Everyday English for Everyone
My intention is to establish a kind and gentle exchange of ideas, even opposing views, in a civil manner that we all can enjoy and learn from each other. We all are exposed to many major and minor misuses, miscues, mistakes, and malaprops in the use of the English language in everyday discourse; also in the media, especially by professionals on television. In addition, in studying Spanish and tutoring children, I have become painfully aware of the vast areas of English-language-education inadequacies experienced by many of us:
- When to use the subjunctive mood (I wish she were here).
- When to use reflexive pronouns (myself, yourself, himself, etc.).
- When to use who, whoever & whomever (especially when a phrase containing whoever or whomever is the object).
- When to use a colon (:) or a semicolon (;)
- When to use a comma or semicolon opening in a letter or e-mail.
- Are 'everyone' and 'everybody' interchangeable, singular or plural?
- Using irregular plurals (data, criteria, media).
Of course, even the experts have different opinions, so our discussions might examine but not settle some English issues.
I think a local blog devoted to our everyday English language could be enjoyable, especially if it attracted contributors with English language expertise. I hope some individuals involved in this blog, who are not experts, will enjoy, contribute and benefit. I invite people to respond to the content of this blog or post their irritations about any use of our English language. The object of this blog is to have fun, vent feelings about language usage, as well as learn from each other. This is exciting because English is a living language that is changing, evolving and expanding, and we can possibly participate on the leading edge.
