On 02/08/2010 08:25 PM, Ken Blake, MVP wrote:
> On Mon, 8 Feb 2010 20:18:56 -0500, "FromTheRafters" @nomail.afraid.org> wrote:
>
>> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote in message
>> news:b741n59mjnn15206q6o5bif6u2on412es8@4ax.com...
>>> On Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:43:30 -0500, MEB
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>> Yeah, it seems that a large percentage of experts or the most
>>>> knowledgeable people ARE from foreign non-English native language
>>>> nations. The same holds true for Linux and other OSs.
>>>> That does not, however, excuse those whose native language IS
>>>> English
>>>> and their poor grammar and writing, though per most info, the general
>>>> scale is around 8th grade reading and comprehension skills with even
>>>> lower writing abilities [around 6th grade]. For instance: I must
>>>> limit
>>>> my writing style to 12th grade level [in formal documents] or even
>>>> college graduates and supposed professionals get lost; and this is
>>>> not
>>>> meant as anything more than a plain statement of fact [born out in
>>>> the
>>>> courts], e.g., it is not a derogatory comment nor bragging.
>>>
>>>
>>> I normally avoid correcting people's spelling, grammar, or usage
>>> errors, but considering what you've said here, let me point out two
>>> things:
>>>
>>> 1. That last phrase in parentheses should be "borne out in court."
>>>
>>> 2. The "e.g." in that last sentence should be "i. e."
>>
>> ...and I suppose a purist would insist on the either/or pairing -
>> neither nor in this case.
>
>
> Right! I missed that.
>
>
>>
>> I usually don't comment on such things because my own language usage is
>> far from perfect. My point was that many legitimate websites would be
>> suspicious looking if proper language usage was the only gauge.
>
>
>
> I usually don't comment on such things because despite not being
> perfect myself, it's simply rude. I commented in this case only
> because I was commenting on the English of a commenter.
>
>
>> Many of
>> Microsoft's own pages could use proofreading.
>
>
> Yep!
>
Wrong to both of you, let me explain for those without the intellect to
understand.
FIRST, take the WHOLE statement as ONE THOUGHT.
The beginning is:
"That does not,"
the ending is:
"nor bragging."
Take particular note of the punctuation included within the PARAGRAPH...
Now "born out in the courts" means:
The concepts idea was birthed [born] within the court system over the
course of mankind's existence. [born out in the courts]. NOT as borne
[carried, issued, displayed, or otherwise] in the courts, records,
judgments or otherwise, as you wrote. YOU change the tenor and meaning
by simply removing a key word "the". YOUR "borne out in court." makes
sense IF I were using those specific records or rulings in which the
issues were broached or reflected. That IS NOT what I wrote, is it..
Moreover, borne is the past participle of bear.
NEXT the e.g. verses the i.e.. The use of e.g. is appropriate when
examples are given. The EXAMPLE (exempli gratia) complaints were listed as:
"it is not (1.) a derogatory comment nor (2.) bragging".
Do the number indicators help you?
Now for the either/or verses neither/nor or as I wrote - is not/nor.
Best look again... *is not* and *nor* in particular.
Now if you wish I DO have Webster's Collegiate Dictionary within reach,
and a second dictionary/thesaurus which has a nifty second on
grammatical issues and usage, etc.. Plus, if you care to, run what I
posted through Flesch-Kincaid or similar grammatical check tool using
the different writing formats.
When you have done that, run your own postings for comparison. If you
want a real treat and enlightenment, do several of your prior postings...
Now actually READ and TRY to comprehend what I wrote. And next time
either keep your mouths shut or we can do the Usenet "dance".
--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.org/ref/windows-main.htm
Windows Info, Diagnostics, Security, Networking
http://peoplescounsel.org
The "real world" of Law, Justice, and Government
___---