literally explode!

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Page 73 of 247

First

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Last

12-29-2010 , 11:44 AM

#1801

DrewDevil

Pooh-Bah

Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 5,906

Quote:

Originally Posted by 11111

Question for you Canadians and Brits:

Last week at work, I received two emails--one from England and one from Canada--that read something like this:

"11111,

I attach my comments on the ______ document. Please let me know if you have any questions."

Is "I attach _____" common for you guys? I've never seen this, and it's absolutely cringe-worthy to me. FWIW, I use either "Attached is _____" or "I've attached_____."*

*Probably the most common things I see are "please find attached" and "attached please find," which I think are grotesque.

"Attached please find" and "Enclosed please find" are probably the two worst things ever created by the modern workforce.

I always use "attached are" or "enclosed are."

Quote

12-29-2010 , 06:07 PM

#1802

lonely_but_rich

ɔarpal \ʇunnel

Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 23,432

When I dip you dip we dip

Quote

12-29-2010 , 08:17 PM

#1803

WWJfergusonD

old hand

Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,803

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falcone

I'm not a native speaker, but "a historic day" feels very awkward to me, while "a history report" feels natural.

Could it be because the stress is different? "uhn-is-TO-ric DAY" vs "a HIS-to-ry re-PORT".

Great thread by the way.

I hear other broadcasters say "an historic day" and I want to kill myself. They will say "an" and then use a prominent 'h' at the beginning of "historic".

If you're saying it like "an-iss-TOR-ick", I'm a little more with you. But it still drives me bonkers.

I have chosen to pronounce the "a" as a long "a" and not a short "a". It flows into the "h" much better and doesn't drive me nuts.

Quote

12-31-2010 , 08:25 PM

#1804

ReasonableGuy

old hand

Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,617

Dinosaur Comic

Quote

12-31-2010 , 08:38 PM

#1805

Aabelno

adept

Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 784

I used to be a grammar/punctuation nit, but then I stopped being a dick. As long as I can understand what is being said or written, I'm OK with it.

Quote

01-01-2011 , 07:45 PM

#1806

W0X0F

sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight

Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 5,853

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aabelno

I used to be a grammar/punctuation nit, but then I stopped being a dick. As long as I can understand what is being said or written, I'm OK with it.

Your mistaken.

(^ I know that's not correct, but you can understand it, so you should be OK with it.)

Quote

01-02-2011 , 06:20 AM

#1807

Redsaddict

adept

Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 822

this one bothers me

[IMG]<a href="http://twitpic.com/2yhhpd" title="Share photos on twitter with Twitpic"><img src="http://twitpic.com/show/thumb/2yhhpd.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Share photos on twitter with Twitpic"></a>[/IMG]

Quote

01-02-2011 , 09:37 AM

#1808

Zacharrrr

Carpal \'Tunnel

Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 7,866

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redsaddict

failure of this proportion would bother me as well.

Quote

01-02-2011 , 12:56 PM

#1809

Redsaddict

adept

Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 822

http://twitpic.com/2yhhpd

this is a much easier way to get to my above link.

Quote

01-20-2011 , 01:30 AM

#1810

private joker

Most Definitely

Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 25,244

From the first 30 seconds of the first episode of American Idol this season:

*sigh*

Like the girl's tits though.

Quote

01-27-2011 , 06:41 PM

#1811

Ron Poor

veteran

Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 2,296

Quote:

Originally Posted by private joker

From the first 30 seconds of the first episode of American Idol this season:

*sigh*

Like the girl's tit though.

FYP

Quote

01-27-2011 , 08:35 PM

#1812

prohornblower

Carpal \'Tunnel

Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 38,283

You can't really fault Idol for not having a proof-reader. Their budget is kind of tight.

Quote

01-28-2011 , 03:00 AM

#1813

nepenthe

old hand

Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,750

What are the differences among the following: "as a means to," "as a means of," and "as a means for"?

What about between the following: "depend on" and "depend upon"?

These phrases could be interchangeable at times. I'm looking for situations in which one expression is clearly superior, either due to the patterns of usage or the connotations involved.

I've heard, for instance, that "depend on" is similar to "reliant upon," and "depend upon" to "contingent on." I am unsure how much truth there is to such a claim, but it does appear that the use of "upon" carries a more formalistic air.

