On Jan 9, 2007, at 6:46 AM, mike wilson wrote: > >> >> From: "Shel Belinkoff" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> Date: 2007/01/09 Tue PM 02:14:24 GMT >> To: "Pentax-Discuss Mail List" <pdml@pdml.net> >> Subject: Re: OT Question (was Re: OT Is returning a phone message >> reallythatcomplicated) >> >> Those examples are not "American English." Those are examples of >> incorrect American English, of people not knowing correct English >> grammar. >> I'm sure there are people in every country that misspeak their >> language, >> use slang, jargon, or speak in the vernacular. > > What about the use of "would have" for "had"? As in, "If I would > have written it properly, nobody could have been offended". > Correct US use? It sounds diabolical to me. > 8-)
It's a colloquialism or vernacular in US English. (I'm not a linguist, the distinction is a little vague to me.) Understood and acceptable in casual conversation but not seen in written prose or formal 'correct' speech. Godfrey -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
