Adult literacy for the epic win...
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From: Brit in Athens, Greece
I don't want to mess with him, I find the debate interesting, and if I can learn something from him, that's great! I'm not pig-headed, I won't argue in the face of irrefutable facts or evidence. I know when I'm wrong. 
I don't know much about molecular bonding (though I might surprise you for one who quit education at 16), but I'm pretty hot on a variety of other subjects. For example, I tell Coca Cola whether or not their systems are secure.
Both molecular bonding and security protocols are heavy duty stuff, but neither is literacy related. Even so, it's obvious we both have more than a passing interest in language. Rare these days, so let's enjoy.
I don't know much about molecular bonding (though I might surprise you for one who quit education at 16), but I'm pretty hot on a variety of other subjects. For example, I tell Coca Cola whether or not their systems are secure.
Both molecular bonding and security protocols are heavy duty stuff, but neither is literacy related. Even so, it's obvious we both have more than a passing interest in language. Rare these days, so let's enjoy.
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From: Denton, TX
Originally Posted by foxy_s2k,Sep 16 2009, 02:45 PM
I don't want to mess with him, I find the debate interesting, and if I can learn something from him, that's great! I'm not pig-headed, I won't argue in the face of irrefutable facts or evidence. I know when I'm wrong.
I don't know much about molecular bonding (though I might surprise you for one who quit education at 16), but I'm pretty hot on a variety of other subjects. For example, I tell Coca Cola whether or not their systems are secure.
Both molecular bonding and security protocols are heavy duty stuff, but neither is literacy related. Even so, it's obvious we both have more than a passing interest in language. Rare these days, so let's enjoy.
I don't know much about molecular bonding (though I might surprise you for one who quit education at 16), but I'm pretty hot on a variety of other subjects. For example, I tell Coca Cola whether or not their systems are secure.
Both molecular bonding and security protocols are heavy duty stuff, but neither is literacy related. Even so, it's obvious we both have more than a passing interest in language. Rare these days, so let's enjoy.
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From: Brit in Athens, Greece
Originally Posted by DFWs2k,Sep 16 2009, 11:11 PM
Judging by your multiple interjections of how little school you attended, you are very proud of your lack of education.
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Originally Posted by magician,Sep 16 2009, 02:41 PM
According to The Elements of Style, 4th Edition, Strunk and White, p. 1, the possessive of "James" should be written "James's".
I was taught as you no doubt were that it should be "James'", but the acknowledged authorities on written English disagree.
I was taught as you no doubt were that it should be "James'", but the acknowledged authorities on written English disagree.
I have no style 
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Originally Posted by foxy_s2k,Sep 16 2009, 03:59 PM
I don't mind, honestly, you have unnecesary commas, as I did. Personally, I habitually insert commas when sometimes they are not needed, so I won't criticise you for that.
Magician, thanks for the support. Greek is a beautiful and expressive, as well as concise and efficient language, I hope you get the opportunity to learn it one day. 400,000 words, EXCLUDING scientific and medical, which are also 90% Greek! Formidable language.
Magician, thanks for the support. Greek is a beautiful and expressive, as well as concise and efficient language, I hope you get the opportunity to learn it one day. 400,000 words, EXCLUDING scientific and medical, which are also 90% Greek! Formidable language.
Edit: In regards to "James'" vs. "James's," there really is no hard and fast rule. I've had two English teachers (one who gave Elements of Style to students to look up answers for themselves) with masters degrees in the field both say that for things like that, consistency is the key. The English language is defined by those who speak it, not by academic elites at some university. Both "James'" and "James's" are acceptable for the same reason you can use "who" in place of "whom." Languages change, and no rule is set in stone.
