Should people have to take a grammar test before posting?
By MadOvid
@MadOvid (67)
Canada
February 26, 2007 4:00am CST
Now, I have to admit that I am no grammar wiz. Especially when I first started to post to forums. My grammar was atrocious.
But there is a difference between not knowing any better and just being lazy. I judge people's posts, rightly or wrongly, on how well they are able to express themselves using proper English. Using good grammar says something. It says, this person is worth reading.
Now I'll just wait to get flamed and have all my grammar mistakes in this post corrected... and rightly so.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@manong05 (5027)
• Philippines
26 Feb 07
I've been here long enough to read postings which are really difficult to figure out what the poster is trying to say. It's not only a question of grammar but how much English the person really knows. I don't agree in having to take a grammar test before posting in mylot, mylot's membership is multi-cultural and most users', including myself, mother tongue is not English. We don't use it in our everyday living but know enough to be able to express ourselves when a situation demands, like mylotting. Had there been a test before joining mylot, a large percentage of members would have failed and that is rather very unfortunate since many people would like to join the fun and in the process, earn. I appreciate the fact that most of the native english speakers here are tolerant with regards to this. Mylot provides us with the opportunity to help improve our knowledge of the English language and to have a good command of it.
So, should there be a grammar test? I don't think it's necessary. People who can't really communicate well enough to be intelligible will eventually give up anyway.
1 person likes this
@MadOvid (67)
• Canada
26 Feb 07
I think you're doing fine. You express yourself well and I have no problem understanding what you are saying. It's clear that you are making an effort. I am more than willing to 'forgive' someones grammar if they are just learning.
I am also willing to be patient with those who are just starting to post. God knows I didn't use good grammar when I first started to post. But there's a difference between those who are trying to learn and those who refuse.
@CatNPK (461)
• United States
8 Mar 07
I agree, there is a big difference between being lazy and actually trying but making mistakes. I know English very well, I usually mistype a word in every post (definitely need that option to edit!).
i agree there is big differnce between lazy and trying but making mistakes. i know english very well but i usually mistype words in every post would like option to edit.
Just pointing out how much more intelligent taking the time to capitalize is. My new biggest annoyance with online forums. I often skip past non-capitalized entries because it drives me crazy. Maybe it's just me.
@krislouiebaby (2346)
• Philippines
27 Feb 07
for me, i have nothing against with person who is gramatically wrong or sort of that thing.
as logn as i understand what they mean..it's okey with me.
nobody is perfect.
@arlerambabu (1079)
• India
27 Feb 07
Ummm... not necessarily as long as the content is clear. Grammar,syntax and such things are highly essential when you're dealing with Article writing
