Sir, - I refer to Michael Donnellan and his reply published January 30th. For this relief much thanks. At least there is one defender of the Gerund and that which it represents.
I agree totally with his comments on Latin as the ultimate grounding in grammar. Alas it has disappeared from the syllabus of so many educational establishments that I got quite a shock recently (a pleasant one) when I heard a young person refer to having started one of her subjects ab initio in college. Such a pity it is no longer being taught in many schools. Remember how easy it was to figure out the meaning of a strange word by going to the root.
Who's to blame for the poor grammar? Educational establishments for dropping standards? Perhaps they lack resources; perhaps there are other priorities. Televisions and computers for replacing all that reading we used to do? These must indeed have had a great influence but then booksellers today have never had it so good (pardon).
I agree also with Mr Donnellan's remarks about spelling. People argue that they can run a spell check so why bother. I'm so accustomed to reading words like responsibility, liason, committment, accomodation, that I don't think people even see the mistakes any more. I'm charmed if I pick up a menu and find lasagne written correctly. I have seen neon lights flashing at me announcing freshly made sandwitches. Recently a graduate proudly claimed on his CV to have an honours degree in Batchelor of Science.
Depressing Michael, ain't it? - Yours, etc.,
Terenure, Dublin 6.