|
The use of "they" or "their" when "he," "she," "his," or "hers" should be used.
Example: "I had to return to the lone diner's table four times until they were satisfied."
If one is referring to a single individual, grammar dictates that one use "his" or "her" or "she" or "he." This is not a matter of attempting to avoid personal offense. We're going to have to start just getting over things that might cause us offense and learn to use the language correctly!
NOT. "THEIR."
If there are instances in which it is proper to use "they" instead of "she," do educate me.
No matter: How bloody stupid are we going to allow our kids to remain? Maybe try this: Teachers, give fair warning in all English classes requiring essays: "GRAMMAR COUNTS." Set out a serious rule at the beginning of the semester, like a points-off system for the first ten papers turned in. Be more lenient for freshman, less so for sophomores, etc.
1 grammatical error per paper - 1 point off
2 errors - 2 points off
etc.
total 5 points per paper - minus a letter grade for the paper
Etc., and then offer the student help in learning proper grammar. (Yeah, I know, in the teachers' free time....)
No, I'm not a teacher, and of course this solution is off the top of my head.
Teachers -- any other ideas?
Is it possible to get our students out of the gutter of lowest common denominator communication?
Listen, I'm forty-four years old and I can't even break down a sentence and explain all the parts of speech beyond nouns & verbs. I'm not even sure what words like "their" and "she" are -- personal pronouns? I'm far from perfect. But I usually know what's correct. (Maybe it's because I read a lot. :shrug: I am thankful for that, you'd better believe it. My mother did one thing right.)
|
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
