That was fun to read. I have known about subjunctives but for a long time I didn't know why it sounded funny to me to use 'was' as in the funny example you gave about Kim Kardashian. I did not know about the designation of modals, but I do know about them. I am also well aware of the southern/Scots example you gave: 'might could'. I will probably have a hard time remembering the word 'modal' because I am an old dog and learning new word tricks can be harder. I will have the sense, though, that I better understand why I should use that in some circumstances.
I keep running into what I think are grammar mistakes and think from time to time to ask you. I can't easily come up with an example but if I do I may send a message. I hear things that don't sound right to me but don't know why they don't sound right. I would be glad to know.
You're welcome to try me. Prices start at only $50 for subject-verb agreement issues, and scale up to $250 for subtle verb problems.
OK, I'm kidding. But seriously, I think it's interesting how we learn a language as inconsistent in grammar and spelling as English, and then construct an "inner ear" that suggests something is wrong, even when we don't know why.
No doubt you are worth every penny. But since you are kidding I will proceed without buying you a $250 cup of coffee.
"I was older than her" sounds a little odd to me. It sounds incorrect. "I was older than she" sounds better, I think because my grammarian mother said in the second case what you are in fact saying is "I was older than she is" However it also sounds formal and might be off-putting if I were to use the second phrase in speaking to someone. I have no idea what this grammar issue is. I also don't know if the first example sounds odd to me but isn't. What say you?
This s a good example of when a rule is technically correct ("than she"), but everyday usage makes it sound awkward. I think most writers and speakers would choose "than her" now. But "older than she was" also sounds OK to me.
My mother used to correct me about this when I was growing up. I agree with what you say about everyday usage. I wasn’t certain, though. Thank you for clearing that up.
Best if only grammar lesson of the day! I like your use of the M.A.G.A. acronym! You should start a grammar chat box!
This is why, were I to be writing, I would need to find me an editor.
..and you were writing just a few minutes ago.
Ha!
That was fun to read. I have known about subjunctives but for a long time I didn't know why it sounded funny to me to use 'was' as in the funny example you gave about Kim Kardashian. I did not know about the designation of modals, but I do know about them. I am also well aware of the southern/Scots example you gave: 'might could'. I will probably have a hard time remembering the word 'modal' because I am an old dog and learning new word tricks can be harder. I will have the sense, though, that I better understand why I should use that in some circumstances.
I keep running into what I think are grammar mistakes and think from time to time to ask you. I can't easily come up with an example but if I do I may send a message. I hear things that don't sound right to me but don't know why they don't sound right. I would be glad to know.
You're welcome to try me. Prices start at only $50 for subject-verb agreement issues, and scale up to $250 for subtle verb problems.
OK, I'm kidding. But seriously, I think it's interesting how we learn a language as inconsistent in grammar and spelling as English, and then construct an "inner ear" that suggests something is wrong, even when we don't know why.
No doubt you are worth every penny. But since you are kidding I will proceed without buying you a $250 cup of coffee.
"I was older than her" sounds a little odd to me. It sounds incorrect. "I was older than she" sounds better, I think because my grammarian mother said in the second case what you are in fact saying is "I was older than she is" However it also sounds formal and might be off-putting if I were to use the second phrase in speaking to someone. I have no idea what this grammar issue is. I also don't know if the first example sounds odd to me but isn't. What say you?
This s a good example of when a rule is technically correct ("than she"), but everyday usage makes it sound awkward. I think most writers and speakers would choose "than her" now. But "older than she was" also sounds OK to me.
My mother used to correct me about this when I was growing up. I agree with what you say about everyday usage. I wasn’t certain, though. Thank you for clearing that up.