wife/girlfriend...advance/further

Goodman

english maven

I'm not - at all - saying it's incorrect by the rules of English,
(This response is directed to Goodman.)

Dear EM,
Your message is well taken. I can appreciate your especially delivered response. I sort of expected it that when I tossed in my two cents.
Perhaps it's because of my non-native origin, I had to pay extra  attention to learning all the nitty-gritty aspects of English. From years of studies, I have learned that good and sensible English is governed, not only by grammar but also by logic and context, not by pickiness. Having said that, I’d like to clarify if this is in fact what you meant in your earlier post “Personally, for me, I find it incorrect usage”. That’s all!

Goodman

>>>First off, because you're a native speaker of English, doesn't mean you actually know the rules of English <<<<

 

Hi English maven,

On that note, I have 2 points to make. 1) I am not sure if you had noticed what I said in my last post. I am not a “native” by definition. However, if there is such a term, I may be called an “adapted native” who had learned English from the alphabets up  and  have worked over 20 years in the tech business. And secondly, your point  is mine exactly.  And I don’t mean this with disrespect but merely a fact. Many natives practice non-standard form of English.  There is no need for apology.  In forum like this, disagreement is common. 

Let’s just say we agree to disagree. No harm done!

I know you're not a native speaker.  When I said, "First off, because you're a native speaker of English, doesn't mean you actually know the rules of English..."  I didn't mean you; I was making a generalization about native speakers.  I agree, many native speakers don't have a clue about "proper" English.  Now, I'm not saying I'm perfect, as I am still a student in high school.  Regardless, I have enough (maybe even more) knowledge of the English language to be placed into honors English.