h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

You're employed as a Smartypants!? Where was the advert? I want a job like that.

Yes that would suit you: Vest and pants. You're hired.

As part of your basic training I suggest you read any of azahar's posts and then closely study Hermione Grainger's character in the 'Harry Potter' books.

F

az

Anyhow, Vestboy, it's actually a self-employed position. I can't say it pays well but the hours are flexible and you're your own boss.



az

I tend to find situations like that lead to self-unemployment.

Well, um, did I promise anything otherwise?


az

*flicks through contract*
Aha!... nope not there.
What about... no not there either.

I think you're right.

I meant "try and" as in "see if we can't", both of which are grammatically incorrect, but just seem to sound better in conversation.

I agree with the comment (I forget who said it) about colloquialisms being inappropriate in writing, but this is a conversation, and as such, conversational english is preferable.

I've probably used too many commas there too, but hey ho.

Fair enough. You obviously spent a fair amount of time thinking about it before replying.

F

"I tried sending her flowers, writing her letters, but she still wouldn't speak to me."

This is the use of try + ing, to talk about making an experiment, doing something to see what will happen.


"Try and eat something, you'll feel better."

This in an informal use which means the same as 'be sure to'.


Both are grammatically correct.


az

I think the need has arisen to change the title from 'Spelling' to 'Grammar'.

So I've done it.

I shouldn't of started that last sentence with 'so'.

My use of the word 'of' in that last sentence is a Pratchettism.

I prefer 've but I accept your explanation.

My brothers, who are neither great readers or writers, spell that 'shouldn't of' - I guess because that's what it sounds like.

Years ago my sister got a job as a secretary for a lawyer and she was typing a letter from a dictaphone. She wrote - 'to all intensive purposes'.

English spelling and pronunciation is so random. Or should that be *are* so random?


az

I think we make it deliberately obtuse. Proper nouns are the best.
Nechells in Birmingham often throws TV announcers. (pronounced knee-chulls)
Tocaster the race course catches people out. (toaster)
Captain Mainwaring in a popular TV comedy Dad's Army (mannering)
Beauchamp Road near my mother in law's in Surrey(bee-cham)

I could go on but I won't.

Tocaster? I thought it was Towcester.

Beauchamp: I've always pronounced it Beech-am rather than Bee-cham.

Subtle difference, I know. Too subtle for me, methinks.

Towcester it is! *slaps own wrist - (pronounce wurrist)*
Bee-cham / Beech-am I was just trying to show the stress on the first syllable but I would agree with your pronuncification (As per President Bush impersonator).

Very quiet round these parts lately. Last time I ewas here was six months ago and you couldn't move for cross-posts flying around.

F

Will that do?

F

Aye, it will, that.