Lovelyish

Lovely

the last sentence under general tips #3 is missing a period.

another grammar mistake I hate:

I have(or I’ve) seen that show on television.
I saw that show on television.

it is not “I seen that on television.”

i got good grammar, k

omg YES!

I get all thse except…… Effect vs Affect. I still dont get it

I love you.

who do you be thinking you is trying to tell me about how I done need to be talking pretty with good grammar and stuff?  I done got my education, K.

My boyfriend and I met on a grammar argument on Facebook.  He called me “Effervescent,” and from that moment on, I was his. XD

OHNOES. GRAMMAR NAZI.

I think most people have gotten past the 7th grade.

My biggest grammer pet peeve? I don’t have any. I just hate when people think they’re being clever to correct eachother when they really just sound like assholes. It’s Xanga, not English class.

The fourth one always drives me crazy if I’m reading something from an American and he or she puts the period outside of the quotation marks. Stop it! It’s British style. I don’t know why so many people here do that.

THANK YOU!!!!! Some people SERIOUSLY can’t spell!!!!! They NEED this post!!!!!

@femmefatale12@xanga - effect. Like cause and effect. The effect of the earthquake was dead people. Affect is like how something impacts something else. The music affected her so much she grew a tail.

hopefully someone can give you some normal examples.

I always learned number 4 differently. I learned that if it’s a quote within a sentence, the punctuation goes on the outside.

Example: The child bounced the “ball”.

However, if you’re actually quoting something, the puncuation goes inside the quotation marks.
Example: “The child bounced the ball.”

I don’t know, that’s how I was always taught. And I’m from America.
And the spelling of “all right” depends on how you’re using it…

But otherwise good post. I think good grammar’s really important. I won’t be a “grammar Nazi” about it, but it irks me.

Also two – too – to. That makes me so angry.

#4 isn’t always true because in my college English course, the professor accepted punctuation marks outside of quotation marks. It really depends.

I don’t agree with it personally because what if the quotation is at the end of the sentence?
For example: Then she thought to herself: “What’s up with Lovelyish?”. 
I doubt the period would go inside the quotation mark o_O

I hate when people tell me not to use ‘colour’ or ‘grey’. they are acceptable forms of the American-ized words. plus I lived overseas for quite a bit of my childhood, so it looks correct to me.

tip: if you don’t know if a sentence is correct, try reading it out loud.

The English major in me is pleased. : )

Pet peeve: when people cannot distinguish between “less” and “fewer” and thus use “less” for everything. Less is to be used when the quantity in question cannot be counted. For example, “use less electricity to save on energy bills,” “less flour makes a lighter batter.” Fewer is for quantifiable amounts. For example, “Express checkout for 10 items or fewer,” “fewer people attended the party than were expected.”

I don’t entirely agree with #4 in this list though. I realize it is the American form to put punctuation inside of the quotations, but I think the British usage makes so much more sense. If I’m using a quote at the end of the question, I don’t think I should have to put the question mark inside the quotation, because the quote is not the question, the whole phrase is. Stuffing punctuation inside a quotation it was not originally a part of distorts the meaning. Thus I thwart that rule, to my writing professor’s vexation.

@Bambiigrl@xanga - In that case you do not use a period at all, but just end with the question mark inside the quotation.

oh my goodness, i hate when people use improper grammar. i’m okay with non-capitalization, but when it comes to proper syntax i can’t help but be angry.

very helpfull

Punctuation inside or outside of quotation marks varies. British English and Canadian standards differ from American standards. I honestly don’t think that’s a big deal online though. You’re not grading papers on Lovelyish (though if you are, I have all the pity in the world for you).

I before E except after C is a rule that’s exempt from certain words where the E and I produce an “ay” sound, like “neighbour” and “weigh”.

And also, when people say they “could care less”, it means they still care. If you don’t care, you “couldn’t care less” – you care so little that there is no possible way to feel any more apathetic.

