Grammar and usage overlap and are mutually dependent, but they do not mean exactly the same thing. Grammar and usage overlap and are mutually dependent, but they do not mean exactly the same thing. Grammar is concerned with the structure of the language, the way it works, and it remains constant over long periods.Grammar is concerned with the structure of the language, the way it works, and it remains constant over long periods. Usage is a matter of language etiquette, of conventional requirements, of a prescribed or accepted code and is constantly changing.Usage is a matter of language etiquette, of conventional requirements, of a prescribed or accepted code and is constantly changing. Grammar and Usage

Are we living in a grammatically challenged society?

Political correctness Political correctness Media Media Technology Technology On-line grammar tools On-line grammar tools Software wizards Software wizards Influences on writing

What is correct? “... correct English is that which is spoken and written by the majority of ‘reasonably educated American people.’ ” Sterling A. Leonard Author of “Current English Usage”

Better Middle-Class English? Better middle-class English we’ll teach in our schools, And correct composition we’ll leave to the fools Who are picayune, narrow, and nasty enough To insist that their pupils must master such stuff. Time, November 1995

Do we want to sound like an expert, lecturing the uninformed? One can appreciate the health benefits of high school athletics for the players and the entertainment value for the fans. Or like an acquaintance, informally discussing thoughts and opinions? I think high school athletics can be healthful for the players and enjoyable for the fans. Elizabeth McMahan and Robert Funk Here’s How to Write Well How should we write?

What is appropriate language? Use formal language when you want to downplay your personal involvement and emphasize the factual content of your writing. Use formal language when you want to downplay your personal involvement and emphasize the factual content of your writing. Use an informal tone when you want your readers to know something about your personal feelings or attitudes. Use an informal tone when you want your readers to know something about your personal feelings or attitudes. Elizabeth McMahan and Robert Funk Here’s How to Write Well

Formal Writing Write in third person Avoid addressing the audience directly as “you” Use no contractions Use no slang Use no sentence fragments Avoid ending sentences with prepositions Informal Writing Write in first person May address the audience as “you”  May use contractions  Use slang only if it’s appropriate for audience  Use occasional fragment for stylistic effect Elizabeth McMahan and Robert Funk Here’s How to Write Well What rules should we enforce?

Are these really Non-Errors? Non-Errors Usages people keep telling you are wrong but which are actually standard in English. Usages people keep telling you are wrong but which are actually standard in English. Split-infinitivesSplit-infinitives Ending a sentence with a prepositionEnding a sentence with a preposition Beginning a sentence with a conjunctionBeginning a sentence with a conjunction “Over” versus “more than”“Over” versus “more than” “None” singular versus plural“None” singular versus plural None of the students (is,/are) What were you thinking of?

If correct English is that which is spoken and written by the majority of “reasonably educated American people”...If correct English is that which is spoken and written by the majority of “reasonably educated American people”... If the majority of people write as they speak...If the majority of people write as they speak... If language is influenced by media and technology...If language is influenced by media and technology... If students ignore formal writing rules...If students ignore formal writing rules... What Can English Instructors Do?

  Should we continue to enforce formal writing rules?   Are there certain rules that may be considered “non-errors”?   What is appropriate and what is inappropriate?   Can the English department come to consensus?