if you only read one post this year read this., page-22

I shouldn't be doing this as I will be howled down as being picky or elitist etc, but personally, I find it hard to take seriously those who make no attempt at "English".

When in a hurry I too make spelling and grammatical errors, but mostly it is just laziness, for which there is no excuse. When in doubt I normally check.

I do make allowances for those of non English birth who are struggling to come to terms with a language which is probably the most complex on the planet.

For those born here, a basic lack of understanding of our language suggests a lack or reading (as reading is the best way to recognise construction and spelling). Sight recognition is such that when you write something incorrectly, it looks wrong and gets you to check it out.

If you are not a reader then, you are not a student of history and there is no chance you will succeed in any endeavour IMO, at least where intellect and knowledge are concerned.

Lesson for today:

There - means, I went over there. (a place)

Their - means, it was their house. (possession, they owned it)

They're - means, they are doing it. (abbreviation for they are)

No I'm not a ex school teacher, but understanding language and understanding manners and social etiquette in general is a sign of intellectual and social maturity.

It doesn't make you a better person, but it does allow you to express yourself more clearly and allows you to interact with any one or group with confidence.

Snobish, perhaps, but no handicap.

Now I will go and hide in the cupboard under the stairs before the missiles start falling.