What's Wrong with Being a Grammar Nazi?

United Kingdom
January 11, 2017 12:48pm CST
Sometimes, especially when a language is not your native tongue or if you have difficulty with it for some other reason, it is understandable to get things wrong. Some people also feel that grammar and spelling don't matter in certain situations, particularly informal settings and/or on social media. Whether it does or doesn't matter is debatable. What does matter is whether you can be understood. It also matters whether poor grammar in social situations seeps through into more formal situations. I'm sure it can be annoying to have someone point out your every spelling mistake or grammatical error. It is, however, quite annoying (and, some might say, nonsensical) to demean someone for doing it, assuming it's not done maliciously. So, to my question. A similar question can be applied to many things. What exactly is wrong with wanting to do something right? Personally, I take pride in knowing that I write well, that I am not reliant on a spellchecker, and that my work can be understood by a wide audience. Similarly, a sports person, a carpenter or anyone else who's good at something should not feel wrong for being proud of their abilities. Nor should they be ashamed for wanting to share their knowledge with other people. Admittedly, unsolicited advice (on any subject) can be quite frustrating but that doesn't mean that we should dismiss that advice just because 'society' doesn't see them as important.
10 people like this
9 responses
@Jam4321 (577)
• Jamaica
11 Jan 17
I try as best possible to write so many can understand...if I do make a mistake, I wouldn't mind someone pointing it out because at least I won't do it another time around.
2 people like this
• United Kingdom
11 Jan 17
That is a good attitude to have. I think that wanting to learn, and helping others to learn, is always a good thing, regardless the subject in hand. :)
1 person likes this
@Jam4321 (577)
• Jamaica
11 Jan 17
@pumpkinjam Yes indeed. I am all for learning and though at times there are persons who feel offended when you correct them.
1 person likes this
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
11 Jan 17
I always say hats off to those who post here using a language that is not their native tongue. They have more courage than I would have in their shoes. I don't mind being corrected and if I think that a person would appreciate being corrected if they make a mistake, then I inform them. Then there are those who think that what they say is perfect when it is far from it but if you mention it to them they are likely to fly off the handle. Off with their heads! They deserve to be left to make those mistakes forever!
2 people like this
• United Kingdom
11 Jan 17
I agree with you. If English was not my language, I don't think I would be so courageous either. Some people find it offensive to inform them of their errors. Sometimes, I try to ignore them but there are times when I actually don't understand what someone's trying to say when they are, supposedly, writing or speaking in my own language!
2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
17 Jan 17
There is nothing wrong in correcting a mistake or to talk about it. However, there are some people, who do not appreciate being corrected and one cannot do anything about them. If I commit a mistake and someone points it out, I do not mind rather I feel that it gives me an opportunity to learn.
1 person likes this
@Plethos (13581)
• United States
11 Jan 17
I don't mind, as long as it ain't in a condescending manner.
1 person likes this
• United Kingdom
11 Jan 17
I think that applies both ways. I mean, taking pride in something (whether that's language or something else) shouldn't be mocked. If someone is well-meaning and they are polite about it, that's OK but just as it is not acceptable to be condescending if, for example, we correct someone or ask them to be more clear, nor is it acceptable to be condescending or offensive to someone who is trying to help.
1 person likes this
11 Jan 17
Well said... I am totally agree with you. Wanted to write many more words but I am sleepy and does not want to make mistakes in this post. Good night.
1 person likes this
• United Kingdom
11 Jan 17
:D I'm sure I could forgive a sleepy typo :) I appreciate your comment.
• United Kingdom
16 Jan 17
I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting everything to be right, but some people like that go about things the wrong way, they are really mean spirited about things and want to make people feel bad.
1 person likes this
• United Kingdom
16 Jan 17
I agree with that. There is nothing wrong with having high expectations. I think that part of the problem, at least, with some people is that they will belittle others for their every mistake. Sometimes it's true what they say about 'can't win the argument? Start correcting their grammar'! I feel the same about most things in that there's really no reason to be condescending but nor is their any reason to berate someone for having high standards or for trying to help.
@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
12 Jan 17
I silently correct people sometimes. I don't mind people pointing out and correcting my mistakes though.That's just part of being a lifelong-learner, in my opinion.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (340230)
• Rockingham, Australia
11 Jan 17
I agree. I'm always hesitant to point out mistakes here in case it isn't welcomed. Mostly they're not 'big' or 'important' but errors in titles are not really desirable.
1 person likes this
@rina110383 (24492)
12 Jan 17
There's nothing wrong being a grammar nazi. I appreciate it if someone corrects my grammatically incorrect statement.
1 person likes this