RFT wrote:

I clearly said poorly constructed not inaccurately constructed sentences i.e. lacking some eloquence.

I operate as an Engineer under a Royal Charter as as such it is a capital E. Those who do not feel they are a Professional Engineer are by definition amateurs.

I would welcome any guidance to a accident or incident investigation where the HSE inspector found an incorrectly used semi colon etc. was a significant contributory factor. I know of far too many deaths resulting from inept management decisions based upon poor or non existent understanding of the basic physics of the process and the integrity of the process units.

rossy wrote:

Perhaps this thread is the place to express my annoyance at the alarming increase in the misuse of apostrophe 's' just about everywhere these days on many plurals ending in 's' - even on official publications where you would expect some sort of proof reading mechanism to be in place - eg 'Landrover's for sale'. Most other sloppy English habits are, I believe, due to linguistic shortcuts in the practice of texting - IMHO lol

cobs wrote:

Let's not forget that this forum is about Land Rovers not spelling. If we are pedantic about the latter we'll put people off posting who may have a valuable contribution to make. If you read a newspaper or a BBC news website you can reasonably expect the grammar and punctuation to be correct. There is however a conversational spontanaity to forums which is, on balance I believe, more important than precise spelling (or starting a sentence with 'and'). In any event, whether we like it or not, the lack of proper keyboards in the (increasingly ubiquitous) use of smartphones and tablets will make it more difficult for even the most ardent advocate of Queen's English to ensure they never make a cock-up when typing. (Oh dear it was all going so well until the last sentence..............)

Although I agree with you there, sometimes the spelling and grammar (or lack of) in a post can make it incredibly hard to read or even understand, which in turn could well put people off contributing! An engine to TDi for!
"Land Rover- Proudly turning drivers into mechanics since 1948"

GUM97 wrote:

Although I agree with you there, sometimes the spelling and grammar (or lack of) in a post can make it incredibly hard to read or even understand, which in turn could well put people off contributing!

Agree with that.
Some contributors have genuine trouble with their English. These are not the people to target.
The real problem is people who can't be bothered. I tend to take the attitude that, if they can't be bothered, why should I? Ebay advertisers are usually the worst amongst these along with those who insist on using 'text speak'. 

Laurie wrote:

Ebay advertisers are usually the worst amongst these along with those who insist on using 'text speak'.

I've came across adds as you describe before. I always avoid them... You got to actively sell something if it's any good at all which takes just a little time and effort to work out. And also properly word an advert. I always look else where if I come across an add like that. Often as follows:

"BNIB charger sold as seen.
any info: 077********
"

 Diesel$ Live$ Matter. ⛽️🛢️👨‍🔧🧰⚙️ RED, WHITE & BOOST! 🇬🇧