The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #163204   Message #3891077
Posted By: Mr Red
29-Nov-17 - 03:36 AM
Thread Name: We must stop correcting grammar
Subject: RE: We must stop correcting grammar
Correcting grammar may avoid errors of communication. Language is communication. Pure and simple.

Life ain't binary nor is language. The rule should be - can the other person understand?

English is full of homophones, homonyms and nuances. What you say is perfectly understandable to you. But does it communicate?

And are the receivers actually listening - grammar is a two-way process.

case in point that has no real resolution is: A through B is the same as A to B inclusive in the UK we may understand the former (depending on context) but does the US understand the latter?

And I always try to say "in the circumstances" which a lot of people would not notice and prefer "under" - but logic (not a hard and fast rule in English) should tell you circum surrounds you, not on top of you. Does it matter - not in this case but there are cases and they only reveal themselves when it costs you money, time or even life.

Anyone remember those temporary road signs that said "Wait while red light shows"? In Yorkshire** (predominantly) while means until. There were accidents with people who "knew" what it meant but took a chance by invoking Yorshirese in their defence.

** roses of other colours are available.