Grammar lesson
I’m no grammar expert. I write whatever sounds correct, and often will write something that is grammatically incorrect simply because the sentence flows better the way I write it. However, there is one grammar mistake I really can’t stand, and I have been seeing it more and more lately, even on commercial billboards and websites supposedly written by professionals. Click “more” for this important public service announcement.
“It’s” is a contraction for “it is,” not a possessive form of “it.” If I want to tell you about how clicky my keyboard’s keys are, I might say, “My keyboard is old school. Its keys click loudly.” Note the lack of the apostrophe, as is correct. Thank you for your attention. We now return you to our regularly scheduled babbling.
Yes, I know I’m being anal. Thanks for sharing. Oh, while we’re at it, “there” is not the possessive form of “they,” that would be “their,” which is not to be confused with “they’re,” the contraction of “they are.”
BrashBrazen:
Ah yes. The whole there/their thing just makes my skull ache. Misuse of to/too? Instant, stabbing, pains in my skull.
March 18, 2003, 12:38 amtheTom:
Yeah the way I look at it is if you know what the person is saying why in the hell correct them? Its alll the battle of who has a bigger……brain in those cases.
March 18, 2003, 9:47 amNeo:
Because failure to hold people to basic grammatical standards will result in the gradual decline of communication skills.
Also, let me just add: GIPE!!! 8-O
March 18, 2003, 9:58 amstick's:
Hay their Ernie!
Yes, Im still reading you’re blog.
Its so nice that you take time out of you’re bissy day to teach all of us English….
your so smart.
March 18, 2003, 4:06 pmNeo:
Jeff, check out the subject/verb agreement in this sentence:
You suck.
That is all.
March 19, 2003, 8:36 amfubabee:
HAHAHA… good one.
I get caught by the laziness of adding the apostrophe sometimes! Yea yea, dumb excuse I know!.. Anyway, carry on, my dear friend!
March 19, 2003, 2:21 pm