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The anti-grammar and spelling police

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

Does anyone ever write what is technically not good English because the better version sounds pompous or long winded?

On another thread I just wrote:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking that I wasn't previously aware of.

It should be:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking, of which I was not previously aware.

I wrote the more conversational, less grammatically correct form because the more correct form sounds so formal and, well, pompous.

Does anyone else purposely use more conversational language rather than more grammatically correct language? Why?

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By *olgateMan  over a year ago

on the road to nowhere in particular

When possible I tend to write in a similar style to the way I speak,

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"Does anyone ever write what is technically not good English because the better version sounds pompous or long winded?

On another thread I just wrote:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking that I wasn't previously aware of.

It should be:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking, of which I was not previously aware.

I wrote the more conversational, less grammatically correct form because the more correct form sounds so formal and, well, pompous.

Does anyone else purposely use more conversational language rather than more grammatically correct language? Why?

"

I think this thread sounds more pompous than if you had used the less conversational sentence in your other thread.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I really don't care what way I write a sentence. As long as it sounds right, I'm happy with it.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

No

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By *isscheekychopsWoman  over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

As long as it makes sense in my head then I'm happy with that..

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I tend to waffle on , as some may have noticed lol

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"When possible I tend to write in a similar style to the way I speak, "

Exactly. A good presentation isn't judged by making your point in as few words as possible. A good presentation tells a story, and to achieve that I will ignore the rules of grammar and write sentences that would sound great if spoken with a change in voice but would otherwise leave you begging for a full stop.

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By *awandOrderCouple  over a year ago

SW London

On here, I write as I speak. At work, when I am writing reports or doing work for my course, I write differently. I can do text speak in the right context too. It doesn't mean I don't have a couple of Masters Degrees. Indeed I feel that people who abhor text speak are trying to make a point whilst missing it. A not so recent study showed that the teens with the highest A level results in English could adapt their language to the purpose and the audience and that is much of what the English curriculum is about. Being able to use and spot the use of the nuances. Just sayin'

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By *igeiaWoman  over a year ago

Bristol

I am not blessed with succinctness. I tend to write in a stream of consciousness fashion regardless. Sometimes I frame the thought as I am thinking it and grammar helps but I don't fret over the odd typo or grammatical inconsistency. Other than Oxford commas. I try and avoid them.

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By *at69driveMan  over a year ago

Hertford


"Does anyone ever write what is technically not good English because the better version sounds pompous or long winded?

On another thread I just wrote:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking that I wasn't previously aware of.

It should be:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking, of which I was not previously aware.

I wrote the more conversational, less grammatically correct form because the more correct form sounds so formal and, well, pompous.

Does anyone else purposely use more conversational language rather than more grammatically correct language? Why?

"

Use of grammar is one of my weak areas and I have purchased a book which by reading I will hope assist me to improve how I use it .

I don't believe that anyone should ever need to apologise for being formal or sounding pompous . It is important to get spelling and grammar correct . We should all strive to improve our standards .

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By *isscheekychopsWoman  over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon


"I am not blessed with succinctness. I tend to write in a stream of consciousness fashion regardless. Sometimes I frame the thought as I am thinking it and grammar helps but I don't fret over the odd typo or grammatical inconsistency. Other than Oxford commas. I try and avoid them."

What are Oxford commas?

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By *igeiaWoman  over a year ago

Bristol


"I am not blessed with succinctness. I tend to write in a stream of consciousness fashion regardless. Sometimes I frame the thought as I am thinking it and grammar helps but I don't fret over the odd typo or grammatical inconsistency. Other than Oxford commas. I try and avoid them.

What are Oxford commas? "

Where you have a list of things and use a comma before the final 'and' to make the meaning more clear. I was always taught that if I needed to use one it was because I hadn't constructed my sentence well enough to start with and have avoided them ever since (I had a really strict English teacher). My best mate uses them all the time and has an English MA so I'm probably wrong.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

No

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman  over a year ago

The Town by The Cross


"Does anyone ever write what is technically not good English because the better version sounds pompous or long winded?

