The Trouble With Real World Grammar Rules
Topics: writing, grammar, pronouns, speaking
Common wisdom dictates that if a grammatical “mistake” becomes common enough, it is no longer a mistake. The rules of grammar supposedly adapt to real-world usage. Real-world usage aside, the pervasive use of “me and so-and-so” in our culture drives me nuts!
It used to be, “George and I went to the store.” Back in the old days of 30 or so years ago, if someone said, “Me and George went to the store,” the listener would quietly come to the conclusion that the speaker was a bit slow. Nowadays, turn on the television and the newscaster is saying, “Me and … blah, blah, blah.” Talk radio hosts say it. Even educated people such as lawyers and CPAs have embraced the “me and my client” culture.
You know what’s even scarier? I have intentionally included the “me and George” error and other grammatical mishaps in this article and ran it through Microsoft Word’s spelling and grammar check. Guess what? It didn’t even catch the errors!
Is this sloppy grammar just the product of a narcissistic “Me, me, me culture?” Are we just getting dumb? Or am I way behind the times and getting dumb as a result because I am not using real-world usage?
Frankly, it’s been many years since I suffered through a semester of grammar class. I can see or hear what’s off with a sentence but do not know what the error is specifically called. So, here’s the practical, common sense rule as I understand it from second grade:
Take out the third person and see if the sentence makes sense. If you’re saying “Me and George went to the store,” keep George out of it and try this: “Me went to the store.” Sounds ridiculous, eh? Conversely, split up the proper form and we have, “George went to the store,” and “I went to the store.” You can do this with a variety of sentences to easily figure out what makes the most grammatical sense.
Common sense aside, those of us who are offended by the constant “me and so-and-so” grammar can at least take comfort in the fact that pronoun variations such as “Me and him went to the store” or “Her and me went to the store” have not yet skyrocketed to the top of the common usage charts.
Now that this irritant is off my chest, me going to the store. Maybe George wants to go, too.
If you have written online content and would like to show off your writing, be sure to submit some blurbs at The Blurbosphere for free one-way links from PR2, PR3 and PR4 blogs. Visit www.blurbosphere.com for details.
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Alaska King Salmon - Tips For Catching This Prize! (1)
Tips and Tricks It is important to know the behavior of the salmon species that you are going after, and alaska king salmon fishing is no different. In the spring and fall king salmon move closer into the shore, out of the deep water.
How To Avoid Traffic Congestion (2)
Certainly a motorcycle reduces traffic congestion and has fewer emissions, meaning that they are more environmentally friendly that their four wheeled counterparts. But there are some tremendous safety issues and a certain danger stigma attached to motorcycles.
Cruise Planning - 3 Way To Reduce The Stress (3)
Here are just 3 ways one can reduce the stress of planning a cruise. 1 Research you ports of call. I love to go on the internet and read about the ports of call I'll be visiting.
Spice Island Of Grenada Story (4)
One of the attractions of your Caribbean holiday will be a visit to the working spice estates as part of your package holiday tour of Grenada. Two popular options are the Douglaston Spice Estate and the Gouyave Nutmeg processing station.
Classes Of Motor Homes And RVs (5)
Fifth wheels have the advantage of being able to unhook from the vehicle towing it, giving you much greater flexibility in how you use both your motor home, and your towing vehicle.
Commonwealth Games 2010 Expected To Increase Tourism (6)
Travel Collection offer a selection of package tour holidays to destinations all around the world. www.travelcollection.co.uk has all the information you need to help you select the destination and package holiday that is right for you.
Why It's Not A Good Dog/Bad Dog Kind Of Thing (7)
I've even had two dogs start nipping and harassing me at an off-leash dog park while the owner was sitting and talking to someone else. When I grabbed the two dogs by the collar and brought them over to him to express my displeasure, he said: "My dogs would never nip anyone!
Some Important Considerations In Choosing A Quality Body Shop For Your Auto Repair (8)
Accidents happen, but there is no reason why you should be able to get the best possible repairs as you can go out and find the shop you need today.
Spring Break Cancun Style (9)
Now the big day has arrived and you and your friends have made lots of plans with other college and university students on what you will do once you land in destination Cancun spring break.
Thinking About Traveling, How About Cancun Travel? (10)
So after a delicious buffet meal you head to your room to rest and to plan what you will do in the evening. Since you have only a limited time you should see as much as you can of the whole of Cancun.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Tire Selection For Your Vehicle (1)
The right tire size for your vehicle should be determined based on the weight that your vehicle can carry. Do not choose a size under the ideal size. James Brown writes about www.carstruckspartsaccessories.com
How To Choose The Best Discount Tires For Your Money (2)
The tread on your tire depends on the way you drive and what kind of driving conditions you drive in everyday. There test that the tire manufacturer does in the process of making the tire before it goes out on the shelf that is based off of very strict government guide lines.
If You Are Considering A Golf Vacation You Should Consider A Mexican Golf Resort (3)
Popular activities, aside from golfing, include boating, swimming, and playing tennis. The Isle Navidad Golf Course, Marina, and Resort is an ideal vacation destination for those who love golf and even for those who don't.
Budapest's Engines Were Racing For The Hungarian Grand Prix (4)
It causes competition between teammates and competitors alike, and this year was no different. A rift has developed in the relationship between the McLaren-Mercedes team between young rising star Lewis Hamilton and his teammate, Fernando Alonso, and only time will tell if the rift developes into a gulf that can't be bridged.
Why Women Need Specialized Hiking Boots Just For Them (5)
After you have done this put your socks back on and repeat the same thing making sure that the boot is not too snug in any area and at the same time that it is not too loose as well.
Some Of The Most Important Factors That Will Make Your Car Last As Long As Possible (6)
Out of all the components that make up an automobile, motors, suspensions and transmissions have a way greater punch then the paint on your car. Even though the aerodynamics of your car may be better, exterior specs are not really of importance to making the car last forever.
Traveling With Kids - A Survival Guide For Parents (7)
Plan your trip during the day with stops about every 90 minutes. By planning ahead, and using travel planning software, online trip planning sites or travel associations, you can find -- and stop at -- kid-friendly places such as parks with playgrounds, historic monuments or view areas where everyone can get out and walk around for a few minutes.
Tips For Planning Your Next European Vacation (8)
Adrenaline rushes or visiting an art museum? While going outside your comfort zone and trying new things can be a great experience, spending your time doing something that bores you silly or makes you uncomfortable and unhappy just doesn't make sense.
How To Save Up To 75% Of The Cost Of Traveling To Almost Anywhere (9)
Do an Internet search for "housing exchange." Find a company that you're comfortable with. Sign up and join the housing exchange list. (Some companies have over 10,000 members!) Decide where you want to travel, when and how long you want to stay.
Tips For Traveling Safely In The US (10)
US residential use 115 volts of electrical systems operated at 60 hertz. If your electric appliances operate on different voltages, you will need a voltage converter or transformer before plugging the appliance.