Grammar Complexity

John Mcwhorter examines efficiency in language .

-DD

Grammar and John Dryden

Geoffrey Pullum is critical of the rules for correct grammar developed by John Dryden. Pullum then criticizes the New York Times for not catching that usage in works such as the King James Bible contain passages which flout some of Dryden's rules, saying "In matters of language, fact-checking is not done" (para. 9).

-DD

Passive Voice

Geoffery Pullum has written an article titled "Fear and Loathing of the English Passive ." Pullum's article abstract notes "I provide an informal but comprehensive syntactic description of passive clauses in English, and then exhibit numerous published examples of incompetent criticism in which critics reveal that they cannot tell passives from actives. Some seem to confuse the grammatical concept with a rhetorical one involving inadequate attribution of agency or responsibility, but not all examples are thus explained. The specific stylistic charges leveled against the passive are entirely baseless."

I confess I need to read this article in full: however, from just glancing at a few examples this appears to be a vigorous essay.

-DD

Grammar and Behavior

Geoffrey Pullum reports on Keith Chen's assertion that grammar influences behavior. A report on his talk is available in print or his TED talk may be viewed below.

Thought: Will English teachers someday qualify for Homeland Security funding?

-DD