Quote

01-28-2011 , 03:33 AM

#1814

shemp

Carpal \'Tunnel

Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 7,624

"That being said," is too often used as a verbal pause, serving no other purpose. "Still", "however", and many others suffer the same problem. That being said, when the consequent appears to disagree with the antecedent, and the writer wants to suggest nuance, there may be a place for it. However, the better writer gives the audience credit for nuance and speaks directly without the need for a ham handed road map. Still, don't leave these out of your arsenal.

Quote

01-29-2011 , 02:43 AM

#1815

11111

journeyman

Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 243

Quote:

Originally Posted by nepenthe

Re: on vs. upon: In almost all contexts, they are interchangeable, but on is almost always superior simply because it is shorter and more direct.

Quote

01-29-2011 , 09:01 AM

#1816

Astyanax

veteran

Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 2,877

Quote:

Originally Posted by nepenthe

What are the differences among the following: "as a means to," "as a means of," and "as a means for"?

What about between the following: "depend on" and "depend upon"?

These phrases could be interchangeable at times. I'm looking for situations in which one expression is clearly superior, either due to the patterns of usage or the connotations involved.

I've heard, for instance, that "depend on" is similar to "reliant upon," and "depend upon" to "contingent on." I am unsure how much truth there is to such a claim, but it does appear that the use of "upon" carries a more formalistic air.

'as a means to' and 'as a means for' are interchangeable although 'to' is most commonly used. They are in dative case from Latin and this often causes interchangeable meanings. 'To' requires an infinitive or a noun whilst 'for' ordinarily uses a noun.

"I used this subterfuge as a means to get to him."

"I used this subterfuge as a means for an eventually better life."

When using the genetive 'as a means of' a participle is used:

"I used this subterfuge as a means of getting to him."

Please do not use 'as a means of'. The construction 'in order to' is sufficient in most examples.

The only time I use 'as a means to' is in the common phrase 'as a means to an end'.

Quote

01-30-2011 , 08:39 AM

#1817

finnianp

adept

Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 765

Any help appreciated on this personal statement, grammar and syntax wise. Thanks!

Quote:

I am applying for the scholarship student exchange scheme because it offers a unique opportunity
for the development and enhancement of my civil engineering studies at University College, Cork.

Civil engineering is a subject about which I am passionate, and I fully engage with every academic
aspect of my course in college. I have a strong, consistent academic work ethic and record, which
is reflected in the grade I received in my first year college examination results (H1). I was also rewarded with the title of UCC scholar for my results in first year.

My academic results at Leaving Cert level also show my commitment to and success in the
Civil Engineering area; I received an A1 in physics, an A2 in Technical Graphics , and a B1 in Mathematics.

I have heard that the American University courses are largely based around continuous
assessments and tests. This suits me perfectly because I like my energy for study to be engaged
consistently. I am the sort of person who will work hard on assignments or any problem, until it
is complete or resolved. In other words, I am a finisher. I also believe that completing a year abroad anywhere in the world is something from which I can draw in the future, when I build my career in
engineering after completing my degree at UCC.

However, I am not only committed to the academic side of college life; I fully avail of the sporting
and social opportunities offered by UCC and would hope to engage in a similar way, if I was
granted a place in an american university.

Throughout my secondary school education, I played underage soccer as part of my local club,
attending regular training sessions and participating in fund-raising activities. This year I attempted to make a college soccer team and succeeded, and am now currently captain of that team.
I am First Year Officer for the UCC squash club, and just recently organised the Fresher’s squash tournament. Last year I participated in UCC’s Squash Intervarsity tournament, in which my team won its category. I believe I would appreciate the American ethos of taking sport seriously.

I have good organisational skills and use these to facilitate my interests. For example, I visited
Calcutta on a charitable trip while at secondary school, for which I had to raise 3,500 Euro. This
necessitated a considerable amount of organisation, commitment and drive.

I come from a close, loving and supportive family; all of whom have an appetite for travel and the
new experiences that this offers. I have travelled extensively in Europe and am adaptable and
resourceful. I would enjoy learning about a new culture and have no doubts about my ability to
integrate into a new community and also contribute to it. My parents are very supportive of my
application.

To sum up, I am sporty, sociable, academically committed and resourceful, with a very positive
disposition and upbeat outlook. I hope you will consider me as a well-rounded applicant, suitable
for the scholarship scheme.

