Grammar enthusiasts often have strong opinions about language usage, but some common grammar peeves may not be as egregious as they seem. These often-denigrated habits do not necessarily break grammatical rules but are rather stylistic choices or linguistic evolutions. Here's a list of 10 grammar peeves that many consider bothersome but are not as problematic as they may appear:
- Ending sentences with prepositions
- Splitting infinitives
- Using 'literally' in a figurative sense
- Starting sentences with conjunctions
- Misusing 'less' and 'fewer'
- Confusing 'who' and 'whom'
- Using sentence fragments
- Merging 'its' and 'it's'
- Using 'who's' and 'whose' incorrectly
- Overusing commas
Now let's explore each grammar peeve in more detail:
1. Ending sentences with prepositions
Traditional grammar purists often frown upon ending sentences with prepositions. However, in modern English usage, it is generally accepted, especially when it prevents awkward constructions.
Examples:
Incorrect according to traditional rules: "This is the book about which we spoke."
Generally accepted: "This is the book we spoke about."
2. Splitting infinitives
The rule against splitting infinitives is more about Latin grammar than English. English allows more flexibility; hence, splitting infinitives is often clearer and stylistically preferable.
Examples:
Traditional: "She wants to quickly run."
Commonly accepted: "She wants to run quickly."
3. Using 'literally' in a figurative sense
Using 'literally' to emphasize a point figuratively is a common rhetorical device, despite being contentious among some grammar enthusiasts. Context usually clarifies its use.
Examples:
Figurative usage: "I was literally dying of laughter." - Obviously not meant to be taken literally.
Literal usage: "He literally crossed the finish line." - To be taken literally as described.
4. Starting sentences with conjunctions
Beginning sentences with conjunctions like 'and,' 'but,' or 'because' can enhance writing style by adding emphasis or creating a conversational tone.
Examples:
Emphatic: "And yet, we prevailed."
Conversational: "But that's not the whole story."
5. Misusing 'less' and 'fewer'
Though traditionally 'less' is used with uncountable nouns and 'fewer' with countable ones, many speakers interchange them without significant misunderstanding.
Examples:
Traditional: "Fewer people are attending the event."
Common usage: "Less people are attending the event."
6. Confusing 'who' and 'whom'
The distinction between 'who' and 'whom' often causes confusion. 'Whom' is typically used in formal writing where it functions as the object, though many prefer 'who' for simplicity.
Examples:
Formal: "To whom shall I address the letter?"
Informal: "Who shall I address the letter to?"
7. Using sentence fragments
While complete sentences are the norm, sentence fragments can effectively convey emotion or emphasis, particularly in creative or informal writing.
Examples:
Fragment: "A bright, sunny day."
Complete: "It was a bright, sunny day."
8. Merging 'its' and 'it's'
Confusion between 'its' (possessive) and 'it's' (a contraction of 'it is' or 'it has') occurs often. Context usually resolves any ambiguity.
Examples:
Possessive: "The cat licked its paws."
Contraction: "It's going to rain."
9. Using 'who's' and 'whose' incorrectly
Similar to 'its' and 'it's', 'who's' (a contraction of 'who is' or 'who has') and 'whose' (possessive) are frequently interchanged. As with 'its' and 'it's', context provides clarity.
Examples:
Possessive: "Whose book is this?"
Contraction: "Who's going to the party?"
10. Overusing commas
Though commas are essential for clarity, excessive use can clutter writing. In practice, comma use is often a matter of style and readability.
Examples:
Overuse: "The conference, was very, informative, and inspiring, for all attendees."
Simpler: "The conference was very informative and inspiring for all attendees."
These grammar peeves reveal that language can be adaptable and subjective. Understanding when, why, and how these instances occur helps us appreciate language as a dynamic means of communication rather than rigidly adhering to outdated norms.
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