Another grammar question...

Dave Poehlman · 12-18-2003, 09:16 AM

I put up a sign in our office break room the other day because I am tired of the coffee vultures taking the last of the pot and not making more!

Anyway... I printed the following in the most obnoxious font I could find:

"If you aren't going to make coffee... DON'T DRINK COFFEE!!!"

I was admiring my handiwork this morning and noticed I could have written:

"If you're not going to make coffee... DON'T DRINK COFFEE!!!"

Is one more correct than the other?

BrettB · 12-18-2003, 09:45 AM

You aren't serious, are you?

I mean, you're not serious, are you?

To avoid this in the future: "If you ain't going to make coffee... DON'T DRINK COFFEE!!!"

Jon_Are · 12-18-2003, 09:48 AM

I'd say your original version is slightly more correct, because the emphasis is on are not as opposed to you are (although I'm sure that either is appropriate).

Alternatively, you could have stated simply you are not. Or, perhaps, you're'nt?

In any case, I would have worded the message in a polite manner, rather than going the obnoxious route. I believe this would have been more effective.

Remember, though, I aren't an expert.

Jon

Dave Poehlman · 12-18-2003, 10:32 AM

Quote:

In any case, I would have worded the message in a polite manner, rather than going the obnoxious route. I believe this would have been more effective.

We've tried the polite route in the past by putting up a pleasant sign... but it got torn down.

It's a handful of people doing it... they know who they are... and they know we know who they are.... and we know that they know that we know who they are.... well, you get the idea.

It's just frustrating when you've got a monkey on your back like I do - and you walk into the breakroom only to find an empty pot on the burner boiled down to a black crisp.

Leila Dougan · 12-18-2003, 12:36 PM

They both are both grammatically correct. The word choice and placement changes the emphasis, though, so just use the phrase that better conveys your message.

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andrew markworthy · 12-18-2003, 01:41 PM

I'd personally use the second, as it is slightly easier to say out loud and 'feels' better. However, both are grammatically okay.

Ted Lee · 12-18-2003, 06:03 PM

Quote:

but it got torn down.

heh...good thing you're asking about your grammar dave...

Adam Bluhm · 12-18-2003, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Or, perhaps, you're'nt?

Patrick Sun · 12-18-2003, 08:07 PM

"If you kill the joe, make some mo'!"

Dave Poehlman · 12-18-2003, 08:28 PM

Quote:

heh...good thing you're asking about your grammar dave...

OMG, Ted... I can't believe I wrote that. I must be so blinded by rage...