Question for the grammar nazis

hairyprincess

There is a business that I frequent periodically. They have a few glaringly obvious grammar and spelling mistakes, how do I handle this? Each time I go there my eyes bleed, I can't cope with it anymore.

Question is, should I tell them or not? And how do I do it?

endacl

You get over it.

Errare humanum est.

anncoates

Is it a burden being so fabulously clever?

Tell them it's driving away customers

Donkey Oaty

They're all just a bunch of ill, educated peasant's.

gg2

No offence to you in particular OP, but any time I see anyone getting all worked up over bad grammar, I can't help but wonder if you seriously have absolutely nothing better to do with life. I think its just because its something I can't really understand and really don't see what the big fuss is about.

If I were you and it annoyed me to this extent, I just wouldn't go there anymore

PaulieC

I recent that folk who like correct spelling, punctuation and grammer are called nazi. its not der fault

MadYaker

Is it a bar? Drink more and you'll forget about it.

endacl

bluewolf wrote: »

Tell them it's driving away customers

No.

Tell them it's driving away customer's.

gg2

anncoates wrote: »

Is it a burden being so fabulously clever?

That is brilliant! I think I may add that to my CV - I am fabulously clever:D

gg2

gg2 wrote: »

No offence to you in particular OP, but any time I see anyone getting all worked up over bad grammar, I can't help but wonder if you seriously have absolutely nothing better to do with life. I think its just because its something I can't really understand and really don't see what the big fuss is about.

If I were you and it annoyed me to this extent, I just wouldn't go there anymore

It looks unprofessional and sloppy
And if they can't get the basics right, what else do they skimp on?

Rosy Posy

"...perseverare diabolicum"

Raze the establishment to the ground, op, it's for the greater good.

Arthur Beesley

I sit beside a grammar / spelling pedant at work. It gives me great pleasure to catch him out.

gg2

bluewolf wrote: »

It looks unprofessional and sloppy
And if they can't get the basics right, what else do they skimp on?

OP said it was a business she frequents regularly so they must be doing something right.
Personally, it would depend on the type of business, but if it was my local corner shop, or boutique that I liked or a restaurant I enjoyed, I wouldn't get my knickers in a twist over it. And I wouldn't be thinking "Oh they spelled that word wrong - I bet its really horse meat they are using!".

OP give us some examples!

gg2

gg2 wrote: »

OP said it was a business she frequents regularly so they must be doing something right.
Personally, it would depend on the type of business, but if it was my local corner shop, or boutique that I liked or a restaurant I enjoyed, I wouldn't get my knickers in a twist over it. And I wouldn't be thinking "Oh they spelled that word wrong - I bet its really horse meat they are using!".

OP give us some examples!

Maybe. Still annoying though

There was a pub in a nearby place with a sign up advertising "lunch been served"
I wonder how many people didn't bother going in because it was saying lunch is over

Peregrine

Can't be as bad my barber/hairdresser place.

wendell borton

I'm a grammar commie, grammar for the people!

hairyprincess

bluewolf wrote: »

It looks unprofessional and sloppy
And if they can't get the basics right, what else do they skimp on?

That's exactly it. However they are the only one of it's kind in the area. I would need to travel 45 mins to an hour to get to any other so I don't really have any option but to go there.

Badly Drunk Boy

gg2 wrote: »

OP said it was a business she frequents regularly so they must be doing something right.
Personally, it would depend on the type of business, but if it was my local corner shop, or boutique that I liked or a restaurant I enjoyed, I wouldn't get my knickers in a twist over it. And I wouldn't be thinking "Oh they spelled that word wrong - I bet its really horse meat they are using!".

OP give us some examples!

She might still frequent it but the fact that she started this thread indicates that she may be thinking of ending her business with them (but probably not), or that she likes their business and doesn't want them to look unprofessional to others.

hairyprincess

Badly Drunk Boy wrote: »

She might still frequent it but the fact that she started this thread indicates that she may be thinking of ending her business with them (but probably not), or that she likes their business and doesn't want them to look unprofessional to others.

I wouldn't be doing it out of nastiness, I'm a helpful kind of person, so it's the unprofessional view that I would be taking. And the fact that the mistakes are very simple makes it more embarrassing for them imo.

The Hill Billy

Right them a letter...

Dear Sir/Madam,

The grammar in you're signage is upsetting to customers & there not happy about it.

You're's sincerely,

...

gg2

hairyprincess wrote: »

That's exactly it. However they are the only one of it's kind in the area. I would need to travel 45 mins to an hour to get to any other so I don't really have any option but to go there.

so you are unhappy with their service beyond the grammar and spelling?

endacl

bluewolf wrote: »

Maybe. Still annoying though

There was a pub in a nearby place with a sign up advertising "lunch been served"
I wonder how many people didn't bother going in because it was saying lunch is over

There's a pub in Rathfarnham - I won't name it to spare their blushes - that has an off licence business attached. Locals will probably be identify it. Anyway, this pub has, emblazoned across its rear wall in foot-high letters, a sign that reads "wine's from all over the world". This is funny on two levels. Firstly, there's the obvious change to the meaning of the statement, and secondly, there's the fact that the new meaning is even less factually correct than what had been intended in the first place.

