The poor use of grammar, as opposed to the misuse of words, is equally important. Many people will know the classic 'Eats shoots and leaves', as a good example of how a couple of commas can completely change the meaning of a simple sentence.
That's interesting. I've just googled it and one source says Mandarin is number one with 1.1 - 1.3 billion people, then Spanish with 471 million and English is third with 370 million speakers. Hindi is fourth. Unless you're talking about English as a second language, which is apparently spoken by 978 million people, in which case it gets too complicated for me because it involves sums. How the hell do they work out these numbers?
The important thing to remember......can you understand what the writer is trying to get across.....if the answer is yes job done. He may a guy like me who didnt do very well in school as you can prob tell by my grammar.....it seems its quite bad....as people like you keep telling me on-line. I life we all have some skills....some have beter skills than others....but I dont think many get told.... But people who like PROPPER GRAMMER seem to be only to keep to point out others short coming as I know to my cost. Saying that to be honest....I am not arsed. Please feel free to correct me.
I would not dream of correcting you and I agree that the most important thing is to be able to understand what the writer is trying to get across. But there are occasions when grammar can help and if it is used badly then the meaning is lost. The very point of grammar is to help other people understand. As for school, I was pretty shit at maths and other than basic arithmetic could never see the point (although I can now..I think ).
This forum is used by people from different areas of the world and for the purpose of communicating with others about Triumph motorcycles. My native language Is Dutch and I guess that there are other members with primary languages that are not English. If we keep in mind why fellow motorcyclists are communicating here and where they might be from, or what their educational level might be, maybe we can simply enjoy the privilege of using this forum. I know that I also am one one who’s use of the English language is imperfect, but after reading the criticism of fellow riders, it is obvious to me that those who criticize others should maybe start perfecting theirs own use of the written language. My excuse for being less than perfect in communicating my motorcycle opinions is the fact that English is not my native language… so, critics, what is your excuse? I hope that my lack of linguistic ability did not cause the meaning of my writing to be misunderstood or even be missed completely. By the way, I am enjoying my Triumph tiger 900 pro but I can assure you that it is NOT perfect either; of course, neither are any of the many motorcycles I have owned. It seems as though that is also the case with people; isn’t it?
I am not offended and I think many of us are not. It is however, quite possible that some people were offended. Your apology was clear and I think will be understood, regardless of any possible linguistic imperfections. Have a nice rest of your day and remember to be nice to everyone as long as they’re nice to you. You seem to be a nice person
It is 05:47 here in Louisiana and I am retired, so ima gonna go back to sleep now. This ole man really needs his beauty sleep. Maybe I’ll go ride that Tiger later today
It is 05:47 here in Louisiana and I am retired, so ima gonna go back to sleep now. This ole man really needs his beauty sleep. Maybe I’ll go ride that Tiger later today
Why is it millenials use the past tense inappropriately, at a place of business for example, I am asked "what was your name, or what was your phone number? ". At a food outlet, " did you want fries with that?" I may be older, but I'm not dead yet.
Okay old man… you are obviously alive! I am a “baby boomer” … 70 years old and I understand what they mean when I get those questions. Are you sure you are referring to millennials? My children are millennials and they don’t fit your description of millennials at all. Many even younger generations don’t fit that description either. The bottom line is that you understand what they mean, old man. I’m 70 and if you are older than I am, please take some advice from this young man… chill!! There are currently many more serious problems in the world. In case you are younger than I am, take the advice from this ,not as young as you, person. Ima try to go back to sleep now. Please, fellow “bikers”, why not just enjoy your motorcycles? Just twist the throttle and let the wind blow your aggravations and frustrations away
well, I’m obviously still awake ( not to be mistaken for “woke”). I do understand what you mean, but this conversation started by criticizing people who are not knowledgeable enough of the English language to be perfect at it. Being one of those people, I felt a need to explain for myself and others in that group. I was also trying to remind some others of their privilege to own and enjoy motorcycles and to focus on the positives. The abuse of language you are referring to will unfortunately only get worse. We won’t be able to fix that; we are seriously outnumbered.
Gotten is very much a real word. It's one of those so-called Americanisms that was just an Englishism at the time the colonies were founded and, in the intervening centuries, has dropped out of use on this side of the pond.
Not trying to keep you awake , but I actually think the topicstarters' grievance is with native English speakers not speaking their own language correctly. I have never on here seen criticism of language used by non-native speakers.
