[Hellion]

Ok so from the way I understand it, and what my most memorable grammar teacher in highschool implied is in formal situations and papers you want to obviously focus on grammar and get it right...for a professional feel. But in informal conversations and what not its not such a concern. My moms boyfriend is under the impression if you don't always use perfect almost 'british' english at all times you'll appear ignorant and stupid and always corrects my mom, me, my brother and others about grammer...even if it means rudely interrupting to point it out. So just wanted an outside consensus, on if people really care that much about grammer in informal conversations or if he's being dramatic? But yeah he'll like even correct my mom in public if she's talking to someone and makes a minor grammar error, and I think that probably makes it awkward for everyone.

I don't really pay that much attention to grammar, although I think my grammar is reasonably good, for the most part. Of course, the problem can be that if you use poor grammar in informal situations, it's more difficult to use proper grammar when it counts. You have to think about how you're speaking... or writing... because you're not used to doing so using correct grammar.

Personally, I'd say your mom's bf is either showing off or he was toilet trained with a shotgun! What you describe is, to my way of thinking just rude. On the other hand it is certainly true, I would say, that people judge other people to some extent by their use of language (both spoken & written.) So if one wants to get ahead in life, using good grammar is certainly a plus.

[AstridLovelight]

Correcting other people's grammar in casual conversation is just rude and pedantic. To me it implies that the person doing the correcting isn't interested in what is being said, but only in being seen as more intelligent than the other person. I think it's often about trying to establish a position of control and power. So tell your mom's boyfriend he ain't got no business doing that and to get off that high horse of his.

I think strictly correct grammar can be reserved for formal writing. Lots of novels don't even use it. Almost everyone uses more informal speech around their friends.

I'm one of those people who goes around wanting to add or delete apostrophes when they're used incorrectly, BUT:

PEOPLE'S FEELINGS ARE ALWAYS MORE IMPORTANT THAN GRAMMAR.

Improper grammar only bothers me if it impairs communication. I'm certainly not grading any posts here on grammar. Or spelling

[gayleggg]

Incorrect grammar does bother me but I would never correct someone else. My ex-husband used to correct mine, so I know how it feels and I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

[tradika]

If your at work or school it matters.

[magical loser]

my spelling + grammar are terrible because im thick

people are always correcting it instead of answering my questions or telling me im an idiot for it. it gets really annoying its not like i do it on purpose!

[-jimi-]

People don't seem to understand spoken language is much, much bigger than written language. We SHOULD not speak as we write. Spoken language is a living thing and people just need to accept that.

[tradika]

Written language is as much alive as written language. That does not mean it is a good to use all the new dictionary and slang words to impress your boss. Communication is the goal. If you have a break down of communication then anything you said has went out the window.

[pegasus]

Hello Hellion,

Mmm.... your Mother's boyfriend has a big parental part in his personality, that means he feels he has to correct people for minor digressions of tradition and ritual. Of course doing so in front of other people is not going to impress anyone, maybe you could point out gently that it is rude and embarrassing to do so.

[ManOfConstantSorrow]

Consider this gem from our beloved Prime Minister:

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron)
April 27, 2014
It's unacceptable there's a loophole allowing paedophile "training manuals", that's why I want to protect children by making them illegal.

[pegasus]

Originally Posted by ManOfConstantSorrow

Consider this gem from our beloved Prime Minister:

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron)
April 27, 2014
It's unacceptable there's a loophole allowing paedophile "training manuals", that's why I want to protect children by making them illegal.

Yes, let's make children illegal!

[H3rmit]

Originally Posted by pegasus

Yes, let's make children illegal!

Yes, that would help to solve the problem of resource over-consumption.

.

[-jimi-]

LOL, I love that kind of stuff. I remember a debate when SSRIs were new and there were already some bad stuff about them. An "expert" stated that no matter what anyone said "SSRIs are VERY efficient against depressed people!"

[possum220]

My mum always used the queen's english. She expected everybody to pronounce words correctly. Mum grew up in England. She emigrated to Australia. I grew up in Australia. She was always on my back about my pronunciation. She hated it when I used slang words. She always split hairs between the use of the words dirt and soil. Her constant source of correction wore me down. She never did change. It drove me batty.

Proper grammar is useful in helping people to understand you. But being uptight about it is cruel.