Thread: I should of known

Originally Posted by kiwigeo

English is a dynamic language..it's changing all the time. If it wasn't we'd still be speaking the way they did back in Medieval times.

Yes, but what has that got to do with using proper salutations in an email? It certainly has not changed to make "hey mate" a courteous salutation, at least not in my view and a lot of others agree. Of course my objection to it won't change anything but it makes me feel better.

Not sure if it has been mentioned, but 'then vs than' gives me the irrits(sp)!

Originally Posted by Chris Parks

Yes, but what has that got to do with using proper salutations in an email? It certainly has not changed to make "hey mate" a courteous salutation, at least not in my view and a lot of others agree. Of course my objection to it won't change anything but it makes me feel better.

If the email was from a total stranger I'd probably have issues with the salutation but if it was from some one I know I wouldn't have much issue with the informal greeting. I tend to treat emails as a less formal means of communication than a written letter.

I'm sure that even what you consider a "formal" greeting in this day and age would be considered overly informal or perhaps even rude back in Medieval times....

'Should of known"? That should read "Should have known" lol.

A workmate used to say supposibly instead of supposedly, and "I'm used of it".
The cabling connecting various components of the mobile concrete plant to the control centre was known as the "umbilical" one of the managers used to refer to it as the "biblical". That used to make me smile.
One thing I detest is the use of us instead of we, as in "us forum members are..." it should read "we forum members are..."
My tag line above says "try not to be late, but....' should it read "try to not be late, but..?
I used to deliberately twist words when the kids were small, for instance point out some pellingtons swimming in the lake, Daaaad! My dreams came true a couple of years ago on a tour of the phosphate mine at Wellington NSW. The young lady tour guide made mention that we might find a "skellington" in there. I asked of the possibility of finding a "pellington skellington" and after a brief pause and with a grin she thought we might.
Cheers,
Geoff.

We had quite a lengthy conversation at work one day, and found the answer to the following question was largely dictated by your religion.

Is "H" pronounced as haitch or aitch ?

We found those of the catholic faith had a very staunch and opposing view to the rest of us (we) heathens.

Now ... please don't offend me and copy/paste grammar laws that start with "In US English ..." - or I shall be forced to launch my phone across the room.

Originally Posted by Glenn.Visca

We had quite a lengthy conversation at work one day, and found the answer to the following question was largely dictated by your religion.
Is "H" pronounced as haitch or aitch ?
We found those of the catholic faith had a very staunch and opposing view to the rest of us (we) heathens.
Now ... please don't offend me and copy/paste grammar laws that start with "In US English ..." - or I shall be forced to launch my phone across the room.

Might have been the case in your sample and was probably widespread many years ago - but that distinction has long gone.
Even 40 years ago teaching in low socio economic area government schools I reckon I heard more Haitches than "aitches"
That might have been consistent with a supposed class distinction but even that now seems to be in doubt
see The H wars: Aitch or haitch? - Books and Arts - ABC Radio National (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

My late Grandfather in law had this tale from the days of trams in Perth. The tram used to pass Havelock and Outram streets. Conductor "Avelock Street! 'Avelock Street!" Passenger, "I say my good man you've dropped your aitch." Conductor, "Don't worry sir, we'll pick it up at Houtram'