Grammar is Your Friend

If you are over the age of 12 I expect you to know the difference between “your” and “you’re.” And I expect you to use them correctly – ESPECIALLY if you’re going to post your thoughts publicly on a blog or social media site.

If you use these (and other words) incorrectly and not according to grammatical standards, I will consider you illiterate. Sound harsh? Well, I think it’s time to get tough on people who abuse the English language.

I currently have 2 Brazilian house guests who were enrolled in English courses from the time they arrived in NYC. Eager to learn the language they have immersed themselves in studies only to be met with incompetent instructors (one who believes that a comma should separate a subject and a predicate – and if you don’t know what those are I don’t want to know you) and inconsistencies. How are people from other countries expected to learn English when Americans don’t know the difference between “there,” “their” and “they’re????”

This infuriates me. I know my grammar isn’t always perfect, but I try. And if I get stumped, I look it up. There are great sites out there that are easy to follow and make the explanations easy (try Grammar Girl, or if you want to laugh AND learn try The Oatmeal).

In this world of social media, we are constantly putting our words out into the world. It’s a representation of who we are. And most of you are complete idiots. Sorry.

Photo Credit: sodahead.com