English language rules of thumb [Archive]

Europa

10-14-2009, 09:23 PM

My sister is a writer and has done some amazing and unique work, but hasn't had any anything published, as of yet. She's back in school now, working on her degree. She just tried to convince me that the proper way to type, is to end a sentence with two spaces and that they are now in the process of changing it to one space. She said when she was in High school, they had to use two spaces and it would be marked as a mistake if not so. I went to the same high school, and I don't remember ever using two spaces after a period. She's younger than me.

Does anyone else remember using two spaces? When exactly was the rule changed?

"The only reason that two spaces were used after a period during the 'typewriter' age was because original typewriters had monospaced fonts -- the extra space was needed for the eye to pick up on the beginning of a new sentence. That need is negated w/proportional space type, hence [it is] the typographic standard."

Youngbinks

10-14-2009, 09:28 PM

I remember a friend back in high school originally thought a "double spaced" paper was when you hit the spacebar twice between EACH word. That was funny.

That being said, I've never been one to put two spaces after the end of a sentence. It just seems weird.

up10ad

10-14-2009, 09:45 PM

That is the way i was taught in my snobby upscale parochial school ;)

psylichon

10-14-2009, 09:45 PM

I always have. They taught us that in typing class. Twitter and such have reduced its popularity.

styfle

10-14-2009, 09:51 PM

I always have. They taught us that in typing class. Twitter and such have reduced its popularity.
I heard about it when I was in Jr. High writing my first paper for English. That was the first class I got a C in...

I still use two spaces after a period in my papers, but on the internet I'm not going to waste my precious time double tapping.:dft002:amazed

Europa

10-14-2009, 09:53 PM

I don't think html lets you use two spaces. Two spaces were added before this sentences, yet only one appeared.

styfle

10-14-2009, 09:55 PM

I don't think html lets you use two spaces. Two spaces were added before this sentences, yet only one appeared.
Because multiple spaces are ignored in HTML and most programming languages.
You can get all of JQuery in one line of code:ok:ok

psylichon

10-14-2009, 09:59 PM

The site here removes extra spaces. It's not technically forbidden in the body text of an HTML page I don't think.

Europa

10-14-2009, 10:10 PM

I just edited the HTML on my static website, adding two spaces before a sentence and it changed it to one. Is that because of the FTP program I'm using or the ISP that's providing the webspace?

psylichon

10-14-2009, 10:11 PM

I would guess the ISP. I could be wrong though.

styfle

10-14-2009, 10:14 PM

I just said why. More than once space does nothing unless you are working with literal strings. Dave try it yourself, its not the ISP.

<html>
<body>
Testing normal spacing.<br />
Testing two spaces between words.
</body>
</html>

EDIT: If you want a space character, you can use  

FlwrPwer

10-14-2009, 10:21 PM

Two spaces after a period is the proper way to type and as far as I know, this has not been changed. The only time you do not use two spaces after a period is in abbreviations. Technically, after an abbreviation, you should put one space after each period. Such as T. V. That looks stupid so most people do not follow that rule and it comes out as T.V.

If I were to write a resume or cover letter for a resume, even today, I would put two spaces after the period. There's a good chance that the boss is going to come from the generation when that was the proper way to type.

Europa

10-14-2009, 10:26 PM

Thanks styfle.
I only know basic HTML programming and didn't know that one.

Europa

10-14-2009, 10:28 PM

Thanks FlwrPwr :)
I'll let my sister know.

Andrew_

10-14-2009, 10:29 PM

Being one of the youngest ones here, I was taught fairly recently that the correct way to end a sentence is with two spaces. It has become a habit now and I think it looks somewhat nicer. Just my opinion.

styfle

10-14-2009, 10:30 PM

Thanks styfle.
I only know basic HTML programming and didn't know that one.
Yeah its very common. Especially if you are using a table and want nothing in the cell.

