Grammar? You Must Be Joking!
June 5, 2020
Perhaps the set of rules many of us worked so hard to master have become but a quaint convention. Write to Edit discusses the question, “Does Grammar Even Matter Anymore?” Writing practices are changing so fast, it is a natural question to ponder. However, states writer Amelia Zimmerman, that very question misses the point. It is the old prescriptivism vs. descriptivism issue—is grammar a set of fixed rules to be adhered to or an evolving account of how language is used? Zimmerman writes:
“Neither side is entirely wrong. Although correct grammar is important for clarity and often determines your reputation on the page, language is an evolving thing, not a static rulebook. Things people said in Shakespeare’s day would hardly be said now; even the spelling and meaning of words changes over time (literally doesn’t mean literally anymore). Now, the internet, text messages and emojis are changing the English language faster than ever. But this divide focuses on the small-picture topic of grammar without addressing the big-picture idea which is meaning. Grammar is a tool that, when used correctly, creates clarity and delivers meaning. But that’s all it is — a tool. Whether grammar matters is the wrong question. The right question is whether meaning matters — whether clarity matters — and that answer will never change.”
Of course, the answer there is yes; clarity is the cardinal quality of any good editor. The article goes on to examine what grammar rules really are (most are more like guidelines, really) and when one might choose to break them. Sometimes breaking a convention makes the meaning clearer, other times doing so makes a sentence more appealing, persuasive, or succinct. Zimmerman concludes:
“Most grammar guidelines have been constructed and are adhered to in such a way that they do help transmit your meaning clearly. … But sometimes adhering too strictly to old notions of grammar can get in the way of comprehension, make your writing too long-winded or ridiculous, or restrict creative expression and poetic effect. That’s when a mix of common sense and your own gut should prevail.”
This descriptivist heartily concurs. Remember. The number is plural. A number is singular. None is a singular, so none is agreeing. Bummer.
Cynthia Murrell, June 6, 2020
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