Re: When to use 'is' and 'are' has caused an argument in the office

Isabelbee — Mon, 29 Nov 2004 22:43:18 GMT

Hello again Jim, and thanks for taking the time to answer my query. The point I was making about 'School is out' is that in my mind that is the correct grammar, not incorrect - perhaps I worded it badly (oops!), and my English friends who argue with me would, I think agree with you and me that 'School are out' sounds idiotic. Had my boss been an American, I would have enjoyed hearing the differences, and wouldn't dream of even querying what he said, unless it was in the interests of clarity to an English client or company.

I find that well educated colleagues (by which I mean all round education, not specialising in only one subject) agree with my version, and say there is no argument, whereas other very competent people, who even admit their grammar isn't up to much, say my version is wrong because 'no one says it like that'. In a formal context we do have rules, I don't know how it is in the states, but for instance, a formal letter starts either 'Dear Sir/Madam or Dear Mr/Mrs..' and ends 'yours faithfully'. Informal letters start with Dear Jim, or Hi! or whatever, and end the same way, i.e. no rules for informality. In a working office, therefore a business environment, a little formality shows respect for the firm and the recipient of the letter, and I feel uncomfortable about sending out a letter containing grammar mistakes as I would with poor spelling or presentation.

I do realise that all over a small place like Gt Britain the different regions have different slang, colloquialisms and syntax - however, trained Secretaries are (maybe I should now say 'were' expected to know and utilise the basic ground rules. In my firm, some of the experienced secretaries will slightly alter a sentence where there is a split infinitive or poor grammar, and this is known and appreciated (I do this for my boss - he knows I have total respect for his specialist knowledge, and he has appreciated the little bit of polish I add to his dictation). What instigated this little storm in a teacup was that he 'corrected' my correction!

To take the evolution argument just a little further, if ground rules are thrown out of the window, and anything goes, may we not all 'evolve' into communication via a series of grunts?

I quoted my brother because I know how much he loves and studies our language, his dissertation was wonderful and he's been invited to study for a Doctorate - (yes, I am bragging because he's brilliant) therefore I thought this fact might hold some persuasive argument for my boss. No dice!

My boss very kindly admitted to me that he doesn't know what he will do when I and the other experienced secretaries retire, in about 5/10 years, because we were trained properly, and don't blindly transcribe, but think about what is being said - although the young whippersnapper still dares to question me at times! Anyway, it's been really good to hear from you, and I shall still keep fighting the good fight for this beautiful language until I turn up my toes and everyone sighs with relief.

Search results for 'tag:Formal letter tag:Colloquialisms' matching tags 'Formal letter' and 'Colloquialisms'

Re: When to use 'is' and 'are' has caused an argument in the office