Oct 22 2008
in which there are more grammar-y things
Yes, I really do notice these things. I’m one of those tiresome people who goes crazy at the improper use of apostrophes (but really, anyone–especially anyone professional–who puts a sign up should really know they’re/their/there, you’re/your, and its/it’s…and there’s never any excuse for the atrocious “you’r”) and that sort of thing, which I was even before I worked as a copy editor for almost two years. I notice use of language in general, though, whenever and whatever I read, and I’m definitely noticing little linguistic quirks here in England.
One that’s struck me as particularly odd? A usage of “on” that’s apparently unique to British English, where Americans would be more likely to say “at”. And this shows up everywhere. “Call such-and-such on [number], or e-mail us on [address].” “No glass bottles, alcohol or dogs allowed on the park.” I don’t get it. I understand a bit more the “different to/different from” thing, because at least that makes some sense, but this usage of “on” just sort of puzzles me.
