Etiquette for Young Men

[EagleJCS]

Total side note : affect and effect are words that keep me on edge as to usage. I am never sure I have chosen the right one. My usage here is "to cause".

Not to derail this thread, but it may be related:
Proper use of the language (this would apply to any language, not just English) is a bug-a-boo of mine. Learning how to speak and write properly in one's native language can be just as important as learning table manners and other social etiquette. Sometimes, the written word is the only way people may get to know you. (This forum is a case in point).

I hear many people these days speaking the wrong words (usually near-homophones - words that sound similar - but they may add an extra consonant at the end). E.g. "That's a great ideal!" instead of "That's a great idea!".

I also see many people misusing words in a similar manner (some of them with college degrees!) in written communications. When I see this, I get embarrassed for them (and if they are sending something out representing the group I'm in, I'm sometimes embarrassed of them). When I was younger, I would sometimes send a private note or speak to the person in an attempt to educate/correct them, but was often rebuffed - probably out of embarrassment - so I no longer do so, unless it is a child still in school and still learning proper usage. The use of heterographs (words that sound alike but are spelled differently - e.g. to, too, and two) is another situation of which to be aware.

I'm not saying I'm Mr. Perfect - I do make mistakes from time to time, but I do at least make an attempt at determining what is proper for the message I'm trying to communicate, and gratefully acknowledge correction when it's offered.