Now if you were programming using C++ you could use cout to print a literal string like:
cout << "This is my string with a .......lot of spaces";
or in java
System.out.println(This is my string with a .......lot of spaces");

KabaModern

10-14-2009, 10:48 PM

Very interesting topic. I've seen papers and such typed with two spaces after the period; however, I was never taught this way. Either that or I just wasn't paying attention during English class in High School... :dft002:amazed

Europa

10-15-2009, 01:18 AM

After informing my sister of this, she replied, "You probably just don't remember doing it because you're too far gone and your brain can't wrap itself around it in this day and age of acronyms".

She also said, with the exception of this college course, she won't/can't stop using two spaces because she's too set in her ways.

acosmichippo

10-15-2009, 01:46 AM

In gradeschool typing class we were taught two spaces between each sentence. My Jesuit High School, however, made no mention of it, and they are sticklers for grammar. I still do it out of habit. I guess the extra bit of separation is nice.

Napoleon_PhoneApart

10-15-2009, 10:21 AM

I heard about it when I was in Jr. High writing my first paper for English. That was the first class I got a C in...

I still use two spaces after a period in my papers, but on the internet I'm not going to waste my precious time double tapping.:dft002:amazed

Heheh, Europa - he said "double tapping."

Napoleon_PhoneApart

10-15-2009, 10:22 AM

Posters on the internet have much more to worry about than the "two spaces" rule...:ok:ok

Europa

10-15-2009, 11:35 AM

Heheh, Europa - he said "double tapping."
Rule #4: The Doubletap. I highly recommend perfecting it, it's essential to survival of the English language.

iphonewarrior

10-15-2009, 11:56 AM

My sister is a writer and has done some amazing and unique work, but hasn't had any anything published, as of yet. She's back in school now, working on her degree. She just tried to convince me that the proper way to type, is to end a sentence with two spaces and that they are now in the process of changing it to one space. She said when she was in High school, they had to use two spaces and it would be marked as a mistake if not so. I went to the same high school, and I don't remember ever using two spaces after a period. She's younger than me.

Does anyone else remember using two spaces? When exactly was the rule changed?

I use two spaces after every sentence in work daily. The only reason I do this is because it's part of my job, I have to write in a style known as 'Defense Writing'.

It's a complete pain, I hate doing it. There are so many rules you have to follow.

Napoleon_PhoneApart

10-15-2009, 12:47 PM

Rule #4: The Doubletap. I highly recommend perfecting it, it's essential to survival of the English language.

So is the semi-colon. :ok:ok

Europa

10-15-2009, 01:01 PM

Rule #10: Be quiet. Do not use all caps. There is no shame in sneaking around and surviving.

morth58

10-15-2009, 01:37 PM

Rule #10: Be quiet. Do not use all caps. There is no shame in sneaking around and surviving.

I always find it funny when someone posts in all caps I read it as if they are shouting at me. Unless they continue to do it, then it makes me ignore their posts.

psylichon

10-15-2009, 01:41 PM

Reminds me of one of my favorite classic IRC exchanges from bash.org:

<Khassaki> HI EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!
<Judge-Mental> try pressing the the Caps Lock key
<Khassaki> O THANKS!!! ITS SO MUCH EASIER TO WRITE NOW!!!!!!!
<Judge-Mental> **** me
There are tons more. If you're into IRC humor, check it out.

Europa

10-15-2009, 01:47 PM

Rule #17: Don't Be a Hero: You don't have to post a reply to every thread. Sometimes it's safer to just sit back, watch and let others go in first and get shot down. Better to be a chicken liver live guy.

Europa

10-15-2009, 01:48 PM

Let me know when you guys get tired of my rules. I have 32 of them ;)

psylichon

10-15-2009, 01:49 PM

Where are you getting these from anyway?

iphonewarrior

10-15-2009, 01:50 PM

^^why not put them all in one post. Then they will be easy to read..?

Europa

10-15-2009, 01:53 PM

I'm just winging it, Silicon ;)

Well, the rules are real, but they apply to Zombieland, not the English language.

Here's the real rule #17,
Rule 17: Don't Be a Hero: The hot chick who was totally gonna give you some is not worth becoming the undead. So when the going gets rough and the hot chick is about to get undead... its time to flee. No making a stand no ending up a brave zombie. Better to be a chicken liver live guy.

