At The University of New Brunswick (points deducted for leaving out "The"), one of my engineering professors would not allow use of "the" in our reports or in our presentations. This practise was a bit difficult to get used to. However, continued practice promoted far better prose and speech.

I have a question for you Brits. I am the only person I know, other than my parents, who says, "I will try to do whatever.", instead of the commonly accepted, "I will try and do whatever." Is this bastardization of grammar acceptable where English is English?