Sir, - While I have hesitated to write a complaint about the misuse of the English language in the context of such important developments as are taking place in Northern Ireland, I take courage from Proinsias Breathnach's excellent letter (June 25th) on the subject.
My main objection is to the current (and universal) use of "like" as a substitute for "as" or "as if". "Like I say" to judge from its frequent use, is much more popular than the correct "as I say". "Like he was trying to get away," is a frequent substitution for "as if he was (or to be, perhaps, pedantic "were") trying to get away."
Need I draw attention to the misuse of "who" and "whom"?, "whom he said was the culprit". And indeed The Irish Times has more than once been the culprit in this instance.
My opening sentence may have suggested that the use of correct language and grammar is comparatively unimportant. If so let me correct this. I am quite sure that correct language and clear thought are very closely connected. Mr Breathnach's letter illustrates that perfectly. - Yours, etc., Helen Lamb,
Clara,
Co Offaly.