Academic

It's Its, Not It's

By Tim Zinnecker

I'm working my way through nearly 75 Secured Transactions exams this week (and next week, if necessary).  Long ago I ceased to be shocked by the misspelling of my last name on the bluebooks (Zinkletter, Zimmberger, Zinaker, SexyDude, etc.).  And I no longer fight the demons when I see references to creditors who have filed "financial statements" (rather than "financing statements"). 

But I need something to grumble about (yes, I note the dangling preposition).

My new pet peeve is the pervasive and consistent misuse of "it's" and "its."  Do you have students who violate this grammar rule, too?  Or am I alone in my dismay?  And isn't this a rule that should have been mastered long before entering law school?

Apparently judges are becoming annoyed with this grammar breach, too.  See, for example, "guideline #17" in this memo prepared by bankruptcy judge Robert Kressel, directed at counsel who may have legal matters in his court.  (Hat tip to friend Nancy Rapoport, and her post here.)

Thank you, dear readers, for letting me get this off my chest.  Ahhhhhhh, I feel so much better.  Enough blogging for today.  Now its time to grade a few more exams.

Oops.  I meant "it's."

Full post as published by The Faculty Lounge on December 18, 2009 (boomark / email).