On another thread I just wrote:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking that I wasn't previously aware of.

It should be:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking, of which I was not previously aware.

I wrote the more conversational, less grammatically correct form because the more correct form sounds so formal and, well, pompous.

Does anyone else purposely use more conversational language rather than more grammatically correct language? Why?

"

Why does the second version sound pompous ?

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

its not THAT noticeable... x

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By *angerousEyesMan  over a year ago

weston

As long as everyone gets the jist of what you are saying what does it matter?! Though there are a few things that annoy me.

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman  over a year ago

The Town by The Cross


"As long as everyone gets the jist of what you are saying what does it matter?! Though there are a few things that annoy me."

Like what ?

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By *isscheekychopsWoman  over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon


"I am not blessed with succinctness. I tend to write in a stream of consciousness fashion regardless. Sometimes I frame the thought as I am thinking it and grammar helps but I don't fret over the odd typo or grammatical inconsistency. Other than Oxford commas. I try and avoid them.

What are Oxford commas?

Where you have a list of things and use a comma before the final 'and' to make the meaning more clear. I was always taught that if I needed to use one it was because I hadn't constructed my sentence well enough to start with and have avoided them ever since (I had a really strict English teacher). My best mate uses them all the time and has an English MA so I'm probably wrong."

Ahhhh ok, I get you now my grammar is quite poor and sometimes I just get confused as what to use. My manager is comma obsessed she overuses them. To this day I'm still surprised I got B/B in my English GCSE lol.

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By *eneral HysteriaMan  over a year ago

Newcastle


"Does anyone ever write what is technically not good English because the better version sounds pompous or long winded?

On another thread I just wrote:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking that I wasn't previously aware of.

It should be:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking, of which I was not previously aware.

I wrote the more conversational, less grammatically correct form because the more correct form sounds so formal and, well, pompous.

Does anyone else purposely use more conversational language rather than more grammatically correct language? Why?

"

You might find a comma before and after the word 'technically' appropriate in the first sentence of your post.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"

What are Oxford commas? "

Let's go eat granny.

Let's go eat, granny.

Hopefully you see the difference.

My pleasure

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"Does anyone ever write what is technically not good English because the better version sounds pompous or long winded?

On another thread I just wrote:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking that I wasn't previously aware of.

It should be:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking, of which I was not previously aware.

I wrote the more conversational, less grammatically correct form because the more correct form sounds so formal and, well, pompous.

Does anyone else purposely use more conversational language rather than more grammatically correct language? Why?

Why does the second version sound pompous ?"

It sounds overly formal (to me). I think, (again, to me), it sounds pompous when used on here because I know I'm writing it to be correct, even though it doesn't fit the conversational style of the board.

In a report or formal letter or similar I would use the correct form without thinking twice.

In here I sometimes write it correctly and then change it.

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman  over a year ago

The Town by The Cross


"

What are Oxford commas?

Let's go eat granny.

Let's go eat, granny.

Hopefully you see the difference.

My pleasure"

Those are not Oxford commas

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"

What are Oxford commas?

Let's go eat granny.

Let's go eat, granny.

Hopefully you see the difference.

My pleasure"

That's not what I understand an Oxford comma to be.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

As long as it gets the point across clearly then it doesn't really matter. But. Both forms can be confusing and points can be clearly missed.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

If I typed how I talk most of the letters and several words would be missing

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"

What are Oxford commas?

Let's go eat granny.

Let's go eat, granny.

Hopefully you see the difference.

My pleasure"

They're just regular commas.

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman  over a year ago

The Town by The Cross


"Does anyone ever write what is technically not good English because the better version sounds pompous or long winded?

On another thread I just wrote:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking that I wasn't previously aware of.

It should be:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking, of which I was not previously aware.

I wrote the more conversational, less grammatically correct form because the more correct form sounds so formal and, well, pompous.

Does anyone else purposely use more conversational language rather than more grammatically correct language? Why?

Why does the second version sound pompous ?

