Alot as a word? (school, classroom, exam, course)

[Sally_Sparrow]

Originally Posted by Dirt Grinder

I have never corrected anyone in any forum for their grammar and/or spelling - I just hate seeing the word "alot" in every forum, in advertisements, and in emails.

I have corrected people a few times for grammar and spelling but I fully admit I was petty and snarky in doing so. I try to not stoop to that.

I am extremely bothered by grammar and spelling errors in advertising or any professionally published pamphlet, brochure, book, magazine, news story, etc. There should be a higher standard in those cases. It annoys me to no end to think that someone was paid good money to produce something and couldn't bother to get it right.

[andywire]

The word is almost never used correctly in general writing like that found on this form.

Actual definition per Wikipedia:

alot

Web definitions
Alot (अलोट) is a town and nagar panchayat in the Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh, India..

I guess that could get under your skin, but live and let live. I would also appear as a major PITA if I went around and pointed out the error in everyone's writing. I'm sure I make a few grammatical errors here and there as well.

As for teachers using the word incorrectly... What does the average teacher make in this country, like 35K? You get what you pay for. Why is a HS diploma nearly worthless these days? Not picking on the good teachers, because there are some awesome folks who picked that profession for reasons other than money. Unfortunate, there are also some crappy ones out there who bring down the quality of education in this country.

[Themanwithnoname]

Originally Posted by Dirt Grinder

I have never corrected anyone in any forum for their grammar and/or spelling - I just hate seeing the word "alot" in every forum, in advertisements, and in emails.

ALOT of people understand that English is a "Living language" unlike dead languages such as Latin.

This is where "New Words" such as "Internet" is from.

The fact that you see it in common useage (See above) including advertisements tells us that it IS A WORD.

Deal with it.

[Dirt Grinder]

Originally Posted by Themanwithnoname

...common useage...tells us that it IS A WORD...

So, let me get this straight. If enough people misspell a word enough times - it magically becomes the actual spelling. Well shut my mouth and call me Sam - and I didn't take the bait .

I also see plenty of possessive for plural usage (in advertisements) - will that also become the norm? And will everyday replace "every day" (which I also see in ads)?

"I go to the park everyday and I see lot's of duck's." I just love a "Living Language."

[Themanwithnoname]

Originally Posted by Dirt Grinder

So, let me get this straight. If enough people misspell a word enough times - it magically becomes the actual spelling. Well shut my mouth and call me Sam - and I didn't take the bait .

Classic example.

Review of "OK," a history of a favorite American expression, by Allan Metcalf


Or compare Shakespearean English with that in use today.


Sorry your bubble had to be popped.

[Dirt Grinder]

Originally Posted by Themanwithnoname

...Sorry your bubble had to be popped.

LOL - you compare the use of OK to the wholesale slaughtering of the English language by those too lazy to learn how to spell?

[Themanwithnoname]

Originally Posted by Dirt Grinder

LOL - you compare the use of OK to the wholesale slaughtering of the English language by those too lazy to learn how to spell?

LOL, Something tells me you need to go back and read the article!


Here's another:
English Spelling as a Societal and Educational Problem | Lingua Franca


So yes. QUITE LITERALLY:

Originally Posted by Dirt Grinder
If enough people misspell a word enough times - it magically becomes the actual spelling.

(See this link)

[Dirt Grinder]

I know you spent a lot of time searching for web-based info that you feel justifies your position, so the least I can do is respond. Unfortunately, all those articles simply reinforce my position - they bypass discipline and resort to a "willy-nilly" unstructured approach to linguistics. Next we'll be telling our children that 2 + 2 is usually 4, but it's okay (OK) if you want it to be 5. Life isn't a game of horseshoes where close is good enough - you will always be judged on the correctness of your communication.

[kevxu]

Originally Posted by Dirt Grinder

Okay, I have seen "alot" used throughout CD. I have even seen it used by "teachers." Let's take this word and give it the burial it deserves - please.

What annoys me most is that this word is "alotta," not "alot."

[brianjb]

What's funny is that to this day, I remember my English teacher in high school teaching us this chant, "a lot, two words; a lot, two words" So it stuck in my head that it isn't one word.