On 1-Jun-09, at 9:39 AM, Assembly for the Teaching of English Grammar wrote:

I tell my students that they shouldn't use them ... when writing to an audience that thinks they shouldn't be used.

This seems like sound advice for any language issue. Perhaps it should be followed with the proviso, "unless you wish to provoke your audience." The problem then becomes imagining what might invoke the rage of your reader.

Best,

Brett

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Brett Reynolds

English Language Centre

Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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