Do you pay attention to apostrophe's (sic) and other punctuation?
By The Horse
@TheHorse (238356)
Walnut Creek, California
March 15, 2020 1:47pm CST
I read an interesting article on punctuation. The article focused on the apostrophe. Apparently, correct use of apostrophes became vogue only in the last century or two. In the article, it was pointed out that several noted novelists, including Jane Austen, were somewhat "random" in her use of apostrophes.
I admit that I try to use apostrophes to the best of my ability. When I see something like "tomato's" in a paper, I correct it. Apostrophes are for possessive, not for plural.
I also read somewhere that my idol, Mark Twain, was a bit wild in his use of commas. We've all heard of the funny examples under the heading "Punctuation Matters!"
"This evening I ate, Grandma did the dishes, and then went to bed."
means something very different from:
This evening I ate Grandma, did the dishes, and then went to bed.
Do you try to get your punctuation right? I admit that I'm distracted when I read post's where the punctuation is off. I could add quotation's from, students papers, but I wont bother. Heh.
11 people like this
11 responses
@pumpkinjam (8876)
• United Kingdom
16 Mar 20
I do my very best to ensure my grammar is correct. Some people would call me a 'grammar Nazi' but I don't see why wanting to see language used properly should be considered a bad thing. As long as something is understandable and makes sense, I can forgive the odd mistake. I have taken issue, however, with the recent trend of over-using commas. Using the Oxford comma is fine. Using a comma every few words, whether or not it is correct/necessary, that can make for a confusing read. There was something that was written by a colleague of mine. The commas were in no sensible place but, depending on where the commas were supposed to be, the sentences could have meant at least three different things.
Apostrophes are not so much of an issue as commas. If someone misuses an apostrophe, it's usually quite easy to work out what they mean. I know that some people get confused with apostrophes, especially with the plural possessive. There are certain mistakes that will immediately stop me from reading - a prime example is the use of 'could of' instead of 'could have'. If I see that, I will assume that the writer is an idiot and has not written anything worth reading!
Of course, I will forgive imperfect grammar if someone has a first language other than English or if they have dyslexia, etc. Saying that, there are people whose second or third language is English who have a better grasp of it than many who have it as a first language!
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (238356)
• Walnut Creek, California
16 Mar 20
I agree with all points. I also forgive those who didn't have the educational opportunities I took for granted (several students have written "took for granite" at the community college where I teach). So long as I understand what they're saying (a sentence fragment, technically).
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222726)
• United States
15 Mar 20
I am freaky about spelling, punctuation and grammar. It's one of the things that I'm good at. Some of the comments here get unreadable at times! It sometimes makes me crazy. Proofread, people!
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (238356)
• Walnut Creek, California
15 Mar 20
But if English is their second language, then understanding our grammar might be difficult. I'd be lost if I tried writing in French. By the way, I'd put a comma between "proofread" and "people." Else it means Proofread people. And I'd be lost if they have no letters on them. Buwaahaahaa! I am evil.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (238356)
• Walnut Creek, California
15 Mar 20
@LindaOHio When foreigners make mistakes, you can learn about their languages.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222726)
• United States
15 Mar 20
@TheHorse Whoops! Thanks! I have fixed it. I'm talking about citizens and natives of the United States. I don't have a problem with reading posts by foreigners. Oh well! Stay safe and healthy!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169568)
• United States
18 Mar 20
I struggle when things are obviously off. I try to get it right, personally.
@BarBaraPrz (51838)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
16 Mar 20
I just finished reading a book w'ere the 'aitches were apostrophisised to show cockney speech. But really! W'o pronounces the 'aitches in w'en, w'at, w'ile or w'y?
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (135966)
• Marion, Ohio
15 Mar 20
I try to use the commas. But I am all over the place with the rest of it.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
15 Mar 20
Shouldn't that "be when I read posts" and "quotations from students' papers"? Or were you just seeing who was paying attention?
1 person likes this
