4 ms·

It's a really good post that speaks to good style. What bleaks me out about an industry in which syntax permeates everything, is how much we tank at basic gramm

It's a really good post that speaks to good style. What bleaks me out about an industry in which syntax permeates everything, is how much we tank at basic grammar, spelling and vocabulary. And then there're the hipster buzzwords that makes many cringe - Friend me/text me. On premise. Ping me. Your very clever. That effects me. Practical advise is out there. http://www.wittenburg.co.uk/Blog.aspx?id=4b6816fd-ca1d-4e46-9c8b-729dff3b41ab http://www.wittenburg.co.uk/Blog.aspx?id=4b6816fd-ca1d-4e46-... http://www.plainenglish.co.uk/free-guides.html http://www.plainenglish.co.uk/free-guides.html

majormajor 14y ago
One day we could have "compilers" to catch most your/you're, their/there/they're, effect/affect errors, but then what about the dynamic typists!? Though I don't have any problem with new short phrases like "text me" or even "friend me" (though I'm not sure just how long that one will hang around since it seems rather FB-specific). "Calling" wasn't always something you did with a phone, after all. And "send me a text message" sounds so stiff compared to going from "call me" to "text me." So I don't think you'll be able to effect change there.
- seiji 14y ago
  My iTouch can't friend you on my Facebook, so I texted you a reminder to pin my latest blog.
- lazerwalker 14y ago
  The verb "calling" is a great example of how new meanings can overtake old ones to the point that what used to sound faddish and trendy becomes normal and accepted. "Calling" was a thing you did prior to the telephone, but you wouldn't just "call someone". You'd call on someone, or make a call, both of which now sound relatively formal and stiff.
ThePawnBreak 14y ago
Sorry to be pedantic, but "advise" is a verb; the correct form would be "advice", which is a noun.
- Spearchucker 14y ago
  Don't apologise - the irony of what I did there isn't lost on me.
dfc 14y ago
"there're" is cringe worthy...

majormajor 14y ago

One day we could have "compilers" to catch most your/you're, their/there/they're, effect/affect errors, but then what about the dynamic typists!? Though I don't have any problem with new short phrases like "text me" or even "friend me" (though I'm not sure just how long that one will hang around since it seems rather FB-specific). "Calling" wasn't always something you did with a phone, after all. And "send me a text message" sounds so stiff compared to going from "call me" to "text me." So I don't think you'll be able to effect change there.

seiji 14y ago
My iTouch can't friend you on my Facebook, so I texted you a reminder to pin my latest blog.
lazerwalker 14y ago
The verb "calling" is a great example of how new meanings can overtake old ones to the point that what used to sound faddish and trendy becomes normal and accepted. "Calling" was a thing you did prior to the telephone, but you wouldn't just "call someone". You'd call on someone, or make a call, both of which now sound relatively formal and stiff.

ThePawnBreak 14y ago

Sorry to be pedantic, but "advise" is a verb; the correct form would be "advice", which is a noun.

Spearchucker 14y ago
Don't apologise - the irony of what I did there isn't lost on me.

dfc 14y ago

"there're" is cringe worthy...