Then vs Than

Bufford said:
Languages constantly change and evolve as they grow. These are nothing more than the growing pains of english.
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Yes, languages do grow over time but everything referred to in this thread fall under the fundamental rules of grammar for every language.

To sum it up as "growing pains" implies an apathy towards language and grammar, a pox on the neighborhood as it were.
 
crm3137 said:
Yes, languages do grow over time but everything referred to in this thread fall under the fundamental rules of grammar for every language.

To sum it up as "growing pains" implies an apathy towards language and grammar, a pox on the neighborhood as it were.[/QUOTE

I do love language, and those who honor it as the mighty gift that it is with adherence to the rules of syntax etc. But I also sincerely appreciate Bufford's etymological approach- it takes on a more grand scope of what is going on, and I feel such an observation is important to keep in mind from time to time. And it may also be important to remember that language, written or otherwise, exists to translate meaningful content from one mind to another. And I can still understand the message when someone uses the wrong there/their/they're, so its all good, maybe? It is also important that knowing the difference is not some medal-worthy honor ;)
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Let's not forget "knifes" vs "knives". Perhaps the most inappropriate grammatical mistake for someone on this forum to make.
 
jfalkos said:
"I would like to sale" is yet another good one.
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That one never made any sense to me. It's prolly some local dialect. :D

I was thinking of reading threw this whole thread, than I decided not two.
 
Thanks for all the fun replies.
The original intent was to give helpful hints for those writing on this forum. Perhaps we should have a grammar section or a sticky with helpful writing tips?
 
Tommythewho said:
Growing pangs
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LOL! When I was about 12 or 13 I had a woman slap me in the face for using the term. I had a bout of pain and a woman asked me what was the matter with me and I said, "growing pains". She thought I said "groin pains" and I did not duck fast enough.
 
DocT-- I could get behind the idea of a grammar sticky, although (like so many others, containing rules and other helpful information) it would almost certainly be largely ignored.

P.S. Airborne, indeed! Good to see wings out and about!!
 
grammarpolice.jpg


Alls I wanna now is when there gonna read this thread to correct they're behavior.


Following you will find a link to a comprehensive list to keep handy.

http://public.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/errors.html#errors

best

mqqn
 
DocT said:
I like this steel better then that one. This is incorrect. It should read: I like this steel better THAN that one.
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Maybe.

Perhaps the man was asked which of three knife steels he preferred, and in what order he would choose them.

Whoever transcribed the exchange spelled the word(s) correctly, but left out a comma.

"I like this steel better, then that one."

;)

~ P.
 
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