Unraveling English Grammar

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According to the text, why do many people feel insecure about grammar?

Because it is a cyclical issue (correct)

Because they don't know the rules

Because they are not native speakers

Because they are judgmental about it

What are some examples of 'crimes' against proper language use mentioned in the text?

Using slang and colloquialisms

Splitting infinitives and ending sentences with prepositions (correct)

Speaking in a non-native accent

Using incorrect verb tenses

What is the author's opinion on the accusations of using language incorrectly?

They believe it is a moral judgement

The author's opinion is not stated (correct)

They believe it is a sign of stupidity

They believe it is a cyclical issue

What does the author mean by 'txtspeaking 2 each other' in the last sentence?

Speaking using text message abbreviations Signup and view all the answers

What is the main topic of the text?

The insecurity people feel about grammar Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's opinion on people being judgmental about grammar?

The author is critical of people being judgmental Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the text?

To inform about the cyclical nature of grammar debates Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the rules of grammar described in the text?

They were based on Latin language Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, why did some grammar rules make communication more stilted and less clear?

Because they went against historical and literary usage Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the authority of regular English speakers in determining 'correct' usage?

They are regarded as competent enough Signup and view all the answers

What do authoritative sources agree about the grammar rules described in the text?

They are nonsense Signup and view all the answers

What does the text say about the historical record of breaking grammar rules?

Speakers were breaking these rules before they even existed Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what do style guides of contemporary publications admit about splitting infinitives?

The ban is pointless Signup and view all the answers

Who are some examples of linguists and grammarians mentioned in the text?

Steven Pinker and Geoffrey K. Pullum Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about the English language?

The English language has a socially accepted standard dialect. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text say about the rules of language?

Rules of language are subjective and relative. Signup and view all the answers

Who decides what is considered standard language?

Native speakers. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text say about grammar rules?

Grammar rules are based on the usages of the Latin tongue. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

What is the current status of the 'make believe grammar' rules according to the text?

They are still seriously taught in schools and universities. Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, why do some people still adhere to outdated language rules?

They are resistant to change Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument made in the text?

Language rules should be updated to reflect contemporary linguistic evidence Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the myth being perpetuated?

It is an unsubstantiated myth Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what does blindly railing against fictional grammatical horrors resemble?

Language change denial Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about language change denial?

It is a contemporary situation Signup and view all the answers

What does the text imply about the language rules of the Victorian era?

They are irrelevant in the modern world Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what should we do in response to the world moving on?

Update language rules to reflect contemporary linguistic evidence Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the perception of language rules?

They are made up Signup and view all the answers