Wordplay: Grammar mistakes, and the mistakes people who write about them make….
For the writers, editors, and general linguaphiles among us. This is especially poignant for me because it deals with hypercorrection, far and away the greatest sin committed by proofreaders, copyeditors, line editors, and well-meaning friends who look over others’ writing.
I don’t agree with the blogger 100%, but I think he makes interesting points civilly and thoughtfully. Of course, the headline/title is horrible, as is almost anything of the “[Some Number of] Whatevers That Almost Everyone Makes/Does/Says” type, but I hope that won’t keep you from at least a glance at this particular quasi-arbitrary list.
Here’s his list (the blog explains each one a fair amount):
1. Confusing grammar with spelling, punctuation, and usage.
2. Treating style choices as rules.
3. Ignoring register.
4. Saying that a disliked word isn’t a word.
5. Turning proposals into ironclad laws.
6. Failing to discuss exceptions to rules.
7. Overestimating the frequency of errors.
8. Believing that etymology is destiny.
9. Simply bungling the rules.
10. Saying that good grammar leads to good communication.
11. Using grammar to put people down.
12. Forgetting that correct usage ultimately comes from users.
13. Making mistakes themselves. It happens to the best of us.
[Yes, a 13th mistake; it’s a bonus. And a mistake.]
Here’s the story, with details, disclaimers & a good amount of insight.
Over the centuries, Brother Ian has been collecting stories & information & discourses for the purpose of elevating the human condition as needed, dissecting it when necessary, and building the case for hope.