Eoin English, journalist of some repute with the Irish Examiner, once described his occupation as follows: “There are many words in the English language, and I am paid to put them in order.”

That may not be word perfect, but it’s the gist of it.

I’ve known Eoin for many years, and it was he who taught me to put words in order and, without him, I probably wouldn’t be writing these weekly columns.

I can hear you now silently cursing Eoin for doing that, but it’s not all his fault. Maurice Gubbins, another old friend of mine, and former Editor of The Echo, also had a hand in it, but that’s another story.

I’ve always enjoyed writing, and I take a certain amount of pride in using the correct grammar and punctuation.

When I send a text message or an email, I like to do it correctly. I always read it back before hitting the send button to make sure it’s OK.

It doesn’t take a huge effort, and it shows a little respect for the recipient too.

I appreciate not everyone can do that, and there are various medical conditions that make it impossible for many to structure a sentence. Dyslexia, dyspraxia, and poor eyesight to name but a few - and that’s fine. I don’t have an issue with that.

What I do have an issue with though, is how some people are deliberately going out of their way to butcher the English language.

I’m thinking in particular of the Generation Z, or Gen-Zers as they’re referred to - those born between 1997 and 2012.

They have an issue with the written word........

© Evening Echo