The "Grammatical Errors that Annoy You" Thread

[DaFace]

From time to time, both online and in the real world, I run across someone who makes some grammatical mistake that annoys the hell out of me. I'm a nice guy most times, so I don't typically call people out on such errors. However, I do feel the need to vent somewhere, and perhaps help some poor unfortunate soul. So here it is. A thread to gripe about others' grammatical errors without seeming like an ass.

One rule: if you post an error in this thread, be sure to explain WHY it is wrong rather than just point out the fact that it's wrong. It's a learning experience and all that.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by DaFace

Here's one that I actually don't like. At all.

According to American standards, punctuation should basically always go inside of quotation marks. British people do the opposite.

I actually personally think it makes a lot more sense to have the punctuation on the outside (and do so frequently), but technically, it's not correct in this country.

I was taught in junior high that the punctuation went on the outside of the quotation marks. Either my school was in its own little oasis or they changed it some time after.

[Frazod]

I generally let grammatical and spelling errors slide, unless:

1. The post is ridiculing the intelligence of somebody else.

2. The poster is a ****ing asshole in general.

3. The error is so egregiously stupid that I can't help myself.

[Frazod]

Originally Posted by arc

I was taught in junior high that the punctuation went on the outside of the quotation marks. Either my school was in its own little oasis or they changed it some time after.

I put periods and commas inside quotation marks; anything else goes outside.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by frazod

I put periods and commas inside quotation marks; anything else goes outside.

The only time I remember putting them inside was when you were quoting a question. However, school was a long time ago.

[tymania]

Originally Posted by frazod

I put periods and commas inside quotation marks; anything else goes outside.

okay i noticed you used a semi-colon.. when is the correct time to use it? to Separate fragmented sentences?

[Frazod]

Originally Posted by tymania

okay i noticed you used a semi-colon.. when is the correct time to use it? to Separate fragmented sentences?

That is correct.

[HC_Chief]

"Supposably"
"I could care less"

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by frazod

I put periods and commas inside quotation marks; anything else goes outside.

Yeah, I should clarify that it's the periods and commas that they say are always inside. Question marks and exclamation points can go inside or outside, depending on what is logical.

[WoodDraw]

That was the 'funnest' thing I've ever done.

[phisherman]

Originally Posted by HC_Chief

"Supposably"

this one really drives me nuts.

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by frazod

That is correct.

Mostly anyway. You wouldn't truly use a semicolon to separate sentence fragments; both sides of the semicolon should be complete sentences on their own (with a subject and verb).

[ClevelandBronco]

The house needs painted. The car needs fixed.

The dimwit needs educated.

[Frazod]

Originally Posted by DaFace

Mostly anyway. You wouldn't truly use a semicolon to separate sentence fragments; both sides of the semicolon should be complete sentences on their own (with a subject and verb).

That's what I meant.

Go easy on me; I'm home sick and stoned.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by DaFace

Mostly anyway. You wouldn't truly use a semicolon to separate sentence fragments; both sides of the semicolon should be complete sentences on their own (with a subject and verb).

True.

Concerning punctuation, the dash is the one I always have a problem with.

[WoodDraw]

Also, not grammar, but I'd be in favor of dedicating an entire day of school for people to learn how to spell 'definitely'. Actually, if any school out there wants a list of my pet peeves, I'd be glad to help out.