Period Grammar

[LadyArowana]

I don't think Hilary's sexuality is any of our business. I'm very surprised an institution like the BBC, which I have always imagined to be a bastion of political correctness ( Top Gear and Mr Clarkson aside ) is encouraging such speculation. As for the question that juxtaposes bearded uncles and the ease of flying a plane, obviously a thinly disguised reference to the events of 9/11, and an attempt to stir up religious hatred. Then there is the completely racist implication that people from Zimbabwe and Zambia can't use a semi-colon correctly. The whole thing is a complete disgrace.

 

[Flyfisher]

I'm ashamed to say I hadn't thought of those aspects of the quiz but now you mention it it's all so obvious. I shall write a stiff letter to the BBC and copy my MP, although perhaps a copy to Lord Gnome would be more appropriate. :wink:

 

[Zebra]

:lol: :lol:

 

[skier-hughes]

I'm ashamed to say I hadn't thought of those aspects of the quiz but now you mention it it's all so obvious. I shall write a stiff letter to the BBC and copy my MP, :wink:

You are going to claim expenses you aren't entitled to, for the 350g paper you buy?

 

[philpjuk100]

So,is it a "duck house" or "duck`s house"?.

 

[LadyArowana]

So,is it a "duck house" or "duck`s house"?.

Depends if it is a house of multiple occupation.

According to Mr Google, this is a "duck house"

Whereas this is a "duck's house"

 

[Moo]

Er .... Shouldn't that be ducks' house?

 

[LadyArowana]

Er .... Shouldn't that be ducks' house?

Not once they get the concrete replaced with something breathable and sort out the little bit of a damp problem.

 

[Keith Bowman]

Er .... Shouldn't that be ducks' house?

Yes it should.

And isn't a duck house simply a period property with low beams? (The sort where you quack your head )

 

[tobydog]

That joke was almost as bad as that guys pants :shock:. I couldn't be bothered to work out where the apostrophe went in "guys" and I'm sure I've got this one wrong as well :roll:.

 

[plasticpigeon]

That joke was almost as bad as that guys pants :shock:. I couldn't be bothered to work out where the apostrophe went in "guys" and I'm sure I've got this one wrong as well :roll:.

I assume it should be "that guy's pants" as the pants belong to the guy, except that sentence could also be interpreted as "That joke was almost as bad as that guy is pants" pants being an adjective (I assume).

 

[Flyfisher]

I know you're all desperate to know how Penners managed.

I've been waiting for Penners to put in an appearance here but I'm rapidly coming to the conclusion that he has harrumphed off in disgust that none of us managed a 100% score. I, for one, have my head bowed in shame and I sincerely hope he can bring himself to forgive the unworthy and come back soon.

 

[philpjuk100]

No,No this is a duck house/duck`s house!

 

[Zebra]

Er .... Shouldn't that be ducks' house?

Ah, but for it to be a ducks' house, the ducks would have to own the house, and their name be on the deeds. All the ducks I know prefer to rent. It has to be a duck house, similar to a dog kennel, a cat box, or (shudders) a lion enclosure.

 

[tobydog]

Penners - we've been eagerly awaiting your thoughts on this thread given that you are the one we all look up to (or down at our feet in shame!) when we make grammatical errors in our posts.

 

[Penners]

At my age, I simply don't have the time to correct all of the grammatical errors in this thread. Anyway, I suspect that Joce would probably find plenty to correct in my corrections.

I will, however, add a few of my own grammatical bêtes noires, highlighting errors that are all in common usage by... (gasp!)... the BBC. Perhaps you could correct them for me.

"The Government have taken action against...."

"There are less children in primary schools......."

"I've become bored of these political arguments..."

 

[LadyArowana]

Lets see now, obviously governments rarely take any action at all, they mostly just talk about it, the children of broken Britain are usually playing truant and out stabbing people which explains why they are not in school, and on point 3, yes, I couldn't agree more.

 

[Penners]

As my English teacher used to say to me, "Highly commended, no marks."

 

[DJH]

Ok Penners the answers must be..

"The Government has taken action against...."

"There are fewer children in primary schools......."

"I've now become bored of these political arguments..."

That's my guess anyway, mind you I can't disclose how dismally I fared on the original question...

Doug

PS I was lucky, my English teacher never bothered to speak to me!!! :lol:
I forgot to mention that I have a copy of that Eats Shoots and Leaves book but it might as well be written in Swahili.

 

[Keith Bowman]

Bored with
But I only have the Second edition (1965) of Fowler's Modern English Usage. Perhaps there has been an update. And I suspect that my 1907 edition of The King's English has also been overtaken.
Boring subject though, even for pedants