It sounds overly formal (to me). I think, (again, to me), it sounds pompous when used on here because I know I'm writing it to be correct, even though it doesn't fit the conversational style of the board.

In a report or formal letter or similar I would use the correct form without thinking twice.

In here I sometimes write it correctly and then change it."

I understood what you meant in your first post.

I asked why you consider it pompous.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"

What are Oxford commas?

Let's go eat granny.

Let's go eat, granny.

Hopefully you see the difference.

My pleasure

Those are not Oxford commas "

Wrong

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"Does anyone ever write what is technically not good English because the better version sounds pompous or long winded?

On another thread I just wrote:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking that I wasn't previously aware of.

It should be:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking, of which I was not previously aware.

I wrote the more conversational, less grammatically correct form because the more correct form sounds so formal and, well, pompous.

Does anyone else purposely use more conversational language rather than more grammatically correct language? Why?

You might find a comma before and after the word 'technically' appropriate in the first sentence of your post. "

I'm happy with the structure of that sentence.

"...technically not good English..." isn't incorrect. It's not technically not good.

Had I meant, "...what is, technically, not good English...", I'd have written that. The two sentences don't mean the same thing.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

Discussion of commas.......

FIIIIIIIIIIIGHT

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman  over a year ago

The Town by The Cross


"

What are Oxford commas?

Let's go eat granny.

Let's go eat, granny.

Hopefully you see the difference.

My pleasure

Those are not Oxford commas

Wrong "

Who? You or everyone else on this post ?

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman  over a year ago

The Town by The Cross


"Discussion of commas.......

FIIIIIIIIIIIGHT "

My commas are bigger than your commas

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"

What are Oxford commas?

Let's go eat granny.

Let's go eat, granny.

Hopefully you see the difference.

My pleasure

Those are not Oxford commas

Wrong

Who? You or everyone else on this post ?"

They were Bromley commas...

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"

What are Oxford commas?

Let's go eat granny.

Let's go eat, granny.

Hopefully you see the difference.

My pleasure

Those are not Oxford commas

Wrong "

Sorry, Granny is correct. You are wrong.

An Oxford comma comes at the conjunction at the and of a list.

I went to dinner with Tom, my confidante and my uncle.

Is Tom the confidante AND the uncle, (so I went to dinner with one person). Or did I go to dinner with Tom and my uncle (two people).

An Oxford comma is used to make it clear.

I went to dinner with Tom, my confidante, and my uncle.

The comma before the and is an Oxford comma.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"

What are Oxford commas?

Let's go eat granny.

Let's go eat, granny.

Hopefully you see the difference.

My pleasure

Those are not Oxford commas

Wrong

Who? You or everyone else on this post ?"

you

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"

What are Oxford commas?

Let's go eat granny.

Let's go eat, granny.

Hopefully you see the difference.

My pleasure

Those are not Oxford commas

Wrong

Who? You or everyone else on this post ?"

*chortle*

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman  over a year ago

The Town by The Cross


"

What are Oxford commas?

Let's go eat granny.

Let's go eat, granny.

Hopefully you see the difference.

My pleasure

Those are not Oxford commas

Wrong

Who? You or everyone else on this post ?

you"

What about everyone else that is saying you are wrong ?

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I tend to write as I speak which I also adapt at times to fit the purpose / people I am addressing. For example if I'm texting I tend to abreviate / use text speak as opposed to writing chapter & verse.

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"Does anyone ever write what is technically not good English because the better version sounds pompous or long winded?

On another thread I just wrote:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking that I wasn't previously aware of.

It should be:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking, of which I was not previously aware.

I wrote the more conversational, less grammatically correct form because the more correct form sounds so formal and, well, pompous.

Does anyone else purposely use more conversational language rather than more grammatically correct language? Why?

Why does the second version sound pompous ?

It sounds overly formal (to me). I think, (again, to me), it sounds pompous when used on here because I know I'm writing it to be correct, even though it doesn't fit the conversational style of the board.

In a report or formal letter or similar I would use the correct form without thinking twice.

In here I sometimes write it correctly and then change it.