I don’t like that this is “A Girl’s Guide”. Just because this is Lovelyish and is all frilly and pink, doesn’t mean everything has to be personalized from a “girl” perspective. You know, guys know how to write properly as well. It’s nice to see good spelling and grammar, and it’s pleasing that Firefox and such include spell checkers, but as long as there’s an effort (and preferably in a way that isn’t blatantly self-righteous as in “I’m obviously a better writer than the rest of you”) and there’s some general coherence, I’m fine with reading the way people choose to type online. Most of the time, it’s not a lack of education, but laziness anyway. We all got our book learnin’s.

Poor grammar makes me die inside. ):

@femmefatale12@xanga - A tip that helped me is that “effect” is a noun and “affect” is a verb.

I’m so bored of grammar nazi guides, they’re the same every time.

I have tried to practice my awful grammar for many years. I seriously got lost on #7 and #8. I had to read those more than twice to get some kind of understanding. I feel so stupid, it goes in one eye and out the other.  I like writing, I just can’t write. This whole comment is a prefect example.

I don’t care! I’m using alright! LOL I don’t care for very proper grammar, as I tend to bend a lot by using run on sentences and fragmented sentences. Not everything is a completely thought or such.

tip: if you don’t know if a sentence is correct, try reading it out loud.

@sorority_girl86@xanga - I completely agree with that statement. If the sentence seems weird to you, just read it out loud and that usually fixes the problem, least for me anyhow. That’s how I can use contractions or not, like it’s versus its. It helps me understand it.

@femmefatale12@xanga - Here’s how I learned to tell the difference..”affect” means to have an influence on, and “effect” means to cause etc; 

Here is a sentence or two demonstrating it..

There are causes and effects in life, due to the actions you take. 
Mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of gender, race or nationality. 
Hope that helps, a bit? And another that helps when you’re not sure, is to replace and substitute “effect” or “affect” in the sentence and see what makes more sense in it.

I hate it when people like to put the punctuation withing parenthesis. Like… “She said that (not that I care.) but he didn’t listen (he never does.)” When in the case of that terrible sentence, it would be a comma and a period after both sets of parenthesis respectively.  If that makes sense.

That and ridiculously long run-on sentences that just don’t make sense and too many commas.

I still don’t believe in using “a lot” over “alot” or “all right” over “alright”.  Why use the extra space when they are so common that it’s not considered slang anymore?  Besides, the only time I have seen the words “a lot” printed is when I’m on eBay and someone is selling “a lot of used toys” or something. “A lot” refers to more than one in a large quantity, when in reality, we use it as more of a measurement. (That’s alot of peanut butter!)

@pinkdagger@xanga - OH MY GOD. That “could care less” thing drives me nuts!!! Thank you for pointing that out. I thought I was crazy when I heard people saying that. 

@soulfuric - that just seems so weird to me! And this may seem silly but if it’s for an essay, I only change it if Microsoft Word highlights it haha.

I’m not sure if this example is grammatically correct or not, but I hate when people are referring to death and they say “dieing”. Isn’t it “dying”? that goes for the form of lie as well, “lieing” -_-

My grammar pet peeves consist of everything. I’m so picky that I’ll get angry at someone over it, especially if they turn around and tell me that they don’t care. Please, do not butcher the english language.

Unfortunately, people become dumber and/or lazier with the next generation. You can tell them that they made a mistake when they typed “Your stupid” instead of “You’re stupid,” and they’ll bitch about it and not care.

Another common mistake: Using a question mark when a period is actually the proper form of punctuation. “I thought you were going to Kelly’s house?” looks like the speaker isn’t sure what he or she was thinking.

On a side note, it always amuses me when people say that they always use correct “grammer.” Which one, Kelsey?

affect or effect? who cares.. one is a noun and the other is a verb.. as far as I’m concerned it should have been 1 word. Whoever thought up the idea to spell it differently was probably a prick. 

You’re going to piss people off with this. Trust me; I experience it on a daily basis. :/ (hah, was that all right? lol I just did it there, too. OHH.)

@Hinase@xanga - what if i thought one sounded better than the other, but I’m actually wrong?

@irish__dreams@xanga - Haha, same with me. I tend to automatically pick out mistakes that people make when they write. I keep the corrections to myself as much as possible, though. If I correct them, I sound like a bitch.

