Are you a grammar snob?

With grammatical elitism towering high among youngsters, it's all about being grammatically 'holier than thou.' But is this compulsion of being grammatically correct – seen not only on social media platforms, but also in daily life – a result of projecting an image of superiority or a genuine concern to save the language?

Answers to this question can be found in a new survey by Landmark, a survey group that studied the behaviour of 'grammar snobs' (people who use their powerful understanding of grammar and spelling to 'correct' others). The research enlists the traits of a grammar snob and the reasons behind this policing.

Though light-hearted, this study throws light on the ingenious new ways the human mind finds of 'otherising' people. As if religion, region, language, gender, sexuality and food habits weren't enough, creating a standard for language seems to be yet another concentric circle of exclusion.

The 2,500+ respondents participating in the 'Are you a grammar snob?' survey, have brought forth some quirky findings.

Age & Gender

• According to the study, 80% women admitted to being grammar snobs compared to men.
• Most respondents in the age group 18-35 owned up to being grammar snobs and derived "sadistic" pleasure out of showing off their grammatical elitism.

Workplace specific findings

• At workplace, 73% of the people are likely to correct colleagues for incorrect grammar.
• While 56% respondents rectify their boss's grammatical error by them an email, 23% will not point it out and prefer being in their boss' good books.

Social media

• Upto 35% respondents claimed they would unfollow people on social media for cringe-worthy grammatical errors.
• 44% respondents said that grammar is dead and never really existed on social media.
• 50% respondents pointed out unavoidable grammatical errors on WhatsApp.

Love and relationships

• Almost 22% respondents agreed to have broken up with partners because of poor grammar.
• With others love conquers all, even grammatical errors. 44% claimed they aren't superficial to break-up.

Others

• 44% respondents said grammatical errors on hoardings, pamphlets, restaurant menus made them extremely uncomfortable.
• 57% respondents claimed they rectified others' grammatical mistakes whenever possible

Grammar Nazis

• 78% respondents felt 'uncomfortable' when grammatical mistakes were made around them
• 57% respondents claimed that they correct grammatical mistakes made by others
• Maximum number of respondents from Mumbai followed by Bengaluru claimed to be grammar nerds

Mothers not spared

One of the questions posed to the 2500+ respondents asked: Would you point out grammatical errors in your mother's grocery list? They had to choose between:

• Yes, obviously
• I'd make the corrections while buying the items
• Not really, I already know what she means
• Who cares? It's a grocery list not an exam essay