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Pedants' corner

Need advice on something that ds1 has brought home from school - thanks!

6 replies

DrZeus · 09/10/2008 21:44

DS1 has his school assembly next week. He has the following line (as taken word for word from his script):

The major wasn't interested he thought it would put it's self out and he went back to bed. Mr Major London is on fire.

DH and I have been discussing this and we both think that this is grammatically incorrect, as well as having a typo (it's self). Having run it through a grammar checker online, it didn't pick up any issues, so I'm now doubting my own ability!

I think it would be better as follows:

The major (mayor?) wasn't interested. He thought it would put itself out and he went back to bed. "Mr Major (Mayor?}, London is on fire!".

Any thoughts?
Thanks.

OP posts:
whomovedmychocolate · 09/10/2008 21:46

Yep, you are right.

hester · 09/10/2008 21:47

Still, my beating heart!

it's self - ugh

DrZeus · 09/10/2008 21:47

Ooh, thank your whomovedmychocolate! Now I just have to raise it with ds1's teacher!

OP posts:
DrZeus · 09/10/2008 21:48

Oops thank you - finger trouble!

OP posts:
loobeylou · 09/10/2008 23:41

am all for correct spelling and agree the grammar is not good either, but I reckon the kids probably worded it themselves, and there is something to be said for them having pride in their efforts and not just being corrected ALL the time - ? So I would vote to stick with their wording even with bad grammar, but have it all correctly spelt/punctuated etc. Unless they are older juniors and have actually typed it all up themselves too.

It will all sound the same anyway , when they read/say it.

I now hand back my pedant's badge, I am obviously unworthy and half-hearted (I am sure that isn't right for a start!)

DrZeus · 10/10/2008 13:01

Found out this morning it had been done in a rush. It should have said "mayor". I just mentioned that I'd retyped it as ds1 was struggling with it. I promised ds1 he could type it out this evening on the computer in BIG letters and highlight it too - he was delighted!

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