Punctuation!

[MrsH]

A pet topic of mine, I've been told that I'm quite intolerant of poor punctuation although I never claim to be perfect myself!

I like the exclamation mark. On a forum where sometimes the written word can come across as a bit harsh, I find the exclamation mark can often show that whatever has been written should not be taken too seriously.

The apostrophe causes many problems, but I hope it never disappears from use.

[Elaine]

My punctuation and grammar is probably not the best but guess what? I dont really care that much as there are bigger things in life to worry about.

[babycakes]

Thanks DM I now have a spell checker (was tempted there to throw in!!!!!!!!!!!!.........................)?????????? ?

[dandysmom]

Originally Posted by babycakes

Thanks DM I now have a spell checker (was tempted there to throw in!!!!!!!!!!!!.........................)?????????? ?

Thank goodness for Tom....now if we could only teach it the difference between hew and hue, etc.,

[Moli]

I had it drummed into me as a child, always speak properly, always use good grammer, and puncuation was another one....My mother was a stickler for all these things...
But on here, its different, cannot see the need to be perfect....I see Catsey as fun, and puncuation does not matter so much....If I was writing a letter then yes, but on here not so important...

[Kim]

Yola, your reply could have been mine as I agree with everything you have written!! My favourite subject at school was English and I love it, spelling and punctuation matter a lot to me. I hate text speak. I use the semi colon quite a lot and also '.........' (I also use exclamation marks too much as well!!!)

[alexgirl73]

I like punctuation as much as the next person but on a forum like this I don't always see it as being completely necessary, especially when you are typing fast in response to a funny comment or such like. And as for the abbreviations, I use them a lot and so do others and I think they help communicate that fact that humour is being used.

[Elaine]

lol!!!

[angieh]

I love all your replies - shows a width and depth of appreciation of language and an understanding of the needs of those with special needs - thanks for that babycakes.

I am very conscious of my over use of the exclamation mark, but as MrsH says, it shows that whatever has been said should not be taken too seriously, especially when body language cannot be taken into account. I could be frowning, grinning, laughing and you would not know!!!!!!!

I do text but I can't use predictive text as I don't know how - but think where English MAY be in 20 or so years time when some of those things are accepted into everyday speak. That is, after all, how language develops. It would be bad for it to stagnate.

My worst bugbear is the incorrect use of the apostrophe (as per Eats Shoots and Leaves). I have been tempted to go out at night to a sign that is on the road side not far from me that says "LOG'S FOR SALE". I keep having to tell myself that far worse things happen than someone puts in an apostrophe where it's not needed!) (that's a too)

[dandysmom]

I'm definitely a purist when it comes to formal English, but not so much on here, as it's fun/informal. And I shall probably continue to overuse !!! and ....

But pretty please do not split infinitives: as a former English major that sets my teeth on edge (joke, you can't read my expression)

Great thread, Angie!!