this post was submitted on 20 Dec 2025
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[–] masterspace@lemmy.ca 0 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (3 children)

The rule hasn't changed.

Can you point me to this institution that decides on the rules of the English language? What's it's address? Where does it publish these rules?

There may be an informal convention among some people that using a period at the end of the last sentence in a text is passive aggressive, but it's far from universal and far from being a rule.

It is a natural result of reading both versions, noticing that one sounds more formal and has a sharp ending, and noticing that since you can write either one, if they're ending it sharply they must be doing so intentionally. If you use the full availability of communication options available, it inherently sends that signal, if you follow rules for the sake of following rules though, then it limits that option so doesn't send that signal.

Seems like it's just as pedantic to expect people who have habitually used correct punctuation for decades to adopt this convention without ever being told and then blaming them for not abandoning an immensely useful part of written language for no apparent reason.

You had literally decades to adjust and change, this isn't new, it's been the case since at least the early 00s when cell phones and instant messengers became a thing.

Literally, read a fucking book.

[–] Onomatopoeia@lemmy.cafe 4 points 3 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

You first.

YOU made the initial claim about this "new" meaning, onus is therefore on you to substantiate it.

For my defense, I'll start with Elements of Style, the OECD, and any other English dictionary or grammar book.

Because if you really want to play "who has the best evidence for their case", you're gonna lose to several hundred years, and ~~millions~~ billions of written documents.

[–] masterspace@lemmy.ca 1 points 3 days ago (1 children)

So you'll point to a variety of different and conflicting sources?

The English language naturally evolves over time. You getting butthurt about improving your communication style accomplishes nothing.

[–] BranBucket@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Show me where those sources conflict on the use of a period.

[–] masterspace@lemmy.ca -1 points 3 days ago

Show me where they state that their rules are meant for informal communication.

[–] starlinguk@lemmy.world 3 points 3 days ago (1 children)

You learned this shit at school. Did you think your teacher was making it up on the fly?

[–] masterspace@lemmy.ca 1 points 3 days ago

At school they teach you common rules of thumb for the English language, and formal writing styles for communicating in academic settings. Famously, and unlike French, the English language does not have hard set rules, and book writers constantly break the ones you're taught in elementary school to more effectively communicate their ideas, or speak in a desired voice.