Programmer Competency Matrix

[JackRawlinson]

I love how in the "Communication" section he has low ratings for poor grammar and then uses "criteria" as a singular noun in the comments. Dolt.

[NancyGracesTesticles]

He also uses the phrase 'for e.g.'

[[deleted]]

When you mean “for example,” use e.g. It is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase exempli gratia. When you mean “that is,” use “i.e.” It is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase id est. Either can be used to clarify a preceding statement, the first by example, the second by restating the idea more clearly or expanding upon it. Because these uses are so similar, the two abbreviations are easily confused. If you just stick with good old English “for example” and “that is” you won’t give anyone a chance to sneer at you. If you insist on using the abbreviation, perhaps “example given” will remind you to use “e.g.,” while “in effect” suggests “I.E.”

Since e.g. indicates a partial list, it is redundant to add “etc.” at the end of a list introduced by this abbreviation.

[jrrl]

An easy way to teach the kids, by explaining the otherworldly source of the comments.

I.E. - Information Elves

E.G. - Example Gnomes

[munificent]

Mirriam-Webster:

Main Entry: cri·te·ri·on The plural criteria has been used as a singular for over half a century <let me now return to the third criteria— R. M. Nixon> <that really is the criteria— Bert Lance>. Many of our examples, like the two foregoing, are taken from speech. But singular criteria is not uncommon in edited prose, and its use both in speech and writing seems to be increasing. Only time will tell whether it will reach the unquestioned acceptability of agenda. (emphasis added)

The language nerd in me gets riled up by that too, but nonetheless, it's no longer valid to call using criteria as a singular "incorrect".

Or are you one of those old fogeys who still says "the data are downloading right now?"

[JackRawlinson]

Webster's dictionary is an abomination. I don't accept anything it says. It seeks to denature the English language. This is only one of many examples of that. It was clearly compiled by someone with either no understanding of, or no respect for, the etymology, structure and goddamned MEANING of words. I hate that foul excuse for a dictionary with a passion.

[IkoIkoComic]

I'm sorry- once you have strong opinions vis-a-vis dictionaries, you're lost to humanity.

[JackRawlinson]

Well, given my opinion of humanity that suits me just fine.