I am SO over “over.” It’s gotten to the point where I can’t get through an evening of primetime television without bearing witness to this grammatical infraction. And to make matters worse, I’ve developed an unconscious tick. When I hear the word “over” misused, I correct the grammar IN MY OWN HEAD! (You can stop right there. You don’t have to tell me. I am fully aware of how strange this is. I can’t help it, it just pops in there.)

We all have our pet peeves and this is mine: When dealing with quantities, the use of “over” is incorrect. To say, “I sat in traffic for over 45 minutes,” is WRONG. The correct statement is, “I sat in traffic for more than 45 minutes.” More than!

C’mon people! Did we all forget the fifth grade? I’m continually blown away by how misused “over” has become. I see it in everything from television and print ads to casual conversation, and it all drives me crazy! I’m on a mission to rid the English language of such infractions. Screaming at the television – out loud or in my head – only goes so far. I need help from the rest of the English speaking population.

And for the record, the same rule of quantities applies to “less” and “fewer.” Take a look around the grocery store and you’ll understand my panic attacks. “Less carbohydrates” = incorrect; “Fewer carbohydrates” = correct.

<Deep breath in, deep breath out and repeat.> OK, I think I’m starting to feel better now.

Posted in aka Jana "My name's pronounced 'John-uh'" Sanders Perry | No Comments »