MrMike6by9

10-15-2009, 02:10 PM

I'm likely older than most folks here. I was taught English and writing before the average household in my neighborhood had typewriters. My first encounter with this double space thing was using Wordperfect 4.1. I turned off the feature to automatically end sentences that way and have never looked back. Until today, I had no idea why that feature was in WP in the first place.
YMMV

Londonrockz568

10-15-2009, 02:11 PM

Are we talking about the Zombie survival guide book? or Zombielands book?

Sometimes i really want a zombie outbreak to happen.

Europa

10-15-2009, 02:15 PM

I am so prepared, London.

I'm talking about the movie Zombieland.

Londonrockz568

10-15-2009, 02:16 PM

Oh, lol those rules well some of them are wrong. Like Being alone. Thats the biggest mistake you can ever make. Zombies/infected have power in numbers, any non-infected should do the same.

Londonrockz568

10-15-2009, 02:18 PM

I am so prepared, London.

I'm talking about the movie Zombieland.

So am i. Amidst outbreak, The places where i live are right on the water. I could live out on the sea, or harbor and only come in for supplies. I think i'd seriously be screwed tho if outbreak happened and i was in London.

evolution83

10-15-2009, 02:36 PM

I would be terrified of a zombie outbreak. Keep those dead POS away from me lol

Europa

10-15-2009, 02:41 PM

Oh, lol those rules well some of them are wrong. Like Being alone. Thats the biggest mistake you can ever make. Zombies/infected have power in numbers, any non-infected should do the same.
That's not one of the rules, although there is a no attachments rule. There are advantages to being alone. For example, you will not hesitate to kill an infected loved one, if you have no loved ones. There will also be no one to slow you down.

Rule 6: Travel in a Group: The best way to increase your odds of survival when traveling in a zombie outbreak is to make sure your a traveling buffet. Going it alone gives the zombies no choices but to eat you. Going it with the old man with the limp, the little kid who cant run and the middle aged woman with the plastic leg gives the zombies more options and you better odds you can run away faster then they can.

evolution83

10-15-2009, 02:46 PM

Ugh. I hope if a zombie outbreak were to happen they don't have the ability to run.

Anyone think an outbreak could happen, and if so, why and when?

Londonrockz568

10-15-2009, 02:50 PM

Ugh. I hope if a zombie outbreak were to happen they don't have the ability to run.

Anyone think an outbreak could happen, and if so, why and when?

They would have the ability to run. Humans can run. lol.

Outbreak would prolly happen when some scientist or cosmetics company figures out how to stop aging. Armies would contract the thing to keep fighting troops alive despite mortal inflictions, and tada. Theres your zombie outbreak.

Europa

10-15-2009, 02:52 PM

Ugh. I hope if a zombie outbreak were to happen they don't have the ability to run.

Anyone think an outbreak could happen, and if so, why and when?
I think a viral infection that zombifies humans could happen at any time. As for why, **** happens.

evolution83

10-15-2009, 02:55 PM

OK should we talk about zombies in a separate thread? lol this is getting interesting

Napoleon_PhoneApart

10-15-2009, 02:58 PM

Zombies are fictional, you goofballs. :dft012:wink

Europa

10-15-2009, 02:59 PM

OK should we talk about zombies in a separate thread? lol this is getting interesting

It's my thread and I'll zombify it if I want to ;)

Carry on with your zombie thoughts and concerns.

Londonrockz568

10-15-2009, 03:04 PM

YEs Ma'am.

And Zombies/infected pretty soon as humanities search for prolonging life/reducing aging will stumble upon that facet of "non cellular expiration".

acosmichippo

10-15-2009, 03:04 PM

here's a thought: why are zombies always the bad guys?

Europa

10-15-2009, 03:05 PM

They would have the ability to run. Humans can run. lol.

Outbreak would prolly happen when some scientist or cosmetics company figures out how to stop aging. Armies would contract the thing to keep fighting troops alive despite mortal inflictions, and tada. Theres your zombie outbreak.
I agree. They will have human traits and probably super human strength due to massive amounts of endorphins and epinephrine flooding their systems and really getting their hearts beating.

We will need to tackle cancer before that can become a reality. Inevitably, if one lives long enough, the cells will become cancerous.

