However, I would like to point out that spoken English differs from written. It doesn’t always have to adhere to grammar rules, or punctuation for that matter. English is a very flexible language and words change their meanings all the time.

For example, grouse is often used to mean grumble (at least in the books I have read), however, due to slang, at some time grouse was given the meaning of something that was “awesome” or good. As is my understanding, at least.

Speaking of slang, we used to love pointing out to our English teachers, the vernacular use of the word can. It served as a fantastic comeback for the line, “I’m not sure, are you able to go to the bathroom?” after we had asked, “Can I go to the bathroom?”

Literally, while often misused, serves it’s purpose. I’m sure when someone hears someone else say, “I’ve read this book literally a million times,” they do not instantly believe that said person has, not only counted the times they have read the book, but that it has accumulated to be one million times. This would be highly improbable.

It just adds emphasis on what the person is trying to communicate.

In this instance the love they have for a particular book. Or emphasizing the fact that they like to read the book in question.

Remember the old saying, “Rules are made to be broken.”

(Also, to any grammar and/or possible punctuation Nazi’s out there, I’m just lazy! =p)