This is one of my biggest pet peeves. YOUR
DOES NOT mean the same thing as YOU ARE.
The misuse of language is appalling. Maybe it's because I'm a writer, but it genuinely irritates me.
Look at it this way. What is language? What are words? They are symbols. What are symbols? A symbol is something that represents something else, something that has meaning. So, what are words? A word is a symbol. Words have assigned
meanings.
If you use the wrong word, what you're saying is invalid. If you use the wrong word, what you're saying CHANGES meaning, and you're not saying what you think you're saying.
Why is that so complex? Why do so many people fail to realize that? It's not JUST improper grammar, people.
It's a gross misuse of communication, a misuse of our symbols. Not to anger anyone, but a good example of the misuse of symbols is that of the swastika. It originally means something akin to good luck. It's on gravestones and various monuments across the world. Hitler came in, twisted the symbol a little bit, and changed its meaning, its connotation. It's now associated with death and destruction.
Please use the correct words so that what you're saying is valid.
I'm going to be writing all day, so I won't be around much. Did I mention chapter four is posted? You can find it
HERE.
UPDATE:
You can also read chapter five
HERE, now posted!!
Comments (19)
Confusing "you're" and "your" is just lazy. People don't get that they are supposed to be communicating. The misuse of apostrophes, putting them where they don't belong and not putting them where they do, also makes me nuts. Don't even get me started on those who can't distinguish "too" from "to." Great post!
Hehehe, I was hoping someone would write about that. Or else I would've done so myself. XD I'm not a writer per say, but it does bother me when I see it used incorrectly...
My bad:):):)
@EmilyandAtticus - The one that gets me is people who can't tell the difference between accept and except. They aren't even remotely the same.
I totally get what you're saying!
It's YER
Your wright.
@Rob_of_the_Sky - And then there's "affect" and "effect" -- I don't get it! :)
@amateurprose - Oh not you to! ;)
THEN and THAN pisses me off too.
It's just laziness on those peoples' parts. For something so simple, you'd think that everyone would do it correctly. smh
And I'll get around to reading your chapters soon - I just finished a book I was reading so I can start on yours :)
Their is just two much hear too understand
Sometimes I deliberately choose the wrong word to make a more subtle point, other times I type too fast and don't catch my error, but most of the time I proof read what I have written, at least quickly. I believe I owe that courtesy to my reader.
Now ain't dat sumptin, how sum pepul ken reck there englushes?
I like people to follow certain standards too, but it's the expression that really turns me on!
@twilike - People making mistakes and not correcting them is just plain lazy.
I understand what you're saying though. Hehhe it's almost as bad as us arguing about nothing.
Language is the most basic foundation of any society, without it there can be no communication of needs or wants, no way to tell others of dangers or windfalls. Every aspect of human society is controlled by how we use or misuse the tool of our words. Like any tool, when used properly it can enhance, create and build our lives, misused it can, and often will, hurt us in more ways than we will realize until much later.
"The basic tool for the manipulation of reality is the manipulation of words. If you can control the meaning of words, you can control the people who must use the words." ~ Philip K. Dick
It's how I tell complete idiots from people with decent intelligence levels. It's a good warning sign, to if an individual will infuriate me to the point of violence or not.
ur write.