Londonrockz568

10-15-2009, 03:08 PM

Cancer isnt a disease. Our bodies have the cells already. Cancer is just the term for when a cell wont stop multiplying/dividing when it shouldnt need to.

Europa

10-15-2009, 03:10 PM

here's a thought: why are zombies always the bad guys?

It's quite simple, it is the nature of a zombie to attack and kill. It is an innate trait that is passed on as soon as they become undead.

evolution83

10-15-2009, 03:12 PM

I agree. They will have human traits and probably super human strength due to massive amounts of endorphins and epinephrine flooding their systems and really getting their hearts beating.

We will need to tackle cancer before that can become a reality. Inevitably, if one lives long enough, the cells will become cancerous.

That's what I have a problem with. If they have all these endorphins running through their system, how does it not make the heart explode from beating too fast? I mean, humans can only do so much stress to their heart before it gives out, so, how is it that a zombie would be exempt from this, regardless of the fact that they're supposedly dead?

Londonrockz568

10-15-2009, 03:12 PM

I made a thread, chat about it there plz :D

Europa

10-15-2009, 03:14 PM

Cancer isnt a disease. Our bodies have the cells already. Cancer is just the term for when a cell wont stop multiplying/dividing when it shouldnt need to.
Semantics?
How can uncontrolled cell division that inevitably ends up killing the person if the spreading is not stopped, not be considered a disease?

Londonrockz568

10-15-2009, 03:20 PM

Europa

10-15-2009, 03:24 PM

That's what I have a problem with. If they have all these endorphins running through their system, how does it not make the heart explode from beating too fast? I mean, humans can only do so much stress to their heart before it gives out, so, how is it that a zombie would be exempt from this, regardless of the fact that they're supposedly dead?
Hearts don't technically explode. That is with the exception of the five point exploding heart technique used to Kill Bill. Rather, the muscle dies due to lack of blood flow from an occlusion, it has no room to beat due to the pericardial sac filling with blood due to a stab wound or something of that nature, or a life threatening electrical rhythm is uncorrected and the heart fibrillates rather than pumping blood.

An epi overdose could precipitate a heart attack or stroke, but zombies only release enough to get the task done.

Europa

10-15-2009, 03:30 PM

Depending on the type of cancer, its not the cancer that kills. Its the radiation/treatments.

However, what i meant was that cancer isnt a disease like a viral or bacterial disease the cells just corrupt and dont do what they're supposed to do.
If the only cause of death in patients with cancer was radiation and chemo, they would not treat it with those methods. I used to be an oncology nurse, and I've seen a few people that died as a result of the chemo itself. This is usually due to infection as their white blood cell count drops to close to zero within a couple weeks of initiating chemo. It can also be directly attributed to the chemotherapy itself. There is no denying that it is poison and it has some horrible and potentially life threatening side effects. However, without treatment, the odds of survival are less. This is why it is an acceptable treatment plan.

Napoleon_PhoneApart

10-15-2009, 03:37 PM

My father died last year of lung cancer, not the treatment.

Londonrockz568

10-15-2009, 03:43 PM

Treating a cellular malfunction with poison.

Personally (this will prolly offend many) There will never be a cure to cancer. Insurance companies etc make too much money off the cost of treatments. All the billions of dollars put into "cancer cure research" by the millions of benefits and charities research foundations etc isnt really doing anything major. Its the same for AIDS/HIV.

If the medication is expensive, and profitable a cure is the last thing needed for major companies. Granted they will come out with better poisons or treatments that cost more money.

psylichon

10-15-2009, 03:43 PM

So how's bout them spaces after periods, eh? Weird stuff...

Londonrockz568

10-15-2009, 03:56 PM

I normally type with just one space.

Funny enough, tapping space twice on the iphone makes a period and just one space.

Europa

10-15-2009, 04:10 PM

My father died last year of lung cancer, not the treatment.
I'm sorry for your loss :(

Napoleon_PhoneApart

10-15-2009, 04:12 PM

I'm sorry for your loss :(

Thank you. I wish we could have convinced him to quit smoking, but he was hard-headed.

evolution83

10-15-2009, 04:35 PM

How do we go from English, to zombies, to cancer?