I understood what you meant in your first post.

I asked why you consider it pompous. "

I can't explain it better than that.

It sounds too formal for the place in which I am using it.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

A big part of my job is using correct grammar and punctuation. When I'm not in work I couldn't give a sparkly rats wotsit though

I write how I speak. As long ad it makes sense it doesn't matter to me.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"Discussion of commas.......

FIIIIIIIIIIIGHT

My commas are bigger than your commas "

You really should use a full stop at the end of your sentences.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

So long as it can be understood adequately I can't see why it's an issue. If the written word is unintelligible then it's obviously an issue. In forums we should surely excuse corruption in exchange for speed and instancy of response.

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman  over a year ago

The Town by The Cross


"Discussion of commas.......

FIIIIIIIIIIIGHT

My commas are bigger than your commas

You really should use a full stop at the end of your sentences. "

I really. Should do. a. lot of things. but. I don't.

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"

What are Oxford commas?

Let's go eat granny.

Let's go eat, granny.

Hopefully you see the difference.

My pleasure

Those are not Oxford commas

Wrong

Who? You or everyone else on this post ?

you

What about everyone else that is saying you are wrong ?"

It depends whether he fancies them, obviously

DISCLAIMER: That is a total tongue in cheek reply, not in any way serious.

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"

What are Oxford commas?

Let's go eat granny.

Let's go eat, granny.

Hopefully you see the difference.

My pleasure

Those are not Oxford commas

Wrong

Who? You or everyone else on this post ?

you

What about everyone else that is saying you are wrong ?

It depends whether he fancies them, obviously

DISCLAIMER: That is a total tongue in cheek reply, not in any way serious."

totally*

FFS

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"

What are Oxford commas?

Let's go eat granny.

Let's go eat, granny.

Hopefully you see the difference.

My pleasure

Those are not Oxford commas

Wrong

Who? You or everyone else on this post ?

you

What about everyone else that is saying you are wrong ?"

Believe what you want, Its an Oxford comma.

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By *isscheekychopsWoman  over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon


"A big part of my job is using correct grammar and punctuation. When I'm not in work I couldn't give a sparkly rats wotsit though

I write how I speak. As long ad it makes sense it doesn't matter to me. "

I agree I have to complete a lot of legal paperwork and letters so spelling, grammar and punctuation is important so when I'm not at work I tend not to think about grammar.

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By *alandNitaCouple  over a year ago

Scunthorpe

Well I thought the "Oxford" comma was a comma placed before the or/and preceding the last item in a list (eg dogs, cats, fish, and budgies rather than just dogs, cats, fish and budgies).

When I was a kid we were taught that the comma before the conjunction was not required because the rhythmic pause is implied by the conjunction. Aesthetically, I think it looks better without the comma and technically either are acceptable.

Cal

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"Discussion of commas.......

FIIIIIIIIIIIGHT

My commas are bigger than your commas

You really should use a full stop at the end of your sentences.

I really. Should do. a. lot of things. but. I don't. "

Now you are channelling Mysterious Brown Eyes or whatever his most recent name was. Handsome Smoocher maybe?

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"

What are Oxford commas?

Let's go eat granny.

Let's go eat, granny.

Hopefully you see the difference.

My pleasure

Those are not Oxford commas

Wrong

Who? You or everyone else on this post ?

you

What about everyone else that is saying you are wrong ?

Believe what you want, Its an Oxford comma."

It's not. It's a perfectly ordinary comma.

I gave an example of an Oxford comma above.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I write the way the voices in my head demand!

If I is writin' how I is talkin' then I is well cool soundin'

Innit. Peace out wiv respekt. Word.

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By *alandNitaCouple  over a year ago

Scunthorpe

Also, I personally think that as long as what is written isn't confusing then there's no need for totally formal language.

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By *isscheekychopsWoman  over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

noun

noun: Oxford comma

a comma used after the penultimate item in a list of three or more items, before ‘and’ or ‘or’ (e.g. an Italian painter, sculptor, and architect ).

