What is your English language pet peeve?

I remember a parody of Star Wars; Luke to Yoda.

"And what the hell is this way you talk anyhow? Verb comes before subject must, get it?"

Well, I thought it was funny at the time.

 

I seem to remember something like "stated the idea was" or maybe "open the door is". Is that what you mean?

 

'texted' (pp of 'to text') used to sound odd to me but now it doesn't. Guess I'm getting used to it.

Additionally, urban slang here uses 'went' and 'goes' as substitutes for 'said' and 'replied'. 'I went have you seen the latest Star Wars? and he goes no, I haven't got around to it yet.' It's bad enough when the kids say it but it has spread to modern adult comedians now. Suppose it's their way of identifying with younger audiences.

 

Went! Yes! Where did they go? Nowhere. Arghhhhrggghh!!

Then there is "I was like, 'how did you do that?' " Like? Really?

Gosh, there are more than I thought!

 

the grammar Nazis in this thread. sometimes I intentionally speak with pour grammer to (*)(*)(*)(*) them off

 

I don't really correct other people's grammar all that much. I'm still working on my own.

 

-and pour spelling.

 

someone got the joke

 

Improper use of contractions and possessives. Which is most irritating to me, because I so often make that mistake. I catch myself using "it's" as a possessive unconsciously, then having to go back and correct it.

On the other hand, there are rules of English I deliberately break to create better sentence flow or produce the pauses and rhythms of speech. I often start a sentence with a conjunction, just for the effect.



​

 

The one that gets me every time is the "not all Muslims are violent" mantra. I've heard it so many times it's getting on my last good nerve.

 

Yeah...like...I hate that....totally.

 

Oh you have it over there do you? I didn't know that. Actually, listening to Clinton yesterday sommat occurred to me - how can anyone say 'jarbs' when it's spelt 'jobs'?

 

I never noticed that! I gonna have ta listen more closely.

Hey, I just heard another one. "my friend just came back from London which I have never been there." Or "I need a new jacket which my old one is worn out." (Using "which" instead of "and, but, because", etc)

Then there are those Brits who say "It's time to go hoyme." Ok Ok Like "jarbs", that's dialect/accent, -not incorrect word usage.

Wow we could do plenty with that though.

 

I hate it when people don't put a punctuation mark at the end of their sentences

 

Agreed. Clarity is important, especially when the main characteristic of the conversation is a tendency to argue and fight over anything we can. Proofreading is also important in that case, but yes, punctuation and capitalization rules of writing should be followed (or learned if it was missed in school).

 

You really should use just four periods there: there for the ellipsis plus one more to mark the end of the sentence. Since you asked and all.

 

Here's a good one for everybody: have you ever said something like this? "If I would have known they were going on sale, I would not have bought my t-shirts last week." (It's supposed to be "If I had known ....)

I don't know how this happens, but my suspicion is that people, just as when they misuse "I", are trying to sound erudite by saying "I would," thinking that they are fully articulating "If I'd known."

But "If I'd known" means "If I HAD known," not "If In would have known ...."

 

Funny.....yeah, old habit of mine when I'm typing, adding more than 1 period.....oh well! Works for me!

I've been ranted and raved at on PF by just 1 person for abbreviating some words like 'b/c'=because, 'm/b'=maybe, 'thru'=through, 'tho'ts'=thoughts, etc.......leaves that person totally confused.

There is a speech pattern that drives me bonkers and that's the 'you know' people.... " blah, blah, blah, you know, blah blah you know blah blah blah you know".....sometimes it's 'you know what I mean?' But it's the constant interrupters when I just get up and say "I'm out of here' and I am......

And there's those whom you'll say something to and they'll turn right around and say just what you said, only in different words, like it's their original tho't and I'll say 'I just said that' and they'll have a dumb expression on their face.......

 

I was just trolling about the periods to be a faux grammar nazi because you don't like grammar Nazis. Don't taze me, Bro!

 

Speaking of the Brits, they also say 'keep your pecker up' to someone, man or woman, who's down and depressed......

 

No problem - I knew it was good natured and I ain't a 'bro'......

 

I never bother people about it in casual conversation, but I have a few that bug me when people use them repeatedly:

1) Apostrophes used in plural words "Go Viking's!"
2) Quotation marks used for emphasis. "No hiring for 'all' positions."
3) People who say "Sooner than later" rather than "Sooner rather than later."
4) Positive use of the word "anymore." "Anymore, I go to the corner store for my gas."

Those last two aren't necessarily errors, but they are pet peeves.

 

Actual quote from a cousin of mine:

"I seen the truck coming towards me from down the road."

 

Totally confused? You wished. I enjoy your junior high text-like bs. It reminds me to check my kids messages.

Toodles.