Why is everything off topic lately? Am I missing something?

psylichon

10-15-2009, 04:37 PM

You're not missing anything... things have been way off topic lately. It's because people don't properly use the chatroom. :)

Londonrockz568

10-15-2009, 04:38 PM

http://news.cnet.com/i/bto/20080908/Thread-Offtopic-Derailed.jpg

Europa

10-15-2009, 04:38 PM

I'm in the chat room right now!

iNinja

10-15-2009, 04:40 PM

I thought the chatroom had died. Can someone give me instructions for free access via the iPhone

psylichon

10-15-2009, 04:43 PM

Follow the link in my sig. The settings for the "jailbreak FAQ" in the third post or so should work for any IRC client.

Londonrockz568

10-15-2009, 04:48 PM

How do i get there with Colliquy

iNinja

10-15-2009, 04:53 PM

Im there now...

Europa

10-15-2009, 05:01 PM

How do i get there with Colliquy
When you open it, find the irc.esper.net server, then go to join room and find the eic room.

Youngbinks

10-16-2009, 12:54 AM

When do you use further as opposed to farther?

styfle

10-16-2009, 01:25 AM

When do you use further as opposed to farther?

Omg I wonder the Same thing all the time. What about toward or towards?

iNinja

10-16-2009, 06:31 AM

When do you use further as opposed to farther?

Father means physical movement along a path. Eg. I am farther down the road.

Further means to a greater degree. For example, Im going to read further into this article.

iNinja

10-16-2009, 06:34 AM

Omg I wonder the Same thing all the time. What about toward or towards?

Both these words mean the same thing. The difference between the two, is that:

Towards is traditionally used by the Brittish English speakers and Towards is used by American English speakers.

Both are grammatically correct.

Europa

10-16-2009, 06:39 AM

*Moving some of my posts from another thread to the proper destination.

Who and whom.

Use whom after prepositions (to whom, of whom, for whom, from whom, with whom).
Example: For whom were those books about the end of the Earth intended?

Use who for subjects of verbs.
Example: Who should I give my massive amounts of wealth to when I die?

When in doubt, use who.

Apostrophes

I'm too lazy to type all of this, so I took a picture instead.
http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt330/Europa1300/06fcc8fe.jpg?t=1255638088

TarekElsakka

10-16-2009, 09:44 AM

Your book seems really clean. You don't use it often, do you?

Europa

10-16-2009, 09:56 AM

Haha :dft010:smiling
The last time I opened it was 1997. I tend to keep books in good condition though. No Doritos or hot wings while I'm reading. :ok:ok

Napoleon_PhoneApart

10-16-2009, 11:37 AM

What about candy corn?!?!

Europa

10-16-2009, 11:40 AM

I bend the rules for candy corn. :dft012:wink

Napoleon_PhoneApart

10-16-2009, 12:00 PM

So do I. :dft012:wink

up10ad

10-16-2009, 12:11 PM

Here is my take on double spacing after the period at the end of a sentence. It dates back to typewriters and was done because all letters were monospaced (same distance apart) and it served to better delineate the end of a sentence. It is usually not needed these days because almost every text presentation format makes use of proportional spacing (the letter i takes up less space than w), and text is automatically kerned (moved together for visual fit). The ends of sentences are easily recognized with proportional spacing and kerning, obviating the need for a double space.

In other news, I guess I need to see more zombie movies.

Europa

10-16-2009, 08:35 PM

MrMike6by9

10-16-2009, 09:39 PM

28 Days Later is a great place to start.
...
"Shaun of the Dead" for a different breed of Zombies.

W/RT English terrors ... I really hate it when people use the subjective form "I" when the use clearly calls for the objective form "me".

Example, "Please feel free to contact John or I if you have any questions." :014:anger

Napoleon_PhoneApart

10-16-2009, 09:41 PM

Me and Europa talk about that one all the time. :dft012:wink

MrMike6by9

10-16-2009, 09:45 PM

+1 (plus one)

Europa

10-16-2009, 11:06 PM

Me and you discussed that one a few days ago, irregardless of the fact that we resolved the issue a few weeks ago. :dft012:wink

MrMike6by9

10-16-2009, 11:12 PM

Hehehe!hehe

Europa

10-16-2009, 11:20 PM

Next up, Poetry!

