Why use big words when abbreviated ones will do?

( flake has nothing against your right leg, Mon 12 Apr 2010, 10:11, 1 reply)

abbreviated?
so it doesn't look like txt speak.

I used to use long words incorrectly, especially notwithstanding which I used in place of 'as well as' when it actually means 'in spite of'.
( sandettie light vessel automatic New Twitter - @bollocksreally, Mon 12 Apr 2010, 10:15, closed)

I like notwithstanding
In fact, I like lots about our rich and varied language.

And I sorely wish that chav-inspired laziness would stop being excused as natural evolution of the language.
( flake has nothing against your right leg, Mon 12 Apr 2010, 10:17, closed)

^ this is so true
Combined with teaching standards slipping. At a parents' evening at the primary school, I picked out a spelling mistake in my 8yo daughter's work and queried the teacher about it. Her response was that it was a science lesson so we don't bother with spelling and concentrate on the topic in the lesson.

I was disgusted.

My mate teaches A level students, he said he gets the class to do their first assignment in writing to see what their spelling and grasp of the English language is like. He said it gets worse year on year.
( sandettie light vessel automatic New Twitter - @bollocksreally, Mon 12 Apr 2010, 10:23, closed)

Agreed
When recruiting someone, can you honestly say that the spelling and grammar of a CV or covering letter would not influence your view of the candidate? I think this is the best argument for maintaining high standards in all lessons at school.
(Smale is stuffed, Mon 12 Apr 2010, 10:38, closed)

my favourite word at the moment is tantamount
it can be used surprisingly often
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Mon 12 Apr 2010, 13:29, closed)