SI Grammar and Spelling Lab Message Board

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Pastimes : SI Grammar and Spelling Lab

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next

To: Dayuhan who wrote (3328)	8/16/1999 11:13:00 AM
From: jbe	Read Replies (2) of 4711

>At what point do we ditch the dictionary and stick to what is right?< In language, there is no "right" and "wrong." (We aren't talking morality here.) There is only "standard" and "non-standard." The general rule of thumb that linguists (as against prescriptive grammarians) employ to decide whether a particular "innovation" can be considered standard is this: do more than 50% of educated native speakers of the language use it, in written as well as oral speech? At the same time, there is no law prescribing that you must use it: if you prefer the good old ways, by all means, stick to them. As for the word "presently," I personally have no problem with its use as a near-synonym of "now," or "at present." Checking one of my Websters: presently 1. in a little while; soon. 2. at present; now. 3. [Archaic] at once; instantly. And why nitpick over such a minor matter? (I hope you were not planning to do so in the name of the Grammar Lab!!) I can understand the urge to get Terry <g>, but save your fire for the big stuff! Joan

Report TOU Violation

Share This Post

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next