For poetry, when quoting two or more lines, indent ten spaces from the left margin and copy the lines of poetry exactly as the poet arranged them.

..........Soaring Bird

..........A bird soaring high and high in the sky
..........As soon as I look in the sky
..........It craps in my eye

..........By Lucas

styfle

10-17-2009, 12:24 AM

Zombieland is epic and Monaco is my font.
Good day....
I SAID GOOD DAY!

Europa

10-17-2009, 12:36 AM

http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt330/Europa1300/zombie.jpg?t=1255754196

styfle

10-17-2009, 12:38 AM

If you're going to make an image, at least use photoshop...

http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt330/Europa1300/zombieland.jpg

Europa

10-17-2009, 12:43 AM

I'll make a better one for you later on tonight. In Photoshop! ;)

styfle

10-17-2009, 12:49 AM

I'll make a better one for you later on tonight. In Photoshop! ;)
Ok thanks but did you really have to make me go recover this file?
http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/3876/zombiex.jpg
This is staying up until the new one comes up....

Europa

10-17-2009, 02:03 AM

OMG! How embarrasing. ;)
My mindless **** up lives on...

I'll be home in an hour or so, and I'll work on a better image in PS4.

Youngbinks

10-17-2009, 02:20 AM

How do you pronounce the word "often"?

Europa

10-17-2009, 02:29 AM

With a silent t.

styfle

10-17-2009, 02:49 AM

How do you pronounce the word "often"?
You can say it either way. [aw-fuhhttp://sp.ask.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngn, of-uhhttp://sp.ask.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngn; awf-tuh]
I think I say it with the t. Oh wait, maybe I don't. I can't tell now because I'm not saying it in context.

Europa

10-17-2009, 03:07 AM

Alright, I'm home. Time to make a zombie image. Do you want your font or should I choose one myself? The Microsoft Word spell correction image has got to go!

styfle

10-17-2009, 03:28 AM

Just make a good one lol. Something you can be proud of. Maybe add some zombie blood.

Just remember

http://www.demotivateus.com/posters/internet-wtf-demotivational-poster.jpg

Europa

10-17-2009, 03:37 AM

Zombieland is epic and Monaco is my font.

http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt330/Europa1300/zombieland2.jpg?t=1255796977

Napoleon_PhoneApart

10-17-2009, 06:57 AM

Anyone see the British miniseries "Dead Set?" Pretty good zombie fare.

Europa

10-17-2009, 07:30 AM

Anyone see the British miniseries "Dead Set?" Pretty good zombie fare.
Downloading it now.

Londonrockz568

10-17-2009, 11:16 AM

Yay for torrenting.

Europa

10-18-2009, 09:16 AM

I hear this one occasionally at work.

No: orientate | Yes: orient (http://www.yourdictionary.com/orient)
Another pointless back-formation. We don't need this mispronunciation from "orientation" when we already have "orient."

Napoleon_PhoneApart

10-18-2009, 09:25 AM

The word "orientate" bugs me. Also:

Realitor.

Nucular.

Supposably.

Europa

10-18-2009, 09:38 AM

Acrossed is another one I hear a lot.

up10ad

10-18-2009, 11:04 AM

Nucular. Sheesh. Of or having to do with nukes I guess. Thank you Mr. Bush.

Europa

10-18-2009, 11:44 AM

"They misunderestimated me." Dubya.

Napoleon_PhoneApart

10-18-2009, 11:46 AM

That pronunciation came along long before George Bush.

Europa

10-18-2009, 11:56 AM

Moving on.

Allusion/Illusion.

Napoleon_PhoneApart

10-18-2009, 11:58 AM

Why not?

Allude/elude.

Europa

10-18-2009, 12:00 PM

It's forbidden.

Anywheres.

psylichon

10-18-2009, 12:32 PM

affect/effect

Europa

10-18-2009, 12:36 PM

Astrology/Astronomy

psylichon

10-18-2009, 01:01 PM

PIN number
ATM machine

Both are from the department of redundancy dept.