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By *isscheekychopsWoman  over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon


"noun

noun: Oxford comma

a comma used after the penultimate item in a list of three or more items, before ‘and’ or ‘or’ (e.g. an Italian painter, sculptor, and architect )."

Definition according to google

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"noun

noun: Oxford comma

a comma used after the penultimate item in a list of three or more items, before ‘and’ or ‘or’ (e.g. an Italian painter, sculptor, and architect )."

What Cheeky said.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"Well I thought the "Oxford" comma was a comma placed before the or/and preceding the last item in a list (eg dogs, cats, fish, and budgies rather than just dogs, cats, fish and budgies).

When I was a kid we were taught that the comma before the conjunction was not required because the rhythmic pause is implied by the conjunction. Aesthetically, I think it looks better without the comma and technically either are acceptable.

Cal"

Usually, yes - people think of it in terms of lists.

But It's semantic purpose is to clarify meaning.

Which is why I gave the textbook example above

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"Well I thought the "Oxford" comma was a comma placed before the or/and preceding the last item in a list (eg dogs, cats, fish, and budgies rather than just dogs, cats, fish and budgies).

When I was a kid we were taught that the comma before the conjunction was not required because the rhythmic pause is implied by the conjunction. Aesthetically, I think it looks better without the comma and technically either are acceptable.

Cal

Usually, yes - people think of it in terms of lists.

But It's semantic purpose is to clarify meaning.

Which is why I gave the textbook example above "

You're wrong. It only applies to a conjunction at the end of a list.

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By *icecouple561Couple  over a year ago
Forum Mod

East Sussex


"Does anyone ever write what is technically not good English because the better version sounds pompous or long winded?

On another thread I just wrote:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking that I wasn't previously aware of.

It should be:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking, of which I was not previously aware.

I wrote the more conversational, less grammatically correct form because the more correct form sounds so formal and, well, pompous.

Does anyone else purposely use more conversational language rather than more grammatically correct language? Why?

"

Yes I do because for a couple of reasons.

Some people assume that speaking and writing correctly is a slight on them rather than just the way a person speaks, I use "you" instead of "one" for that very reason. Someone on here the other day said people use "silly long words".

Also because conversational language is easier to follow and has a friendlier tone to it.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"Well I thought the "Oxford" comma was a comma placed before the or/and preceding the last item in a list (eg dogs, cats, fish, and budgies rather than just dogs, cats, fish and budgies).

When I was a kid we were taught that the comma before the conjunction was not required because the rhythmic pause is implied by the conjunction. Aesthetically, I think it looks better without the comma and technically either are acceptable.

Cal

Usually, yes - people think of it in terms of lists.

But It's semantic purpose is to clarify meaning.

Which is why I gave the textbook example above

You're wrong. It only applies to a conjunction at the end of a list."

Which bit about 'textbook example' dont you understand?

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman  over a year ago

The Town by The Cross


"Well I thought the "Oxford" comma was a comma placed before the or/and preceding the last item in a list (eg dogs, cats, fish, and budgies rather than just dogs, cats, fish and budgies).

When I was a kid we were taught that the comma before the conjunction was not required because the rhythmic pause is implied by the conjunction. Aesthetically, I think it looks better without the comma and technically either are acceptable.

Cal

Usually, yes - people think of it in terms of lists.

But It's semantic purpose is to clarify meaning.

Which is why I gave the textbook example above "

You are giving the usage for a comma. Everyone else is talking about Oxford commas.

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"Well I thought the "Oxford" comma was a comma placed before the or/and preceding the last item in a list (eg dogs, cats, fish, and budgies rather than just dogs, cats, fish and budgies).

When I was a kid we were taught that the comma before the conjunction was not required because the rhythmic pause is implied by the conjunction. Aesthetically, I think it looks better without the comma and technically either are acceptable.

Cal

Usually, yes - people think of it in terms of lists.

But It's semantic purpose is to clarify meaning.

Which is why I gave the textbook example above

You're wrong. It only applies to a conjunction at the end of a list.

Which bit about 'textbook example' dont you understand?"

