the following do not exist "should of", "could of", "would of"

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the word you are stretching for is "have"

should have

could have

would have

YADNBU

It's sooo annoying (even when I'm trying so hard not to be judgy!)

I think it is more the influence of reading a lot from a young age.

I was raised by illiterates and went to an awful school (plus also educated in 80s where grammar was simply not taught at school), but read everything I could lay my hands on.

i guess it depends on if you also really give a toss

(isn't there a section for weirdo grammar freaks?)

I went to the shop and brought a book on grammar.

AAGH!

@WBOTM, I hope the shop was happy to receive it. :)

Whitebum ARRRGGGHHHHH! Yes that winds me up too.

And "Can you borrow me a fiver"

You shouldnt of started this thread

YANB at all U. Makes me want to get my red pen out and write a big SP!

The only acceptable response to that is "certainly. Who shall I borrow it from?"

Or should that be "from whom would you like me to borrow it?"

see, this is why I should never get involved in threads about grammar.

You are a very,very sad person.

Whatevva Hectate just get yer dosh out

'Language changes over time, and there's no reason why we couldn't use 'could of'. Maybe in a few years it will be the correct usage (or at least a valid alternative).'

That would mean converting a preposition into a verb. So have would become of. As it would have to be applied logically we would have (sorry we would of) the following in the present tense; to of, I of, you of, s/he has, we of, you of they of. In the past I of been, I of seen etc.

That is why grammar mattters. Without it the ability to communicate is endangered.

I love you.

Marry me.

You of learned me somefink new.

Rennie I didn't understand a bloody word of that

Pedants' corner is that way>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

YANBU!

It is important. It's about the ability to communicate ideas effectively.

Rennie You of explained that beautifully! I of more understanding of grammar now!

YADNBU. Drives me potty too. Along with your/you're and their/there/they're. Yep, and loose/lose. All over the bloody place today.

DD quite clearly says 'could of' etc. She's only seven though, so there's hope yet. Unlike the girls who wrote the rules for the Easter egg hunt we went to on Friday - rules to ensure 'your not cheating'. Grammar school sixth form girls. Sigh.

I don't care

I agree that standards are definitely in decline. What really annoys me is the misuse of apostrophes. I constantly see plural's with apostrophe's?!!

I think sometimes when people say should've, could've, which is fine, it is misheard as should of. Obviously not an excuse when written.

I constantly see plural's with apostrophe's?!!

Shouldn't that be plurals?