Learn Spoken English from the Best Tutors
Search in
Yes, English grammar has evolved over time, leading to some rules becoming obsolete or less commonly used in modern language. Here are a few examples:
Double Negatives for Emphasis: While in older forms of English, double negatives were used for emphasis (e.g., "I can't get no satisfaction"), in modern standard English, using a double negative generally creates a positive meaning ("I can't get any satisfaction").
Whom Usage: The distinction between "who" and "whom" is becoming less rigid in everyday spoken English, and "whom" is often avoided in informal contexts, with "who" being used more broadly.
Subjunctive Mood: In some cases, the subjunctive mood (e.g., "If I were you" instead of "If I was you") is fading in informal speech, although it's still preserved in formal writing.
Ending Sentences with Prepositions: While traditionally frowned upon, ending sentences with prepositions has become widely accepted in modern English, especially in spoken language and informal writing.
Split Infinitives: The rule against splitting infinitives (e.g., "to boldly go") was once strictly enforced but is now widely accepted in modern usage.
At what point is non-standard sentence construction widely accepted as standard? Can we as writers loosen up on certain rules when general usage renders an “incorrect” syntax perfectly understandable to the average reader?
Hold onto your outrage, Internet. Tell your grammar checker tool to buzz off.
read lessView 8 more Answers
Related Questions
Now ask question in any of the 1000+ Categories, and get Answers from Tutors and Trainers on UrbanPro.com
Ask a QuestionRecommended Articles
Job Prospects for German Language Learners
Due to globalization of the Indian economy, the demand for learning foreign languages is on the rise. ITES (Information Technology Enabled Service) and Outsourcing have brought a lot of job opportunities paving the way for the learning foreign languages. German is the native language of more than 100 million people in...
Learning foreign language in India
If you think English is enough to communicate with anybody in this world, you are sadly misinformed. Statistically the highest spoken foreign language in the world is Chinese with 20.7%, followed by English at 6.2%. That means that 93.8% of people do not speak English. This makes it necessary to learn another foreign language...
Choosing the right Foreign Language to learn...
When globalization was out of picture, it was enough to know just the mother tongue. Since globalization and out-sourcing have become part of life, there is a nagging need to learn new languages. Foreign languages help us to communicate with potential clients, sell our ideas and bond with their culture. It could be opening...
Which language is more useful to learn French...
Learning any second language could be a little bit tricky. However, to learn a language, one needs to write, read, understand and speak it appropriately. Therefore, many students and professionals find it helpful in learning a foreign language from a reputable and reliable source. A second language helps them to increase...
Looking for Spoken English classes?
Learn from the Best Tutors on UrbanPro
Are you a Tutor or Training Institute?
Join UrbanPro Today to find students near youThe best tutors for Spoken English Classes are on UrbanPro
The best Tutors for Spoken English Classes are on UrbanPro