Editor's Note: Hundreds of Ann Landers' loyal readers have requested that newspapers continue to publish her columns. These letters originally appeared in 1999.

Dear Ann Landers: Have Americans forgotten there is such a thing as verb tense? I am shocked when I hear people say "woulda came," "coulda went," "shoulda did," "woulda took," "had went," "hadn't came" and so on. Don't they realize "woulda" and "coulda" are slang versions of "would've" and "could've" — which are contractions for would have and could have?

I heard a narrator say, "I seen" in a political commercial, and a TV reporter say, "We haven't spoke." An attorney in a television show said, "The evidence do not," and a TV anchorwoman said, "had threw it" and "between you and I."

I was a secretary for almost 50 years and am thankful that, with only a high school education, my English is impeccable. You will do a lot of folks a big favor if you print this letter and bring it to their attention. — E.E., Wood Ridge, N.J.

Dear E.E.: Thanks for taking the time and trouble to write. I shoulda thunk to tell them off myself.

Dear Ann Landers: I'm writing about your response to the 59-year-old man seeking information on impotence. We respectfully believe you got it wrong.

Your reply refers to herbal products as providing "very satisfactory" results to people who wish to enhance their sexual performance. Herbal products do not undergo rigorous scientific testing. According to a recent consumer alert by the Federal Trade Commission, no herbal or all-natural substance has been shown to be an effective treatment for impotence.

Your column also refers to a Food and Drug Administration announcement that 69 people have died after taking Viagra. Yes, there have been deaths reported among the 4 million patients who have been prescribed Viagra, but no cause-and-effect relationship has been established.

Further, your readers should understand that there is a cardiovascular risk associated with sexual activity, and only a physician can determine when — or even whether — it is appropriate for a patient to resume sexual relations after a heart attack. As we have always said, Viagra is not for everyone. — Joseph M. Feczko, M.D., senior vice president, medical and regulatory operations, Pfizer Inc., New York

Dear Mr. Feczko: Your honest appraisal is refreshing, especially since Viagra is one of your biggest sellers. Here's one more:

Dear Ann: Is it true that Bob Dole has signed on to be the poster boy for Viagra? — Just Asking

Dear Just: I don't know. Ask Elizabeth.

Ann Landers' booklet "Nuggets and Doozies" has everything from the outrageously funny to the poignantly insightful. To find out more about Ann Landers and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

ANN LANDERS