Psychology Today reports on a study suggesting that “introverts [are] more likely to be annoyed by typos and grammatical mistakes than extroverts.” A sentence from PT :
First, let’s take a closer look at the study, then we’ll explore why introverts might be the ultimate grammar sticklers.Uh-oh, comma splice, which I’ve marked in red. Better:
First, let’s take a closer look at the study; then we’ll explore why introverts might be the ultimate grammar sticklers.Better still:
Let’s look at the study and see why introverts might be grammar sticklers.There’s little need for “first” and “then” when the two matters are so closely related. And if the article has presented only a brief statement about the study, there’s little difference between a look and a closer look. I object to “explore” as slightly pompous, and to “the ultimate” as hype. But then I’m a modest introvert. Or stickler. Or both.
The study involved a mere eighty participants. This post makes eighty-one.
Related reading
All OCA grammar and introversion posts (Pinboard)
comments: 6
I misread this post's title on my blogroll as "Introvert Stickers."
Oooh, I thought, I want one to stick my laptop.
Imagine my disappointment.
I am only a mild introvert: on the Myer Briggs, I'm half I/half E. I'm not annoyed by grammatical errors that don't make any difference to the meaning.
I am very annoyed by bad writing that betrays careless, sloppy thinking on things that matter. A Certain Someone's Tweets drive me mad!!!
P.S. What was I thinking! That's not true, what I just wrote.
I guess it depends who makes the mistake, and where the mistake is--if it's in print, I roll my eyes. If it's a handwritten sign for, say, a garage sale, I kind of like the humanity of it.
Also, punctuation doesn't much bother me, but the ridiculous wording of signs do.
I cringe when the writer or speaker (which could be me) should know better. But everyday people doing the best they can do — nothing there bothers me. English teachers always hear “I better watch my grammar.” I tend to reply, “Oh, I taught literature, not grammar.” Or “I’m off duty.”
This image would make a nice sticker. But then people would ask about it. :)
I'm definitely an extrovert and a stickler.
Love that sign:
I am uniting NOW! Separately, in my own home!
(Though today I must raise shields and go work among the humans.)
Yes--you've nailed the distinction--everyday people doing their best is one thing, professional writing is another.
@Geo-B: the details here remind me of what happens when people in English studies cite studies about composition pedagogy. “Research shows” — and the research turns out to a study done with one classroom.
@Fresca: I’d count professional speaking too, as with talking heads on TV news and NPR.
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