30 Questions
According to the text, why do many people feel insecure about grammar?
Because it is a cyclical issue
What are some examples of 'crimes' against proper language use mentioned in the text?
Splitting infinitives and ending sentences with prepositions
What is the author's opinion on the accusations of using language incorrectly?
The author's opinion is not stated
What does the author mean by 'txtspeaking 2 each other' in the last sentence?
Speaking using text message abbreviations
What is the main topic of the text?
The insecurity people feel about grammar
What is the author's opinion on people being judgmental about grammar?
The author is critical of people being judgmental
What is the purpose of the text?
To inform about the cyclical nature of grammar debates
Which of the following is true about the rules of grammar described in the text?
They were based on Latin language
According to the text, why did some grammar rules make communication more stilted and less clear?
Because they went against historical and literary usage
What does the text suggest about the authority of regular English speakers in determining 'correct' usage?
They are regarded as competent enough
What do authoritative sources agree about the grammar rules described in the text?
They are nonsense
What does the text say about the historical record of breaking grammar rules?
Speakers were breaking these rules before they even existed
According to the text, what do style guides of contemporary publications admit about splitting infinitives?
The ban is pointless
Who are some examples of linguists and grammarians mentioned in the text?
Steven Pinker and Geoffrey K. Pullum
Which of the following statements is true about the English language?
The English language has a socially accepted standard dialect.
According to the text, why is it important to learn the accepted linguistic conventions of the standard dialect?
To be able to communicate with others effectively.
What does the text say about the rules of language?
Rules of language are subjective and relative.
Who decides what is considered standard language?
Native speakers.
What does the text say about grammar rules?
Grammar rules are based on the usages of the Latin tongue.
What does the text say about the so-called 'make believe grammar' rules?
They were invented to encourage the English language to be more like Latin.
What is the current status of the 'make believe grammar' rules according to the text?
They are still seriously taught in schools and universities.
According to the text, why do some people still adhere to outdated language rules?
They are resistant to change
What is the main argument made in the text?
Language rules should be updated to reflect contemporary linguistic evidence
What does the text suggest about the myth being perpetuated?
It is an unsubstantiated myth
According to the text, what does blindly railing against fictional grammatical horrors resemble?
Language change denial
What is the main reason given in the text for not adhering to the language rules of the Victorian era?
The moral trends of the Victorian era are no longer relevant
What does the text suggest about language change denial?
It is a contemporary situation
What does the text imply about the language rules of the Victorian era?
They are irrelevant in the modern world
According to the text, what should we do in response to the world moving on?
Update language rules to reflect contemporary linguistic evidence
What does the text suggest about the perception of language rules?
They are made up
Test your knowledge of English grammar rules and their historical origins with this quiz! Discover the quirky and often misguided rules that were once enforced, and learn how they shaped the language we use today. From Latin influence to humorous syntax, explore the fascinating world of grammar evolution.
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