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WillowTheWhisp · 15-04-2005, 22:21

I agree that the content of a post is far more important than the spelling. That's as far as AccyWeb and message boards in general are concerned.

I do find it difficult sometimes when the grammar is very bad because it can lead to the meaning coming across totally different to what was intended and that in turn can lead to arguments between people who don't actually realise that in fact the have the same point of view but simply can't understand what the other is saying. This tends not to happen in face to face conversation because we can interrupt each other and ask for clarification.

One classic example of a grammatical error leading to an incorrect meaning is an ad on TV at present for Homebase hanging baskets. It states "Only two for £15.99 while stocks last" They are actually saying that you ONLY get two of them for your £15.99 while the present stocks last. (When they get new stock do they mean you may get more than two for that price?) What they are actually trying to say is that they only cost £15.99 for two while stocks last and that if/when they get new stock they will cost more than £15.99 for two. The latter is encouragement to purchase a bargain whereas he ad in fact is discouraging because it implies a rip-off.

In such cases grammar does matter. And I totally agree with Sparky about the ubiquitous apostrophe.

15-04-2005, 22:21	#81
WillowTheWhisp Resident Waffler Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Accrington, Hyndburn Posts: 18,142 Blog Entries: 14 Liked: 14 times Rep Power: 1062	Re: Wot not How. I agree that the content of a post is far more important than the spelling. That's as far as AccyWeb and message boards in general are concerned. I do find it difficult sometimes when the grammar is very bad because it can lead to the meaning coming across totally different to what was intended and that in turn can lead to arguments between people who don't actually realise that in fact the have the same point of view but simply can't understand what the other is saying. This tends not to happen in face to face conversation because we can interrupt each other and ask for clarification. One classic example of a grammatical error leading to an incorrect meaning is an ad on TV at present for Homebase hanging baskets. It states "Only two for £15.99 while stocks last" They are actually saying that you ONLY get two of them for your £15.99 while the present stocks last. (When they get new stock do they mean you may get more than two for that price?) What they are actually trying to say is that they only cost £15.99 for two while stocks last and that if/when they get new stock they will cost more than £15.99 for two. The latter is encouragement to purchase a bargain whereas he ad in fact is discouraging because it implies a rip-off. In such cases grammar does matter. And I totally agree with Sparky about the ubiquitous apostrophe. __________________