So this week I gathered some writing samples from the internet to showcase how far some writers (and speakers) have fallen. I know I shouldn’t read that stuff, but the collapse of the English language is fascinating; aggravating and infuriating, but fascinating.

Here we go:

1. “Manitoba’s Highway 75 is part of Canada’s National Highway System and a network of highways that connect cities in central areas of North America. A.k.a., it’s a major highway and a major nuisance when it closes on rare occasions.” (Randi Mann the weather network)

Problem: a.k.a. stands for ‘also known as’. In the previous statement, aka is meaningless.

I don’t know who wrote these next two gems, but they get included.

2. “… we laughed, we cried, we were kind of sometimes scared.”

Problem: What does that mean? “Kind of sometimes scared”? HUH?? There’s no need for these two modifiers; one or the other will do.

And, last but not least:

3. “… the perfect encapsulation of every politician’s wet dream.”

Problem: Unnecessarily crude. You can make your point without that.

Yes, I’m picky. Yes, this stuff annoys me. And yes, I will share it with you when warranted.

Then again, maybe it’s not doomed. Maybe I can fix it. Maybe this type of post will help. Maybe.

(Want more? Contact me as outlined below.)

Christine – Guest blogger

http://www.bespokewriterchristine.com

bespokewriterchristine@gmail.com