MrMike6by9

10-18-2009, 01:56 PM

That pronunciation came along long before George Bush.Yep, it came from Jimmy Carter who was on a nuclear sub when he was in the Navy.

Oops, my mistake, according to his Wiki page, he was never certified as a nuclear sub officer although he aspired to be one until his father's death.

juls1585

10-18-2009, 02:01 PM

i always put 2 spaces after a . my english teacher in college hated when you didnt, so it just became habit. i still do it to this day.

Londonrockz568

10-18-2009, 02:04 PM

The word "orientate" bugs me. Also:

Realitor.

Nucular.

Supposably.

Those two bother me.

Why do people say "Realtor" or "reel-it-or".

Some people say "Supposebly" others say "Spposabley"

up10ad

10-18-2009, 09:14 PM

Realtor is a trademarked term and isn't supposed to be used unless referring to a member of the National Association of Realtors.

Affect - effect.

Napoleon_PhoneApart

10-18-2009, 09:20 PM

I know it has made its way into common usage, but I still hate the word "flounder" being used for the word "founder."

Europa

10-18-2009, 10:39 PM

My English professor hated the word things since it is non descriptive. We were not allowed to use it in any of our papers. Avoiding it is difficult for many people.

Youngbinks

10-18-2009, 11:51 PM

My English professor hated the word things since it is non descriptive. We were not allowed to use it in any of our papers. Avoiding it is difficult for many people.

We weren't allowed to use thing, that, or which is any of our papers. It was trouble.

Europa

10-19-2009, 12:24 AM

I just heard someone say, "And that's all they done?"

Youngbinks

10-19-2009, 12:31 AM

I cringed.

The Apple

10-19-2009, 08:04 AM

Immaculant / Immaculate

Europa

10-19-2009, 10:01 AM

caucaphony / cacophony

tact / tack

drownd(ed) / drown

iNinja

10-20-2009, 06:42 AM

Angel / Angle (The spelling mistake, not the misuse of the words)

ascent / Assent

attain / obtain

summary / summery

Europa

10-20-2009, 07:11 AM

I just learned this one, card shark/card sharp.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Card_sharp?wasRedirected=true

MrMike6by9

10-20-2009, 08:28 AM

I was surprised to learn, a few years ago, what dangers lurk in our kitchens. While I was buying my bag of whole bean coffee, the checkout clerk asked if I wanted my coffee "grounded". Geez, I never knew ... :001:suprised

Napoleon_PhoneApart

10-20-2009, 09:44 AM

Shocking. ..

Hondamaker

10-20-2009, 10:01 AM

My wife uses the word ideal for the word idea. I friggin hate it. Correcting her has never helped.

Napoleon_PhoneApart

10-20-2009, 10:09 AM

Though not technically incorrect:

At this point in time: now

The fact of the matter is: the truth is

http://www.amazon.com/Civil-Tongue-Edwin-Newman/dp/0446307580/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256047818&sr=1-1

MrMike6by9

10-20-2009, 10:45 AM

You know what I mean?

No! ... hehehe

up10ad

10-20-2009, 11:04 AM

Got Milk? Sandi absolutely hates that phrase, and all of the Got [insert whatever] variants it has spawned. No wonder our children fail to use proper grammar.

Napoleon_PhoneApart

10-20-2009, 02:42 PM

You've got mail!

I am guilty of that in spoken English, though.

Youngbinks

10-20-2009, 07:25 PM

My wife uses the word ideal for the word idea. I friggin hate it. Correcting her has never helped.

My sister does the exact same thing. I've been correcting her for years.

Londonrockz568

10-20-2009, 10:02 PM

I hate it when people use chat lingo while speaking aloud.

"Oh emm gee how funny was that youtube clip we all saw the other day"
"yeah it was like double you tee eff"
"I ive got to go tee tee why ell"
"ok tee tee why ell"

That gets on my nerves, and the AT&T adverts didnt help either. I used to have a friend that would say Ell oh ell when someone made a speaking joke. It was so lame.