Found an error in Word2003 grammar database

[Ralonne]

In the following sentence Word 2003 came back and suggested I change "its" to
"it's":

"..and its associated Part Number"

FYI to whomever loads/updates Microsoft's grammar database:

"its" means possessive, as in my own;
"it's" is a contraction (abbreviation) for 'it is'.

This REALLY concerns me as I rely on the grammar checker feature as backup
to my own memory of such things, and being very A/Retentive about grammar,
punctuation and spelling, when I'm unsure about something, I would like to
know that I can trust the information I'm receiving via Word's spelling and
grammar application.

There've been a few things that I've questioned before, but deferred to the
application figuring maybe I was in error and thus counted on MS Word to be
more accurate than my 50 y/o memory.

This is no longer the case, unfortunately.

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http://www.microsoft.com/office/com...4&dg=microsoft.public.word.application.errors

 

[Guest]

Absolutely right. And, dear Microsoft, there are many other examples if
illiteracy in your spell and grammar checker. IMO the package is so good
generally that this really lets it down.

Mind you, a good editor will always use the spell and grammar check
carefully, and mainly to pick up typos. It cannot possibly be right all the
time as the whole context is a matter of human comprehension and probably
out of the reach of a mere computer program for ever. For example I was
recently editing an Australian book about the World Cup (Soccer). One
sentence spoke of Viduka (nickname Dukes). The sentence included 'Dukes was
sorry he did not score..'. Spell/grammar check flagged it as wrong and
suggested 'Dukes were sorry they didn't score...'

 

[Ralonne]

Of course it flagged it and suggested a more fitting response accordingy,
Aalaan. As I'm sure you're well aware, 'dukes' is interpreted as a plural.
And you're right a good editor WILL generally just use the spell/grammar
checker for typos they don't catch while typing.

But I also like having my grammar double-checked. And oftentimes it makes
suggested corrections based on how "IT" interprets a given sentence. Yet, it
seemed previous versions somehow interpreted the whole paragraph, not just a
single sentence within a paragraph, and thus, I believe, did a much better
job of checking grammar, syntax, and the like.

Anyway, thank you for validating what I wrote. Glad to know it's not just
me who's noticed this.

 

[Guest]

Of course it flagged it and suggested a more fitting response accordingy,
Aalaan. As I'm sure you're well aware, 'dukes' is interpreted as a
plural.

Of course! I was using that as an example of why you must manually edit copy
in context. But your example of it's and its should never have happened.

BTW, there's a newsgroup devoted to spelling and grammar. It's
microsoft.public.word.spelling.grammar

And BBTW, I subscribe to a technical radio ng nothing to do with Word where
the regulars are so illiterate that they continually post excellent examples
of how not to do it! The favourite is 'you're' and 'your' continually
misused.

Also, isn't it amazing how much harder it is to read a paragraph where the
poster has used 'i' lazily instead of 'I', as well as the fact that such
posters often do not bother with such mundane things as sentences and full
stops.

 

[Ralonne]

Hahahahaha! Loved your examples Aalaan! Thank you, BTW, for the
spell/grammar newsgroup info. I've saved it off for my own reference.

As for the 'illiteracy' you referenced in the other 'technical' newsgrp, OMG
YESSS that drives me INSANE when people don't know proper usage (or they're /
their / there) - and frankly I tend to discount them on a personal basis when
I encounter it. I mean, c'mon, if they're not up on such things I figure my
A/R tendencies will prob'ly make them as crazy as their english deficiencies
make me lol! I have to confess, whenever I'm instant msg'g with someone, I
tend to be lazy about capitalizing my Is as well but otherwise, I'm diligent
about typing correctly. Those who seem to have no idea what the purpose of
punctuation is amaze me frankly. How can they expect someone to follow their
conversation if they don't know how to structure their sentences? Oh well -
such is life online eh?

Again TY for your invaluable assistance Aalaan, it's been great knowing I'm
not alone here in my A/R tendencies lol. BTW based on your spelling of
'favorite', I can only presume you're from UK? Take care and have a blessed
day!

 

[Guest]

Thanks. Yes I am in Australia (also favourite) but ex-UK.

What's A/R?

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

I expect he meant "anal-retentive."

 

[Ralonne]

A/R = an*l retentive lol

Thanks. Yes I am in Australia (also favourite) but ex-UK.

What's A/R?

 

[Ralonne]

yes I did Suzanne and btw I'm a 'she' ...

I expect he meant "anal-retentive."

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Sorry, I thought it was Alan who had written that. I'm getting confused by
the snipping.