Grammar Discussions

[Foreigner]

Oxford isn't as bright as expected:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/educatio...-their-students-Cant-spell-read-or-think.html

Interesting reader comments.

 

[anat0l]

Oxford isn't as bright as expected:

Oxford University dons’ verdict on their students? 'Can’t spell, read or think' - Telegraph

Interesting reader comments.

Depends on the subject matter at hand, although for written pieces as assignments, not much excuse to be had. For exams where the conditions are considerably more stressful, barring the absolute importance of correctness in some cases and certainly allowing for clear communication, one can afford to be a bit more forgiving.

 

[tuapekastar]

Not so much grammar as common mispronunciations (or just plain getting it wrong) for common place names etc.

Heard recently, on mainstream news services - (multiple times, and are perennials: Princess Highway (should be Princes Highway - it is a main road in Victoria) and blah blah happened in The Kimberleys (should be The Kimberley). Mangling obscure place names I could forgive, but these are well known.

 

[SeatBackForward]

My eldest son started school this year, he was trying to convince me this morning that today was libary day.

I told him that's only in Febuary.

 

[dajop]

From The Age website today:

An arctic blast will hit Victoria this weekend, with the weather bureau predicting sub-zero temperatures, rain, hail, and blizzards.

Should that not be an antarctic blast ? Or is arctic blast just general usage for sh@#&*y cold winds?

 

[Deleted member]

I think Arctic refers to temperature rather than geographical origin. That said I agree with you

 

[Deleted member]

Plurals not done properly : 2 mothers in law. Not 2 mother in laws !

 

[JessicaTam]

From The Age website today:



Should that not be an antarctic blast ? Or is arctic blast just general usage for sh@#&*y cold winds?

I think it should be an antarctic blast. Antarctica is a specific region whence our cold winds come.

 

[JohnM]

I think it should be an antarctic blast. Antartica is a specific region from whence our cold winds come.

Exactly. Definitely should be Antarctic. Arctic blasts hit places in the N hemisphere. It is just that expression is much more common because of the greater land masses and countries that are close to the Arctic and are affected near there.

 

[Duffa]

I know it's not a grammar issue BUT. I detest Maroan instead of maroon

Yes indeed; Robinson Crusoe was Maroan'd on a desert island with nought but a TV, upon which to watch the State of Origin game.

 

[get me outta here]

That reminds me of the plural of cul de sac.

Plurals not done properly : 2 mothers in law. Not 2 mother in laws !

 

[JessicaTam]

That reminds me of the plural of cul de sac.

I don't think this topic is going to lead anywhere.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[Major]

I don't think this topic is going to lead anywhere.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

I agree Jess. This topic is a dead end

 

[SeatBackForward]

I agree Jess. This topic is a dead end

This thread can't be routed, now that it features a cul de sac.

 

[chelzmalee]

This thread can't be routed, now that it features a cul de sac.

Performing a U-turn at next available opportunity.

 

[JohnK]

Why have all the puns stopped? Nowhere to go?

 

[anat0l]

Why have all the puns stopped? Nowhere to go?

All routed?

 

[AviatorPJ]

Why have all the puns stopped? Nowhere to go?

No U turn?
Myanmar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjz0CMYfO-M

 

[defurax]

I think it should be an antarctic blast. Antartica is a specific region from whence our cold winds come.

From whence! Whence did that unnecessary "from" come from?

 

[coriander]

Antartica is a specific region whence our cold winds come.

is this Antartica region anywhere near the continent of Antarctica?