Okay, I'll say it out loud, "The Passive Observer is sick of reading shitty grammar online."
Now people who read my blog (well, there's always an optimist in me) I have taken up similar topics from time to time. (in particular
Here and
Here)
So here are a few pointers.
P.S This is to ensure that you don't sound like a fool when you talk and more importantly I don't punch you in the face)
1.You Say: At a Crossroad
You should Say: At a Crossroads
Yes, with an 's'. Cause a crossroads is when two roads meet and so is always plural.
If you learnt this today, you have just reached a crossroads in your life.
2.You Say: Less
You Should Say: Fewer
Keep this in mind, use fewer when specifying a number of countable things.
For eg: 200 words or fewer and not 200 words or less.
Reserve less for mass nouns
Exception: It is customary to use the word less to describe time, money, and distance. For example, you could say, “That wedding reception lasted less than two hours. I hope they paid the band less than $400.” So keep in mind that time, money, and distance are different, but if you stick with the quick and dirty tip that less is for mass nouns and fewer is for count nouns, you'll be right most of the time.
3.You Say: Irregardless
You Should Say: Regardless or Irrespective
Why? Because Irregardless is redundant. the prefix -ir is negative and so is the suffix -less. Little bit of googling tells me this word has its origins in early 20th Century, nevertheless most dictionaries list it as non-standard or incorrect. So please use regardless.
4. The Can I/May I deal
Person 1: Can I have some tea?
Person 2: I don'y know if you can, but you may.
Person 1: * red faced*
Bear in mind, "can" illustrates ability, whereas, "may" is used to ask permission.
5.You Say: Past History
*Before anything I punch you in the face
Why? because all History is Past you moron.
That's it for now.
[P.S I had to be super careful while writing this because a slip up here on my side could have been embarrassing. Anyway if you do see a typo/grammatical error please note that in all probability it is due to severe inebriation]-kidding
Plus, before I leave don't sweat too much about this cause in modern-day casual english half of this stuff doesn't really matter but well sounding smarter sure doesn't hurt does it?
-TPO Out
(amoghsood signing off)