Go off and read a few grammar sites and find one that cites that structure as an example of an Oxford comma.

I guarantee you won't. It's not an Oxford comma.

It may be a textbook example of something grammatical, but it isn't an Oxford comma.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

Yes I tend to use more colloquial sentence structure, as well as being lazy about checking what I have written for punctuation and grammar, in anything that isn't that important. I can spell well, have good grammar and can write well. My vocabulary is probably too broad for my own good as I tend to overuse long or obscure words. That said on here , most of the time, you'd be forgiven for thinking none of that is true, as most of what I write is bollocks

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"Well I thought the "Oxford" comma was a comma placed before the or/and preceding the last item in a list (eg dogs, cats, fish, and budgies rather than just dogs, cats, fish and budgies).

When I was a kid we were taught that the comma before the conjunction was not required because the rhythmic pause is implied by the conjunction. Aesthetically, I think it looks better without the comma and technically either are acceptable.

Cal

Usually, yes - people think of it in terms of lists.

But It's semantic purpose is to clarify meaning.

Which is why I gave the textbook example above

You are giving the usage for a comma. Everyone else is talking about Oxford commas. "

*nods*

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"Does anyone ever write what is technically not good English because the better version sounds pompous or long winded?

On another thread I just wrote:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking that I wasn't previously aware of.

It should be:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking, of which I was not previously aware.

I wrote the more conversational, less grammatically correct form because the more correct form sounds so formal and, well, pompous.

Does anyone else purposely use more conversational language rather than more grammatically correct language? Why?

Yes I do because for a couple of reasons.

Some people assume that speaking and writing correctly is a slight on them rather than just the way a person speaks, I use "you" instead of "one" for that very reason. Someone on here the other day said people use "silly long words".

Also because conversational language is easier to follow and has a friendlier tone to it."

Ah, yes, "you" vs. "one". I try to use "you" on here though sometimes I default to "one" accidentally. And sometimes I use "one" deliberately if I think the person I'm replying to might take the "you" personally and I don't intend that they do.

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"Well I thought the "Oxford" comma was a comma placed before the or/and preceding the last item in a list (eg dogs, cats, fish, and budgies rather than just dogs, cats, fish and budgies).

When I was a kid we were taught that the comma before the conjunction was not required because the rhythmic pause is implied by the conjunction. Aesthetically, I think it looks better without the comma and technically either are acceptable.

Cal

Usually, yes - people think of it in terms of lists.

But It's semantic purpose is to clarify meaning.

Which is why I gave the textbook example above

You're wrong. It only applies to a conjunction at the end of a list.

Which bit about 'textbook example' dont you understand?"

I do love people trying to be condescending when they're wrong.

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman  over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

It's as serious a case of Oxford blindness as i've ever encountered nurse.

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By *icecouple561Couple  over a year ago
Forum Mod

East Sussex


"Does anyone ever write what is technically not good English because the better version sounds pompous or long winded?

On another thread I just wrote:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking that I wasn't previously aware of.

It should be:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking, of which I was not previously aware.

I wrote the more conversational, less grammatically correct form because the more correct form sounds so formal and, well, pompous.

Does anyone else purposely use more conversational language rather than more grammatically correct language? Why?

Yes I do because for a couple of reasons.

Some people assume that speaking and writing correctly is a slight on them rather than just the way a person speaks, I use "you" instead of "one" for that very reason. Someone on here the other day said people use "silly long words".

Also because conversational language is easier to follow and has a friendlier tone to it.

Ah, yes, "you" vs. "one". I try to use "you" on here though sometimes I default to "one" accidentally. And sometimes I use "one" deliberately if I think the person I'm replying to might take the "you" personally and I don't intend that they do."

I'm not great at grammar myself and admit to putting apostrophes in the wrong place, not properly knowing about colons and semi-colons and getting my imperfects and subjunctives in a dither so I try and be a bit tolerant.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

Cambridge never got a comma.

