Unleashing My Pet Peeve

My original title for this post was “I Blame the Decline of Western Civilization on the Failing School System,” but I thought some might be offended by such a melodramatic statement. In retrospect, however, I can see certain correlations between the two. So, rather than dig this hole any deeper, we shall, as the title says, unleash my pet peeve.

I have enough pet peeves to start neurotic pet store. For instance, I saw a delivery truck that said their product was bottled by disabled workers. It annoys me that these people are labeled as “disabled” when, in truth, their abilities are just different from other peoples. Why not tell us that the product was bottled by “proud, hard-working individuals?”

The pet peeve that I think is part of the decline is the gross misuse of the words “then” and “than. For example, “I would rather write action then romance, than see my book made into a movie.” That sentence is just flat out wrong. The correct way to say it would be, “I would rather write action THAN romance, THEN see my book made into a movie.” The word “than” is—when properly used—an indication of comparison. Always ask yourself, “Would I rather use the word correctly than look like an idiot?” If you answer yes, then we will move on to the next word. “Then” is used when referring to things occurring in sequence.

So, I have done my little bit to delay western civilization’s decline. If you want to do your part, then spread the word or, in this case, the words.

Just thought I would jot this down.