As important as correct grammar is, it’s misguided to make the perfect the enemy of the good. I can put up with a fairly large amount of small mistakes, so long as the person is capable of putting together coherent thoughts. I might correct people (mildly, of course) when they misuse a word, but in general I find it best to leave people their grammatical foibles.

Formal written language requires a more stringent set of rules, as it lacks the verbal cues of spoken language. It is disappointing to see correct grammar matter less when it comes to grading, even at college level. It is also true that those who write well, speak well.

English is a difficult language, even as demonstrated here in the comments. I think the fact that even those of us who love the language make mistakes with it demonstrates that, when it comes to grammar, a little compassion and graciousness is better than stern condemnation.

I mean, have you ever read Strunk and White? Have you seen how many times they violate their own rules in their descriptions? If they cannot get it right (in a grammar text, no less!) then perhaps we ought to remain humble.

Ruth

http://besttoddler.com

However, there are some fun new words on the horizon. Google is a theoretical “highest” number one could count. Most folks today only know the online monopoly. I’m amused by the lengths Google.com has gone to prevent it’s proper noun from becoming a verb. But “to Google” is so omnipresent, I’m doubtful they’ll stem the tide.