Add to this that the sign has been up now for the guts of 20 years.

It's funny, but it doesn't bother me. I wouldn't refuse to go there because of the sign. I'd refuse to go because the pub's a bit crap. That's a story for another thread though...

hairyprincess

gg2 wrote: »

so you are unhappy with their service beyond the grammar and spelling?

No I'm not saying that, I'm just saying the option isn't really there. This place is 10 minutes away so it's convenient.

Granted the place an hour away is a better establishment. But I do enough driving as is so this place is grand.

Legs.Eleven

Grammar Nazis would go absolutely loo-la if they lived in Madrid. You see really badly translated English everywhere, even on stuff sold in the shops on the packaging. Took a photo a year or so ago of a very typical menu translation in a restaurant here. Hilarious:

https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/622363/304738.jpg

Legs.Eleven

Legs.Eleven wrote: »

Grammar Nazis would go absolutely loo-la if they lived in Madrid. You see really badly translated English everywhere, even on stuff sold in the shops on the packaging. Took a photo a year or so ago of a very typical menu translation in a restaurant here. Hilarious:

https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/622363/304738.jpg

Ah that's different though for non native speakers like


HP I would say it to them lightly as a "by the way"

endacl

hairyprincess wrote: »

No I'm not saying that, I'm just saying the option isn't really there. This place is 10 minutes away so it's convenient.

Granted the place an hour away is a better establishment. But I do enough driving as is so this place is grand.

*puts on 'grammar nazi' hat*

'This place'?

Are you currently (not presently :mad:) located at, in or near the establishment in question? If not, your grammar is incorrect.

/thread.

HeidiHeidi

hairyprincess wrote: »

That's exactly it. However they are the only one of it's kind in the area. I would need to travel 45 mins to an hour to get to any other so I don't really have any option but to go there.

Oh the irony

(I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist)

hairyprincess

There are three mistakes in a short paragraph, 5 or 6 lines. One is the use of 'out' instead of 'our' - a simple slip of the finger on the keyboard, I get that, I've done it myself. The second is the misuse of 'there, their' and the third has slipped my mind.
My point is they are simple mistakes that a quick read back or checking with somebody else probably would have shown up. And they would be easy to fix, the wording is on a screen so no big loss of monies on signage/printing.

Hell Ram

gg2 wrote: »

No offence to you in particular OP, but any time I see anyone getting all worked up over bad grammar, I can't help but wonder if you seriously have absolutely nothing better to do with life. I think its just because its something I can't really understand and really don't see what the big fuss is about.

If I were you and it annoyed me to this extent, I just wouldn't go there anymore

Not aimed at the OP, but when I find people bang on about grammar I can't help but feel, in most cases, it's to mask a lack of actual intelligence and so simply give the impression to people (and themselves) that they're above average in that respect.

Especially on boards.

If you're running a business though you should really have someone double check it anyway.

shopaholic01

Legs.Eleven wrote: »

Grammar Nazis would go absolutely loo-la if they lived in Madrid. You see really badly translated English everywhere, even on stuff sold in the shops on the packaging. Took a photo a year or so ago of a very typical menu translation in a restaurant here. Hilarious:

https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/622363/304738.jpg

I think I'll order the ear to the iron. :pac:

Legs.Eleven

shopaholic01 wrote: »

I think I'll order the ear to the iron. :pac:

Interesting that you didn't go for the "Sepia to the iron with the ali smelt"? Thought that would've been more to your taste?

HeidiHeidi

Hell Ram wrote: »

Not aimed at the OP, but when I find people bang on about grammar I can't help but feel, in most cases, it's to mask a lack of actual intelligence and so simply give the impression to people (and themselves) that they're above average in that respect.

Especially on boards.

If you're running a business though you should really have someone double check it anyway.

I'd consider myself reasonably intelligent, but was taught grammar very well in national school, and bad grammar in signs/reports/posts on boards/wherever sets my teeth on edge.

I don't consider myself better or worse than anyone else because I can spell and punctuate properly - but it drives me NUTS when I see (what I consider) obvious bloopers in writing.

So (despite my earlier slagging), I'm with the OP on this one.

What she should do about it, though, I'm not so sure - wear blinkers maybe? 99% of the population either won't know what you're on about if you do complain, or else won't give a **** and think you're a nutcase.

gg2

Hell Ram wrote: »

Not aimed at the OP, but when I find people bang on about grammar I can't help but feel, in most cases, it's to mask a lack of actual intelligence and so simply give the impression to people (and themselves) that they're above average in that respect.