Not even a semi colon.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

What do you expect an Oxford comma to look like - maybe different colour or something?

it's a semantic construct, guess you either get it or not.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

There are certainly a few posters who always use the grammatically correct way every time .

Sometimes it's kinda cute to read , other times it comes across as unnecessarily pompous .

It depends on my mood how I write on here , and the nature of the post .

It does get me a wee bit angry when people correct people for minor errors , but I'm getting used to it now .

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"What do you expect an Oxford comma to look like - maybe different colour or something?

it's a semantic construct, guess you either get it or not."

Quite. Some people don't get it.

You've still not been off to read any grammar sites then.

You're still wrong.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

Christ!

if I had to have perfect grammar, punctuation and spelling....I wouldn't get anything written.

The spelling is enough for me.

And now you buggers have thrown in commas and Oxford commas,

I'm totally fucked!

*goes in a corner to be quiet*

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"Does anyone ever write what is technically not good English because the better version sounds pompous or long winded?

On another thread I just wrote:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking that I wasn't previously aware of.

It should be:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking, of which I was not previously aware.

I wrote the more conversational, less grammatically correct form because the more correct form sounds so formal and, well, pompous.

Does anyone else purposely use more conversational language rather than more grammatically correct language? Why?

Yes I do because for a couple of reasons.

Some people assume that speaking and writing correctly is a slight on them rather than just the way a person speaks, I use "you" instead of "one" for that very reason. Someone on here the other day said people use "silly long words".

Also because conversational language is easier to follow and has a friendlier tone to it.

Ah, yes, "you" vs. "one". I try to use "you" on here though sometimes I default to "one" accidentally. And sometimes I use "one" deliberately if I think the person I'm replying to might take the "you" personally and I don't intend that they do.

I'm not great at grammar myself and admit to putting apostrophes in the wrong place, not properly knowing about colons and semi-colons and getting my imperfects and subjunctives in a dither so I try and be a bit tolerant. "

I'm not perfect either but I do try. Sometimes I'm simply careless though.

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"Christ!

if I had to have perfect grammar, punctuation and spelling....I wouldn't get anything written.

The spelling is enough for me.

And now you buggers have thrown in commas and Oxford commas,

I'm totally fucked!

*goes in a corner to be quiet* "

Your posts are clear and entirely legible. Unless you particularly care about trying to get it correct all the time, forget about it and have fun.

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman  over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

Has everybody been fucking lobotomised this morning ?

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"

It does get me a wee bit angry when people correct people for minor errors , but I'm getting used to it now ."

I've mostly learnt to bite my tongue, unless those making the mistake are castigating others for their errors. It's open season at that point.

Occasionally I forget and correct someone but I try to remember not to.

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By *ee Viante OP   Woman  over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"Has everybody been fucking lobotomised this morning ?"

No. Why, do you think I should have been?

(Rocky Horror reference for those that don't get it)

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

You lot are way too anel

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By *isscheekychopsWoman  over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

All I asked, was what was a Oxford comma chill out people.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"All I asked, was what was a Oxford comma chill out people. "

Fancy a fuck?

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By *isscheekychopsWoman  over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon


"All I asked, was what was a Oxford comma chill out people.

Fancy a fuck?"

Go on then....

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By *yrdwomanWoman  over a year ago

Putting the 'cum' in Eboracum

I once wrote a grammatically correct sentence that was so tortuous I had to read it several times to check it made sense.

In short, the English language sucks, but there are short cuts. May as well use them if we can.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"All I asked, was what was a Oxford comma chill out people.

Fancy a fuck?

Go on then.... "

Grease your arse and bend over x

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"Does anyone ever write what is technically not good English because the better version sounds pompous or long winded?

On another thread I just wrote:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking that I wasn't previously aware of.

It should be:

[I] have realised a few things about my thinking, of which I was not previously aware.

I wrote the more conversational, less grammatically correct form because the more correct form sounds so formal and, well, pompous.

Does anyone else purposely use more conversational language rather than more grammatically correct language? Why?

"

You are saving the English language, keep it up! I also think, from a man's perspective, it's very sexy when spoken by a woman. X

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