SIR – I read with interest the contribution of your correspondent, Maynard Crabtree (Letters, April 7), who, most laudably, drew our attention to the deplorable misuse of English which has now become virtually universal.

I, for one, concur completely with his sentiments. Unfortunately (and ironically), his own syntax leaves more than a little to be desired.

I quote: “…every newsreader (including the BBC, of all people) use it.”

Where does one begin? First, the BBC is not, nor could it conceivably be, a newsreader, it is a broadcasting organisation. So we’ll start there with a howling non-sequitor!

Second, the noun ‘newsreader’ (and for that matter, the noun ‘BBC’) is singular and, as any reasonably intelligent 12-year-old knows, demand a singular verb. Hence, ‘uses it’ is needed. Mr Crabtree’s ‘use it’ is grammatically risible.

I could continue at length, but I’ll desist in deference to your correspondent’s blushes.

It is, therefore, with the greatest reluctance, since I agree wholeheartedly with Mr Crabtree’s original point, that I am constrained to say people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

Bryan Owram, Main Street, Esholt