I find it hot when guys speak and write properly. hehe.

@Neurotically_Mine@xanga - @BoxesOfRoxes@xanga - Not true. Both affect and effect are verbs.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alright

@Neurotically_Mine@xanga - Don’t doubt yourself girl! 

@KasumiCelesta@xanga - Ugh, I see that all the time for “guess what?” I say it aloud with an upward inflection just to be a jerk because it’s obviously wrong. You’re not asking a question – the other person’s response would be the question!

@ShimmerBodyCream@xanga - i too

@NikBv@xanga - is that so? can you kindly explain the difference then?

“Alright” is nonstandard, but isn’t necessarily wrong. Words like “altogether” and “already” also started out as two words, but it has become appropriate for them to be joined together. I have seen the term “alright” used repeatedly in Time magazine. 

@KasumiCelesta@xanga - Perhaps the speaker wants insecurity reflected in the statement? 

Aha! 

I agree with everything else though.

I’m always trying to improve my grammar, so this was a great refresher for me. 

My grammar is pretty good, particularly for the internet. I’m sure there are gaps in it, though.

I’m not too bothered unless it’s difficult to understand what someone is saying because their grammar is so poor. 

OMG YES!!!  The English Ed major in me is overjoyed. 

When you use poor grammar, God kills a puppy. 

@Neurotically_Mine@xanga - Absolutely. 

Effect, as a verb, means to create, produce, accomplish, etc. So I effect a change. I produce or accomplish or create it.

Effect as a noun means the result of that change. So when I blush, turning red is the effect, or the result.

Affect as a verb means to change or influence. If I weight the die, I affect the outcome of the game. Cold weather adversely affects my health. Affect as a verb can also mean to take on, or artificially produce. So I affect an accent, an attitude, or character.

Affect as a noun means a feeling or emotion. If I love somebody, I am filled with affection. This emotion is an affect.

i am really nit picky about “a lot” being two words. my friends get annoyed when i correct them because it happens too often.

I LOVE this.
‘Definately’ actually makes me cringe, but I don’t mind alright. My spellchecker even says it’s okay.

I think I have good grammar, then I mess it up and someone proves to me how bad my grammar is when going over my writing.

I love that you posted this. It’s so important. I see a multitude of mistakes in the comments on articles.

And you’re and your are my two most scorned mistakes, asides from They’re Their and They’re.

Just So you Know, guys, I find nothing sexier than a man who can properly conjugate sentences and use grammar correctly. Call it Geek Chic, but it turns me on, as weird as that sounds. I love Nerds.

@xDanielle01@xanga - I totally agree!

Dear Lovelyish,

Stop being arrogant (implied You).

K, thanks.

Eh, I usually don’t have a problem with typing proper grammar.  It’s speaking that gets to me.  I guess with all things, though, practice makes perfect.  So speaking more in front of people will likely make me more articulate and precise with grammar.  

As a grammar stickler, I approve of this post.  Bad spelling and grammar make me sad, and it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who doesn’t use text speak or internet based abbreviations.

@LinaLion@xanga - Maybe, but that doesn’t make it right though, lol. I understand completely why people do it, and sometimes even I accidentally put in a question mark when I type remarks like that, but technically it’s inaccurate.

THAAAAAANK YOOOOUUU!!!

Maybe this makes me an academic snob, but I absolutely can’t stand bad grammar and it is EVERYWHERE, especially in the U.S.  On signs, on advertisements, in newspapers…you name it.  The its vs. it’s thing for possessive is the one that irks me most I think, because it seems like nobody fucking knows the difference anymore.

omg i can’t stand bad grammar.

Good job.

You’re post is definately helpful

@NikBv@xanga - So you’re saying both verbs mean essentially the same thing?

@Neurotically_Mine@xanga - No. One means to alter, the other means to create. 

” Affect as a verb can also mean to take on,
or artificially produce. So I affect an accent, an attitude, or
character.”.

It’s the same..and if there’s a difference. It’s a small difference. The only reason there was ever such a distinction was b/c someone wanted to confuse the shit out of everyone.

