Word Ways, February 1st, 2005
Literacy is in a parlous state. Whether the causes lie in our educational system, the influences of the mass media, the jargon and informality of e-mail, or some other factors, I will leave to others to determine.
Even as language standards decline, they merit a spirited defense. Today, errors of usage, grammar, and spelling proliferate in both written and spoken communication, and cry out for correction. But is it wise to point out such solecisms, especially when they are committed by strangers? The consequences can't always be predicted.
Following are three of my own experiences in this ...
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