natebates.com

Ugh, I hate bad grammar.

I was watching a TV clip on the web about Chelsea Clinton campaigning for her mom. It was a new story but referenced an event a few months old when Chelsea was asked a question by some 10 year old reporter. According to the transcription, Chelsea said (roughly) “I’m sorry, I don’t talk to the press and that applies to you, unfortunately, even though I think your cute.”

“Your” vs “you’re” is such a basic skill but I see it misused everywhere! And certainly the people in the media with communications degrees should be able to get it right! I was so pissed that I actually looked it up and found one source that suggested it was a third grade skill.

Criticism is one of my talents, but I really don’t think proper use of “your” and “you’re” is too much to ask. I have a few grammar standards for myself (e.g. I try to use “fewer” and “less” properly (and also “e.g.” and “i.e.”)) and I don’t fault others if they don’t know any better, but I just might think less of you if you use “your” when you should be using “you’re” and vice versa. I’ll forgive you in conversation, but not if it’s in writing (haha, homophone joke, get it?)

I’m not great at English stuff, but I do find some of it interesting and enjoy the stuff that is nit picky (that term is gross in writing) and almost like a logic puzzle. Today, I was looking at one of my pint glasses and it said “Stolen Lame Pint Glass”. I did buy it from the bar, they were just being clever since there are definitely a few that make it out without being purchased. Anyhow, I realized that the adjectives were out of order. Why would I steal a “Lame Pint Glass”? I think the point they were making was that it’s lame because it’s stolen, in which case it should be labeled a “Lame Stolen Pint Glass”.