@xXxjelloxXx@xanga - aww that would totally win me over too hehe

I love you.

Best Lovelyish post EVER!!!

I definitely use ‘alright’ often, but other than that I liked this post.
I still get confused about affect/effect sometimes.

Oh and one thing I hate is when people end sentences with at.
“Where are you at?”
“Where’s the party at?”
Just say “Where are you?”
“Where’s the party?”
I’m not even sure why, but it irks me.

What is wrong with “alright”? And I was taught differently with the quotation mark thing too.

I love this post. Bad grammar and spelling annoys me so much!

#4 is not necessarily true; usually if you’re quoting a phrase or text that someone said, such as that being used for as a reference, the periods or commas go after the end of the quote, not inside the quote. 

That’s all fine and dandy, but what does that have to do with anything glamorous (or whatever Lovelyish is about)?

Did you know that some people are so incredibly ignorant as to think that when one person owns multiple things, the possessive form of the person’s name should end in ” s’ “? Like, if one Bob owns multiple cats, then they are “Bobs’ Cats.” It hurts my soul. But at least they’re trying.

P.S. It is amusing to me to see people make grammar mistakes in their positive responses to this post. =]

Tigers don’t have spots.

The post was helpful nonetheless. I cannot believe that there are still people making these mistakes, this is grade-school shit people!

i am have very disappointment in you’re grammer.

‘I find it hot when guys show off their vocabulary skills with words like “ebullient” and “convivial.”‘
More complex words require more contextual knowledge. Just because someone knows the definition of words like the above doesn’t mean that they know how to use them. Language is more than just grammar and vocabulary. It’s about connotation, context, and embracing the evolution of the previously stated. Plus, when people “show off” their vocabulary, they’re generally showing it off in the wrong context, in which I laugh at them instead of being impressed. Trying too hard never did anyone any good.

’4. Punctuation like periods and commas always goes inside the quotation marks, like “this,” not like “this”.’
Not necessarily true. If you are highlighting a word rather than the phrase, it doesn’t apply. Example: “Life”, “vitality”, and “mortality” are synonyms. It should never look like this: “Life,” “vitality,” and “mortality”. That just looks dumb.

Also, grammar books are stupid. You don’t need it to understand grammar. Reading, yes. Studying grammar? Not quite. There are plenty grammar rules that I don’t personally agree with. Also, being a nitpicker for grammar makes it hard for language to evolve. It’s like someone telling me that “texting” isn’t a real word, because “text” is a noun in the dictionary rather than a verb.

When people spell ridiculous wrong, it irks me. Or if they use the words that don’t exist like “irregardless.”

Aa lot is not always separate. I am allotting time to write this comment.-that was used in the infinitive but still, my point is made.

I really dislike when people spell “ing” words incorrectly. I have seen people spell the word “caring” like “careing” and it really bugs me.
My senior year English teacher taught us the phrase (referring to quotation marks), “Commas and periods are always in. Exclamation and question marks depend.”

ur lucky we arnt all usenig 1337

I’m a grammar nazi! People tend to yell at me because of it.

@KasumiCelesta@xanga -for me I use “?” as a shorter way to say… “I am questioning you in my mind, so answer my unsaid question” or “explain!”

@femmefatale12@xanga - something you do will have an effect on somebody, and then it will have affected them.

I can’t stand people with bad grammar. It’s one of those things that will just irritate me about a person.

I do not think my grammar is perfect, but it’s pretty close. I try to write correctly as far as I know how. However, I don’t have the patience nor energy to look up the miniscule rules for commas – does it matter that much? As long as it sounds okay when read aloud, I think it’s okay.

I never knew “alright” wasn’t technically a word. I “googled” it. It seems there is great debate over whether this word is acceptable or not. I think, in America, it has definitely become an accepted thing that “all right” pertains to “all correct” and “alright” pertains to “satisfactory” (or “okay”) or at least this is so in my area.

My pet peeves are mixing up there/their/they’re and your/you’re. I hate it when people do that. I also don’t like it when people type like they’re texting (I would prefer they not do that while actually texting, but I forgive that a lot more than I do when it’s online). Then, I also get annoyed by anything that is just plain bad English. For example, ”I seen that boy once”.

