ERRORS in the application of English grammar are many, varied and, in every instance, annoying, even allowing for the evolution of language. However, the insistence of politicians, commentators, celebrities and even journalists to precede every response to a question with the absurd and misplaced conjunction “so”, is infuriating and, at worst, likely to cause the listener to file under “i” for “incapable” any assumed opinion as to the ability of the speaker in question. Previously, perpetrators of such verbal variance were given to apply the precedent “well”, which had the same negative effect and has given way to the equally inane “so”.

Such misuse of our language is apparently habit forming, as are cliches such as “Do the right thing”, “With all due respect” and “Kick the can down the road” and far too many others, all irritating and unoriginal. Recently, while being interviewed by Andrew Marr, Tony Blair insisted on repeating, to our great distraction, “by the way”, both before and following his every other pronouncement. This phrase was at one time used in the Glasgow vernacular as a suffix to almost all statements and carried with it a certain element of humour but, in Mr Blair’s case, the aspect of humour is, not unsurprisingly, completely lost.

Ian Cooper,

1 Jackson Place, Bearsden.