Especially on boards.

It makes me cringe so much when I see someone correcting another posters grammar/ spelling:o

hairyprincess

Hell Ram wrote: »

Not aimed at the OP, but when I find people bang on about grammar I can't help but feel, in most cases, it's to mask a lack of actual intelligence and so simply give the impression to people (and themselves) that they're above average in that respect.

Especially on boards.



If you're running a business though you should really have someone double check it anyway.

I don't care about personal grammar mistakes, I make plenty myself, as another poster pointed out above, and I understand lots of people are dyslexic, but a business needs to look professional. Attention to detail is very important.

endacl

gg2 wrote: »

It makes me cringe so much when I see someone correcting another posters grammar/ spelling:o

Of course, you meant to type "poster's", didn't you?

Peregrine

Legs.Eleven wrote: »

Interesting that you didn't go for the "Sepia to the iron with the ali smelt"? Thought that would've been more to your taste?

Who's Ali and why have they smelt him with iron? :eek:

rwg

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

I'd consider myself reasonably intelligent, but was taught grammar very well in national school, and bad grammar in signs/reports/posts on boards/wherever sets my teeth on edge.

I don't consider myself better or worse than anyone else because I can spell and punctuate properly - but it drives me NUTS when I see (what I consider) obvious bloopers in writing.

So (despite my earlier slagging), I'm with the OP on this one.

What she should do about it, though, I'm not so sure - wear blinkers maybe? 99% of the population either won't know what you're on about if you do complain, or else won't give a **** and think you're a nutcase.

am I the only one who looked for errors on this post?

HeidiHeidi

rwg wrote: »

am I the only one who looked for errors on this post?

I checked it very carefully before pressing "submit"

Titzon Toast

Legs.Eleven wrote: »

Interesting that you didn't go for the "Sepia to the iron with the ali smelt"? Thought that would've been more to your taste?

Nah, the "wayward lettuce" is where it's at!

Ruu

I have a spare apostrophe here I'm more than willing to bring down to you.

endacl

rwg wrote: »

am I the only one who looked for errors on this post?

I only checked the appostroffies.

5uspect

A good chunk of my job involves writing scientific papers. Another chuck of that is editing those of my co authors and students. Good grammar aids effective communication and when you write a lot you start to appreciate it.

Knowledge of the basics of your language is pretty useful, it's not that hard.

gg2

endacl wrote: »

Of course, you meant to type "poster's", didn't you?

Nope, I truly could not give a frig:P This is an internet forum, I type the way I text, quick and without a whole lot of thought:D

wandererz

OP, you are going to just LOVE this one:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057197818

P.S. it hurts me too.

ardmacha

The OP should contact the company and compliment them (or even complement them ) on reaching out to the less educated market, one that is often ignored.

Wibbs

bluewolf wrote: »

Maybe. Still annoying though

There was a pub in a nearby place with a sign up advertising "lunch been served"
I wonder how many people didn't bother going in because it was saying lunch is over

I'd reckon it could also have a silver lining; it might help to filter out the overly pedantic who are more likely to bitch and moan about feck all.

Oh sure I can most definitely be a grammar nazi at times, but I see it as an ego failing and strive to use my indoor voice when out and about in the world. The world is full of things and people to smirk at, but that lens can so easily become a mirror, so I'd rather avoid that risk. Plus of all the human facial expressions the smirk of superiority is one of the more odious.

Wibbs

Wibbs wrote: »

I'd reckon it could also have a silver lining; it might help to filter out the overly pedantic who are more likely to bitch and moan about feck all.

Okay, I'm sorry if reading a sign saying that lunch is over and looking somewhere else is bitching and moaning

I know it's very cool right now to smirk and engage in reverse snobbery though. Who do these people think they are anyway with their grammar and their spelling!
Where's that xkcd comic gone about "at least you've found a way to feel superior to both"

I remember someone once dropped a computer into the shop I used to work in. My old boss pointed out that he was spelling the name of his company incorrectly. He initially denied it but I noticed recently that the signage was changed. :pac:

HeidiHeidi

Wibbs wrote: »

I'd reckon it could also have a silver lining; it might help to filter out the overly pedantic who are more likely to bitch and moan about feck all.

Oh sure I can most definitely be a grammar nazi at times, but I see it as an ego failing and strive to use my indoor voice when out and about in the world. The world is full of things and people to smirk at, but that lens can so easily become a mirror, so I'd rather avoid that risk. Plus of all the human facial expressions the smirk of superiority is one of the more odious.

Who's smirking?

Is it so wrong to want to see something done/written correctly, or even just to be annoyed (inwardly, obviously - God forbid you'd admit your "superiority" in public) when it's done/written incorectly

The One Doctor

bluewolf wrote: »

It looks unprofessional and sloppy
And if they can't get the basics right, what else do they skimp on?

This is an internet forum, not an office.