Question about grammar

[ratchie]

Just a quick question, I know about the rules regarding correct grammar and punctuation, but what if people do not know the correct punctuation or spelling. For instance their there and they're are all spelled correctly, so would not show up as errors on a spell check, yet only one would be correct.
In a nutshell what happens if a person genuinely doesn't know they are making aforesaid errors.

Rachel

[Metropolis Man]

Just a quick question, I know about the rules regarding correct grammar and punctuation, but what if people do not know the correct punctuation or spelling. For instance their there and they're are all spelled correctly, so would not show up as errors on a spell check, yet only one would be correct.
In a nutshell what happens if a person genuinely doesn't know they are making aforesaid errors.

Rachel

Well, that's one of the reasons why we have great mods. They may gently point out to you via PM the correct useage of certain words for proper grammar. Usually if someone takes the time to reread their sentence carefully, they can catch stuff. I used "their" in my last sentence. It's a possessive. That's the key with their. It's going to refer to someone or a group of people — their sentence. They're always means they are. So, if you're confused about using they're, then just just say they are in the same context and see if it makes sense. With "there" you're usually talking about a place, although you sometimes here something like — "there now, you'll be alright."

I've come a long way with my own grammar. Commas are still a little confusing to me. If anyone wonders why I often use long em dashes ( — ) that's the exact reason...I'm a little rusty on where to place all the commas. 

[Schipperke]

Rachel, none of us is perfect - we all make mistakes from time to time.  As long as we all try our best, and are open to constructive criticism, I don't think it's a big deal.  Please don't let anxiety over possibly making a mistake stop you from contibuting to the forum.  If I thought I had to be perfect, I'd never open my mouth.  Then again, there have been times when keeping my trap shut would definitely have been a good idea! 

[Joria]

Ratchie, I talk a lot.  Type-talk, a lot.  I know I don't always use the best grammar and there are words I frequently misspell and my use of punctuation leaves much to be desired.  My experience is, unless you are being rude, obnoxious, or vulgar, no one is going to fuss overly much about it.  I don't recall anyone publicly correcting anyone on this forum.  Via pm, sure.  Publicly, haven't seen it.  So if you are concerned about possibly being embarrassed, please don't be.  Everyone here seems to genuinely care and respect everyone else and I highly doubt anyone will be banned from the forum for a few less commas or a misspelled word. 

[Swede1992]

As far as I know (i.e. as far as I've been a mod) I have never even seen so much as a warning given out to a person for misspelling a word. The warning system usually works in the way that you get 2, but not 3 warnings, if you know what I mean (Pam will make it very clear in the PM if it is to be counted as an official warning, so relax everybody! ). There is no tolerance for any spamming (results in immediate banning) and bad/rude behaviour usually goes up on warnings if serious, but never bad spelling. The last months we don't issue public notes when we correct anyone's posts anymore, but if it's a mistake we see a lot with one person we PM him/her saying so and what to do.

Also, I often go around here correcting people's posts, so please don't feel like you are any inconvenience or something! I'm happy to help out.

[ratchie]

Thanks everyone for the replies. My problem is lack of full stops and capital letters. I tend to let my fingers get ahead of my brain. Although I have to say the spell checker annoys me when it says that colour and grey are spelled incorrectly when its just a difference between British and American spelling of the words color and gray.
I have no intention of stopping posting so you are all stuck with me  I just have to spend a little extra time checking my punctuation.

Rachel

[Twinmum]

Although I have to say the spell checker annoys me when it says that colour and grey are spelled incorrectly when its just a difference between British and American spelling of the words color and gray.

I get that too. Sometimes I give in and let the spellchecker have it's way, sometimes I stick to my guns and leave the word as is because I know it's correct for Australia.

Norma

[Metropolis Man]

Yeah, guys — forget the fact about regional/country differences in spelling certain words. If colour/grey are correct wherever you call home, then that's good enough here too.

[Saltypaws]

With all of the new members here, it seems it takes alot longer to read everything, but one thing I have noticed, now since the spellchecker is here, is there is not near the amount of grammar issues like it use to be when it was a smaller forum.  Yes, we have the occasional rude person, but they don't usually last too long.  It seems everyone is doing such a remarkable job and I have to commend everyone on that.  We also understand the many different countries and languages and how difficult it must be sometimes to work so hard at chatting in these forums, but that is what makes this forum so unique.  Keep up the good work everyone.

[Pam]

The main purpose of the grammar rule is to keep people from deliberately using the common text speech in posts here.  It's just too difficult to read and even more difficult for those who don't speak English as a first language.  And to at least try to properly punctuate sentences...  again, because it can be difficult to read and understand.  But definitely, if someone isn't naturally a great speller or uses English as a secondary language, they won't get in trouble for it.  Most times, it will just be corrected in the post and if we notice a distinct pattern, a private message will be sent.  Many times, that's when I learn that someone isn't a native English speaker.

Regarding words like their, there, and they're, it can be confusing.  I'd even suggest looking up a grammar site on the internet and learning the difference.  It's something that will be an issue for an entire lifetime unless the problem is conquered.  In addition, my "door" is always open if anyone wants to ask questions or get clarification on anything.  Just send me a private message through the Forum and I'll answer as soon as I can. 

[Metropolis Man]

In addition, my "door" is always open if anyone wants to ask questions or get clarification on anything.  Just send me a private message through the Forum and I'll answer as soon as I can. 

Pam is the uber grammar pro, everyone. I can vouch for that. I've asked her on more than one occasion for clarity on some Guide articles. I'm convinced she talks in her sleep and recites grammar rules when she does so. She's that good.

[Esther1981]

When I first joined, I didn't use correct grammar. Not because I couldn't but it was because of all the years on yahoo and texting, you know, taking shortcuts and generally being too lazy to type out the entire word or sentence. Since I joined, I have noticed even on yahoo and texting I type the entire thing! My sister once even asked me about it, and I told her it was due to being a part of the forum and actually caring about what my typing looks like. So I want to thank Pam and all the other people who had a great impact on my spelling! Ratchie, you will find every single moderator and member on here are the sweetest people you would ever want to meet! I consider everyone on here my friend despite the fact I've never met them!

[Saltypaws]

I have been on this site for a year now and what a difference.  I lurked for a while, because I am kinda shy, hmm, that might not be the best word to describe me or slow, not that one either, any case, you are right Esther, even though have not met anyone here, seems like ya know them just the same.  I enjoy my time on here, even though Sat through tues, I rarely get to play because of work and then when I am off, I really enjoy getting caught up with everything.  Everyone keep up the good work, the members is what makes the difference.

[Bde1225]

I have never been a grammar pro myself-but I don't use text talk unless I am texting. Since I got my message about capitalizing my I's, I am going to start using word to check my post before posting anything. I think it does a good job in catching everything.