Not really grammar but . . .

The word foyer. It is NOT foy-yer. It IS foy-yay.

Ian

I also hate when one of our news anchors says "busted".

Can't he use "arrested"?

Anyone remember the commercial where the guy informs his fellow (idiot) employee that, "No, we do NOT get 'French' benefits"?

I about blew a Coke out my nose the first time I heard that.

Let me agree with:

Then vs. than - I have seen them misused in newspapers.
Breaks vs. brakes.
Their vs. there, vs. they're.

Also, does anyone realize that "state of the art" is NOT a superlative? It means, the thing you are describing is at just the same level of technology as all other similar things onthe market!
But I am sure 95% of the people would argue that it means the thing described is in some way fantastic. I am sure I could have worded that more descriptively but the expression is as wrong as "I could care less".

If you axed me I could come up with some examples, just barely...

I work with a very fine, well educated, lovely young 36 year old mother of two girls that says that. I am SO tempted to correct her but I suppose the worst advice is ALWAYS the unsolicited advice/opinion. Eek, I almost cannot keep the judgement off my face when I hear it.

How about di-ent (soft i) instead of didn't.

Ian

It don't make NO difference.


OK kids, how about:

It's the same difference...

Not really grammatical, but the word is spelled "canceled." I think it's embarrassing that 80% of the time, even airports spell it with 2 "Ls."

huh?

Here in Indiana, I hate the term "onest" or "twiced". No, it is" once and twice". I cant stand that, but even Garrison Keiler says "twiced". so oh well.

"People of Color" That's a dangling modifier, and your sixth grade English teacher would correct you.

You wouldn't say "People of Blind", or People of Fat", You'd say "Blind People" or "Fat People".

Great point Hugh, right on.

Oh man, this reminds me of OCS Quantico: "Candidate! Orientate your map before youse can utilize (sounds smart) your perennial vision! And polish that ionized belt buckle!"

I'll bet all former Marines have some good stories from boot camp. I got a million of 'em.

Jack

Another one: why is "He is Risen" correct? Saw it on 90% of the homes in highland park around Easter (in Dallas).

Shouldn't it be, "He Has Risen", or, "He Rose"?

I think this one might actually be acceptable. Maybe "risen" is referring to a state a being, rather than a verb, and would therefore be an adjective, describing his state. Certainly it's been in common use in such a way, making this seem more grand or profound, for long enough that it's been accepted.

The only folks that I've ever heard use "axed" in that way were people that spoke ebonics. (not necessarily blacks, could be any race).

tangentially related

I share an office with a black guy. Really nice, grew up in NY and is a Jehova's Witness. I said something about someone being "well spoken" one day and he said, "what do you mean by that?" I said someone that speaks proper English, not ebonics or redneck any other form besides the proper form. He said it didn't bother him, but his wife is quick to jump on someone when they say that.

Interesting. I've traveled quite a bit and met people from all over, but I don't remember ever hearing either of those.

I believe it's actually correct, but I really hate to hear someone use "up" as a verb, especially in past tense, upped. Please, why can't we all just say raised or increased.

Wouldn't be PC :rolleyes:. Maybe we should use "tinted people".

ooooh, that one just makes me want to punch people in the friggin' face! add to that "supposably", "boughten" and a few others that I can't remember at the moment

both. looks like you found another one on my list