I have to admit, mostly because my wife accuses me, that I’m
a bit of a grammar snob. This sort of makes it a bit emotionally scarring to
pen realistic dialogue like, “me and Joe are gonna grab a burger.”
Seriously, Me and Joe? Grrr, this
just grates.
Or how about this one?
“I did it on accident.”
On accident?
That’s like saying, “I did it by purpose.”
I mean, sure, it makes sense that if you do it ‘on’ purpose,
the opposite would be doing it ‘on’ accident, but no, it doesn’t work that way
folks! You do it ‘on purpose’ and ‘by
accident.’
Jeesh.
See what I mean? I’m a bit snobbish about it. I mean what
really did it hurt to say ‘on’ instead of ‘by’? Well, other than my sense of
propriety.
Fortunately, I persevere, and my characters can have
convincing (but improper) dialogue.
But that’s their problem, not mine.
Norm
www.normcowie.com