Thank you

Quote

01-30-2011 , 01:07 PM

#1818

penfifteen

centurion

Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 160

Quote:

Originally Posted by finnianp

Any help appreciated on this personal statement, grammar and syntax wise. Thanks!

Quote:

I am applying for the Scholarship Student Exchange Scheme because it offers a unique opportunity
for the development and enhancement of my civil engineering studies at University College, Cork.

Civil Engineering is a subject about which I am passionate(!) and I fully engage with every academic
aspect of my course in college. I have a strong, consistent academic work ethic and record(!) which
is reflected in the grade I received in my first year college examination results (H1). I was also rewarded with the title of UCC Scholar for (!) results in my first year.

My academic results at Leaving Cert level also show my commitment to and success in the
Civil Engineering area; I received an A1 in physics, an A2 in Technical Graphics(!) and a B1 in Mathematics.

I have heard that the American University courses are largely based around continuous
assessments and tests. This suits me perfectly because I like my energy for study to be engaged
consistently. I am the sort of person who will work hard on assignments or any problem(!) until it
is complete or resolved. In other words, I am a finisher [consider removing/altering this sentence]. I also believe that completing a year abroad anywhere in the world is something from which I can draw on in the future, when I build my career in
engineering after completing my degree at UCC.

However, I am not only committed to the academic side of college life; I fully avail of the sporting
and social opportunities offered by UCC and would hope to engage in a similar way(!) if I was
granted a place in an American university.

Throughout my secondary school education(!) I played underage soccer as part of my local club,
attending regular training sessions and participating in fundraising activities. This year I attempted to make a college soccer team and succeeded; I am now currently captain of that team.
I am First Year Officer for the UCC Squash Club(!) and just recently organised the Freshers' squash tournament. Last year I participated in UCC’s Squash Intervarsity tournament, in which my team won its category. I believe I would appreciate the American ethos of taking sport seriously. [I'd remove this myself as it seems a bit cheesy to me, but it's your call]
I have good organisational skills and use these to facilitate my interests. For example, I visited
Calcutta on a charitable trip while at secondary school, for which I had to raise €3,500 (about $4,800). This
necessitated a considerable amount of organisation, commitment and drive. [Did you succeed?]

I come from a close, loving and supportive family; all of whom have an appetite for travel and the
new experiences that this offers. I have travelled extensively in Europe and am adaptable and
resourceful. I would enjoy learning about a new culture and have no doubts about my ability to
integrate into a new community as well as contribute towards it. My parents are very supportive of my
application.

To sum up: I am sporty, sociable, academically committed and resourceful, with a very positive
disposition and upbeat outlook. I hope you will consider me as a well-rounded applicant(!) who is suitable
for the scholarship scheme.

Thank you.

this was just from a brief look-over - there may be stuff i've missed and there may be stuff you or others disagree with

(!) = where i've deleted punctuation or words

Quote

02-01-2011 , 08:16 PM

#1819

AwesomeO

adept

Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 779

Is the following considered incorrect usage of "literally"?

- Roethlisberger will literally rape the Packers defense.

Quote

02-01-2011 , 08:49 PM

#1820

atakdog

addicted

Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 50,136

Quote:

Originally Posted by AwesomeO

Is the following considered incorrect usage of "literally"?

- Roethlisberger will literally rape the Packers defense.

I'm hoping the speaker doesn't believe he will have forced sexual intercourse with the various members of the other team... so yes, it is incorrect.

Quote

02-01-2011 , 08:58 PM

#1821

SoloAJ

Carpal \'Tunnel

Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 16,324

With Rapelisberger, it's always possible.

Quote

02-01-2011 , 11:04 PM

#1822

BustoRhymes

Grand Elf

Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 26,670

It's an extended hyperbole enhanced by the audience's knowledge that the explicit definition probably won't apply.

Last edited by BustoRhymes; 02-01-2011 at 11:04 PM. Reason: sup SoloAJ

Quote

02-01-2011 , 11:47 PM

#1823

atakdog

addicted

Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 50,136

Quote:

Originally Posted by BustoRhymes

It's an extended hyperbole enhanced by the audience's knowledge that the explicit definition probably won't apply.

He didn't ask whether they'd get it. He asked whether it was incorrect usage. It is a textbook example thereof, even if slightly less silly than all those basketball players who are "literally on fire" every night.