Irregardless, Grammar is our Friend

[Smilla]

The last time many of them took more than basic English courses was in high school, and most of 'em just don't care--it's not what they're interested in, as long as the scientific info is clear...
It doesn't help that they're often generously graded on papers that are factually correct but structurally and grammatically iffy...because, of course, they're being graded by other grammar-challenged scientists! Vicious cycle.

Vacationland...I feel so cleansed after reading your post. Just one more reason for me to look down on the science major ex-boyfriend I hate. He used to try to start English language usage arguments with me. Heh.

[treyother]

Okay, my co-worker tells me that "anyways" is not proper grammer.
I thought it was, but he's right most of the time about grammer.
Can anyone help me with this?

[Foo]

Wow. No comments yet on the misuse of who/whose/who's/whom? I'll forgive people who never use 'whom' when it is needed in casual conversation, but when it's abused or not used in writing it drives me a little nuts.

People who mix up whose/who's should be shot.

[pennylayne]

I was reading the movie listings the other day and saw a warning for course language.
Also, people who say or write aloud instead of allowed grate my nerves.

[Deleted]

How about would of, should of, could of? Also, misuse of apostrophes always makes me suicidal, but theirs', hers', its', etc. leave me with one foot out the window.

[dwanollah]

Oh, I just heard one of my pet peeve "stamp out and abolish redundancy" phrases in an interview:

"...the reason being is...."

[queequeg]

I find misuse of apostrophes frustrating, especially in things like 'the 80's', which people do all the time.

[franticjoy]

"...the reason being is...."

Oooh, this reminds me of one of my (many) pet peeves:

"...the reason is because..."

I had a co-worker once who preened every time he said 'irregardless'. It was a real point of pride with him, using this word. He was also very fond of claiming people were 'unmerciless'.

[marmie]

I've heard people say "acrost" for "across". Where does that "t" come from!

Also, it irks me when people say "astericks" instead of "asterisk", and the ever popular "eck cetera".

[pinkdog]

The plural of "bus" is "buses." Not "busses."

Actually, both spellings are correct. I feel sort of like a nitpicky brat for saying so, but that's what this thread is about, right?

I had a basketball coach who constantly told me to "get between she and the ball." That freaking drove me crazy. I know she was trying to sound edjumacated but, uh, she failed.

I am an English professor although you wouldn't know it from my posts here. Some of my favorite mistakes in student papers:

"He took it for granite."
"We had to rent are house for the summer."
"She had a very negatory attitude."