I would argue the usage of “all right” vs. “alright” depending on context, but many of these make me die a little on the inside every time I encounter them.

Though I think intentionally bad grammar is silly. 

Yawn.

i definitely have trouble with the words ‘effect’ and ‘affect,’ as well as those common spelling errors. i guess spell check on word automatically corrects those mistakes, though, so i never took the time to get it down. =/ i’m a little iffy on 8. sometimes i will let the ‘incomplete’ sentences that i come across on blogs slide if it was done for artistic effect (quite effective btw, if you ask me), and as they say, ‘to each their own.’

@soulfuric - YES!! I hate that so much.

Lovelyish finally hit a home run with this post! I’m so happy. 

Why is this called “A Girl’s Guide to: Good Grammar”?

I have met more males with horrible grammar than I have females. 
@Erika_Steele@xanga - your comment made me giggle aloud.

I feel like sometimes people pay too much attention to stupid details that really don’t affect the meaning of the text. For example, when people put the period inside the quotations or outside, does it really change the message? Isn’t that the whole point of language? I think that at least if the message is coherent and cohesive, grammar doesn’t matter much.  

But…the weird thing is that I, myself, am a grammar nazi. Yes, I am a total hypocrite. I’m trying to not be one, but it’s really difficult! Especially with the your/you’re and good/well mistakes. Ugh.

Alright is actually a word o.O Well, my macbook doesn’t automatically correct it and I’ve been a spelling/grammar nazi since I was in middle school so I would know!

@femmefatale12@xanga - me neither :/ I don’t think I’ve ever had to use “affect” in my entire life, sooo it just shouldn’t exist.

English was my major in school (as a foreign language) but I didn’t know about number 4.

In German, the punctuation stays outside the quotation marks.
Good to know.

TIGERS DON’T HAVE SPOTS.

i’m a spelling junkie…  i’d NEVER trust a website that contains misspelled words.  if i worked in HR and saw a resume with one misspelled word, i’d toss it without hesitation. 

p.s.  i hate when i see “of coarse.”

Grammar is everything.

however on my blog capitalization, and common phrases do not matter that much to me, and when i make a “typo” then i leave it, it’s not an English assessment. However, I do speak the way I would write an assessment, with clarity and purpose, and with no common phrases.
I notice many people are saying that punctuation outside of speech marks is acceptable in England and Canada.I’m English and I have always put punctuation within speech marks, as it shows the sentence in the quote has finished. If the sentence has not been finished then an ellipsis may be used.

That is all.

Pet peeves: end-of-sentence prepositions, when people start a sentence with “There”  (example for first two–”There is no way I can pick my sister up” instead of “I cannot pick up my sister.”), misused quotation marks (example–He asked, “Did she just say, “I hate my mom?” instead of He asked, “Did she just say, ‘I hate my mom’?”), and split infinitives (example–”to gracefully move” instead of “to move gracefully”).

And your number four is wrong.  If you ask a question with a quote at the end, the question mark would go outside the ending quotation mark.  Also, in APA style citations, a sentence ending in an exact quote from a source would appear as follows: “Quote” (Source).

Proper grammar for the win.

@xDanielle01@xanga - agreed!

If im online, on blogs, on social networking sites or websites where im just there to chat where people dont particularly care for grammar i dont bother in making my grammar perfect because it is enough for me to know that i have good grammar. I dont need to prove it EVERYWHERE, especially on sites like this. So if there are people who are picky with pet peeves or whatnot and dont agree with the way i write on a BLOG of all places, then i wouldnt bother in changing for them because they are in no good position for me to take them seriously. I know when im in an exam for instance or somewhere important to me and i know when im not. I have been taught well, doesnt mean i cant lay back a little like anybody else, gosh, haha. But, that is just my opinon on how I ALONE choose to write, im not speaking for anybody else..

If I’m writing something for school or work I’ll care about writing correctly.  When I’m making comments or quick blogs all I care about is getting my point across.  

Really? Because using the phrase “good grammar” is bad grammar. Just saying.