After you watch this video your grocery shopping will never be the same 
I didn’t know that “X items or less” is a grammatically incorrect sentence! I think most stores still use that sentence. Interestingly, the correct version “X items or fewer” doesn’t feel right 
Does your local grocery store use the incorrect version of the sentence?
Maybe that’s why some idiots people use the the express lane even when they have more than the maximum number of items specified.
I knew that and it just makes me so mad when I see it!!LOL!!
When are you going to issue a statement regarding the $100 PS3?
I agree with ccmp — this has been a bugaboo of mine for a very long time! You need to look at it in terms of quantity because something ‘less’ isn’t countable (how many), whereas ‘fewer’ (how much) is countable.
Drives me NUTS to see the incorrect signage!
Speaking of shopping, how about all the misued apostrophes? (two pizza’s, DVD’s…)
Kristopher– What are you talking about?
Ummn.. quite a few times I’ve had 20 items or so and the cashier has waved me over to the 8 item line… doesn’t really make me an “idiot” if they ask me to go to that line because they are not busy.
It annoys me when people say “bigger” rather than “larger” as well.
It’s sad when we’re taking grammar lessons from Weird Al Yancovic.
Misuse of “amount” and “number” also drives me crazy! People tend to use “amount” for objects having countable quantities.
@benji — Weird Al Yancovic is actually an extremely intelligent guy. I believe he’s an architect by trade and skipped one or two grades in school. He’s crazy, but crazy smart too!
I’m irked when people get something “for free”. I’m all for freebies–not “for freebies”.
@Boo Radley — “Maybe that’s why some idiots people use the the express lane even when they have more than the maximum number of items specified.”
I totally agree. I’m a cashier in a grocery store and people don’t care how many items is allowed on express because when there is not anyone on that lane, they’ll just start putting a shitload of groceries on the belt just to give the cashier something to do. Then when other people with a couple items show up behind them, it becomes a problem dealt with the manager… ugh !
At my grocery store we just put “1–8 items only”.
Also, I can’t stand when people don’t give a crap about the sign and just put their cart load of groceries up on the belt. They’re so rude to me when I point out that they can only have up to 8 items. But then I get in crap from customers behind them and from my manager for letting the first customer go through with more than 8 items!
Sure if I am not busy and CALL you over, that is obviously acceptable. But don’t expect us to be all cheerful that you give us “something to do” when I may just get in trouble over it.
@Khristopher Unfortunately it was just a joke. Sorry for the inconvenience.
First off, a cashier that can count to 8 is a big deal. So it is not their fault.. Just help them, count, but real slow
@JoeMead:
“That” refers to objects. It should read, “a cashier WHO can count to ten…”
“8” should also be spelled out since it is a number under ten.
Also, “their” doesn’t agree with “cashier” because it is not a singular pronoun. Should read “cashiers who… etc.”
Somebody isn’t up on his grammar!
Just a short follow-up — “real” isn’t an adverb. You should use “really” as an adverbial intensifier in that sentence. You’re welcome.
Jackie — ROFL!!!
suzifevens — I agree. I can barely tolerate him most of the time, but he really is brilliant. It takes genius to come up with the kinds of things he does.
Jackie, if you would come up with a column or blog on English I will read it!
Shannon, you hit on another one which bothers me — for free. One can get something ‘for nothing’, but otherwise it is ‘free’ — I’m afraid, though, that this one has become so pervasive, there may be no looking back…
@Joe Mead:
I am a cashier who is using my retail income to put myself through grad school. I have two Honours degrees. The ‘wow, a cashier that can count!’ comment therefore offends me. Some of them are smarter than you but cannot tell you that you are a moron because your inconsiderate self will try to get them fired for telling you something true about yourself. Everyone should work in retail for one year and fast food for another as a part of their education in life. This would make for far fewer a**holes in the world.
Well said, Penny.
Also, regarding “real” vs. “really”, I hear this all the time from Americans and it has always driven me crazy.
The “less” vs. “fewer” error drives me nuts as does “then” vs. “than”.
Oh, how I coud go on.
@ Joe Mead and Jackie: It would be, “count really slowly”.
OOPs, I guess I should be KAY 2, as there already is a KAY. That last comment was by me.
Perhaps society should issue licenses to shop. Just because someone have a few bucks in his/her wallet does not mean he/she can walk into any store and buy stuff.
Husband: “Dear, are you coming to bed?“
Me: “I can’t. This is important.“
Husband: “What?“
Me: “Someone is WRONG on the Internet.”
From XKCD (http://xkcd.com/386/)
For what it’s worth, the recently renovated Safeway in my neck of the woods sports a sign above the express checkout reading “15 items or fewer.”
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This is getting a bit more subjective, but I much prefer the Zune Marketplace. The interface is colorful, has more flair, and some cool features like ‘Mixview’ that let you quickly see related albums, songs, or other users related to what you’re listening to. Clicking on one of those will center on that item, and another set of “neighbors” will come into view, allowing you to navigate around exploring by similar artists, songs, or users. Speaking of users, the Zune “Social” is also great fun, letting you find others with shared tastes and becoming friends with them. You then can listen to a playlist created based on an amalgamation of what all your friends are listening to, which is also enjoyable. Those concerned with privacy will be relieved to know you can prevent the public from seeing your personal listening habits if you so choose.