The FastDay Forum

I remember the rules but I don't always apply them these days. I never use text-speak, not even when texting! I tend to type as I speak, hearing myself say it in my head so it comes out as if I were talking. I wouldn't have a problem saying "And another thing...." which would generally be the start of a new sentence if I were speaking out loud! Misspellings and bad grammar annoy me but I'm sure there are some whoppers in what I have already typed so I tend to wince and overlook it. To this day I'm never sure when to put an apostrophe in "it's" - no matter how many times I read the explanations they just don't sink in.

I can distinctly remember have to write my english essays with a fountain pen, joined up writing and using my little finger to space my words apart AND make sure that there were ten words per line so as not to let my handwriting become too large! Bet they don't teach THAT these days!!! (Oops, there's a corker example of my lazy grammar!)

What is that expression about "judging and being not judged"? Or maybe it should be a case of "people who live in glass houses...."? (I can remember that one! haha) I know that they don't focus on spelling and grammar so much in school so it I feel it is a lack of education issue rather than a human one.

Typo's in or on publications and general signage are a bigger pill for me to swallow....

I was taught that in school too, but it is incorrect, it's fine to start a sentence with 'And' or 'But' if you want to. It's not a modern thing either, the bible is full of sentences starting with 'And', even Fowler's grammar agrees.
That said I don't like it, and go to great lengths to edit it out of all the texts I translate and proofread!

[Tracieknits]

Starting a sentence with "and" implies agreement with the previous statement - most commonly another speaker's statement.

Nicky_94 is correct, and here is one citation http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/conjunctions.htm (scroll down to the blue box).

I'm not sure you needed to be rude to Creaky Pete. Blasting him for writing poetry on a dietary forum is a bit odd for someone (erroneously) complaining about grammar on a diet forum.

Ooh it's like being back at school.

I would much rather people feel free to contribute to this forum and not be frightened of being criticised for poor grammar or spelling.

Yes it bugs me too and i'm sure I am as guilty as the rest.

Please don't judge people on how they write. I really do admire those having the confidence to write on here and also those whose English is their second language.

Steps down from soap box.

Lesley

I go for tolerance myself. Not a subject worth getting upset about when other people make mistakes. Possibly worth getting annoyed about when you inadvertently make them yourself. Proof reading- or rather lack of it-is probably often to blame.

Pots and kettles, DavidF, I generally can't make sense of your posts...

And no returns!

Pots and kettles, DavidF, I generally can't make sense of your posts...

And no returns!

I second that @creakypete And could have answered this morning a 10-20am saying you do write some bull****

Just checked in to see why your post has gone on so long!!!!

[quote="Nicky_94"]I was taught that in school too, but it is incorrect, it's fine to start a sentence with 'And' or 'But' if you want to. It's not a modern thing either, the bible is full of sentences starting with 'And', even Fowler's grammar agrees.
That said I don't like it, and go to great lengths to edit it out of all the texts I translate and proofread![/quote h


I did wonder how was going to come out with one.

A change of paragraph indicates a change of subject, so how can a paragraph begin with an "and"?

If a subject has been done erroneously in the past doesn't mean it's right....

Pots and kettles, DavidF, I generally can't make sense of your posts...

And no returns!

I'm very happy to explain any you are unsure of.

Pots and kettles, DavidF, I generally can't make sense of your posts...

And no returns!

I second that @creakypete And could have answered this morning a 10-20am saying you do write some bull****

Just checked in to see why your post has gone on so long!!!!

As your post is abusive I'll disregard it as a matter of course!

[janeg]

Please can we make an effort to keep this post civil and good natured?
If it deteriorates into bickering , I will lock it.
Constructive answers, please.

Janeg, it's only the wee lads having a scrap in the playground, no harm done, hopefully they will kiss, no tongues please, and make up soon,

Ballerina x

Please can we make an effort to keep this post civil and good natured?
If it deteriorates into bickering , I will lock it.
Constructive answers, please.

Exactly what I was gong to suggest.

Kettle pot etc yes I make cuts. If anything I do such as.... gets to anyone I'm very happy to listen.

My answer to creaky pete, I felt, was in keeping with his post.

My pet hate at the moment is spoken, and is people starting a sentence with SO which lots of folk on the radio seem to do nowadays. I'm not sure if it grammatically incorrect but it sounds wrong and sloppy.

Hi,

This is just a thought.

I was taught in school never to start a sentence with the word "and" or but if it comes that.

I see there is an increasing trend, not just here but elsewhere too for starting sentences and even paragraphs with the word "and".

To me the word "and" by definition connects two parts of sentence, therefore beginning a sentence with that word is a grammatical nonsense.

Who is right?


David

Does it really matter that much! If people have good intentions and try to write as best they can, even if they are incorrect, I think it's their intentions which matter and not the grammar! We aren't here to criticise each other about the 'ands' and 'buts': I thought we were here to give each other support and some of us need that a lot, so let's stop nitpicking!
Sorry, but just had to speak out on this one...