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View Full Version : Is it just me or is this grammatically incorrect?

Marjatta
10-26-2009, 12:41 AM
Hello all,

As a transcriptionist, I often hear, "That's the most important thing is..."

When transcribing, I usually get rid of the 'That's' and replace it with "The most important thing is..."

I have to admit that it drives me crazy!

People sure do speak differently than they write, don't they?

Because this has become such a common form of speech, am I missing something here or has, "That's the most important thing is..." become an acceptable form of grammar?

Just as an FYI, I don't do verbatim transcripts. I try to make my speakers sound intelligent and need to edit them to some degree in order to provide a product-ready transcript.

Your thoughts?

Thanks!

Marjatta
:)
charlotte49ers
10-26-2009, 12:57 AM
I've never heard someone say, "That's the most important thing is..." honestly.

But yes, people most certainly speak differently than they write! Move to Georgia! I say, "y'all," all of the time, but I wouldn't write it (unless I was quoting a Southerner). :)

However, I refuse to say, "ain't".
Kathleen42
10-26-2009, 01:00 AM
I've never heard someone say, "That's the most important thing is..." honestly.



I've heard people end with "that's the most important thing" but I've never heard anyone say "That's the most important thing is". Honestly? It may just be a regional thing.
Wayne K
10-26-2009, 01:01 AM
In Georgia, instead of saying "Have you had lunch today?" they say "Jeet?"

I've never heard the term either, but that doesn't mean a lot. "The most important thing is.." sounds right to me.
charlotte49ers
10-26-2009, 01:05 AM
No, Wayne. It's, "Jeet yet?" Can't forget the 'yet'! And then we reply with, "Naw, jew?"
Matera the Mad
10-26-2009, 07:22 AM
If anybody said "That's the most important thing is" to my face they'd get a good crack upside the head to shake their brains back into place. *shudder* squick*
blacbird
10-26-2009, 11:07 AM
I've never heard someone say, "That's the most important thing is..." honestly.

Me neither. I ain't never heard it.

caw
Marjatta
10-27-2009, 02:56 PM
Thanks y'all!

I must have just lucked out on a string of unique speakers. Thanks for the reality check.

Sigh...I feel better now!

Marjatta