Languages are messy because communication is messy!
I love grammar, but I’m not a fan of blogs and memes that shame people for “bad” grammar. Yes, we can learn from mistakes, but it’s good to remember that languages are messy because communication is messy.
And that’s part of why they’re so interesting!
I’ve taught English for almost 13 years, so I’m very familiar with the most common grammar rules that are drilled into English learners. However, I also know that native speakers never follow these rules perfectly because language evolves with use.
So, instead of telling you how to “fix” your “bad” grammar, I’d like to share with you some common ways in which fluent (especially “native”) English users regularly break “grammar rules” when speaking.* And it’s perfectly ok!
1. Using adjectives instead of adverbs
This is a “mistake” I myself frequently make when speaking. My husband sometimes corrects me, but I jokingly respond, “I’m an English teacher, so whatever I say is automatically correct.” 😉
Sometimes we just want to get our point across quickly, and we don’t really care if we’re using the correct part of speech…and that’s fine!
Examples:
- He’s doing terrible.
- She works real hard.
- I guessed wrong.
- He left quite quick.
And the most famous example: the old Apple ad campaign, “Think different.”
2. Using “less” instead of “few”
Based on my own very unscientific observations, I’m pretty sure “few” and “fewer” are leaving the English language. I’ve been actively listening for this word, and I rarely hear it used anymore.
Of course, I’ll still correct it in my clients’ writing, and I always try to use it when I’m speaking, but I think it’s fading fast.
Examples:
- 10 items or less
- I know less people here than she does.
- He made less mistakes last time.
Note: If you’re a native English speaker or a grammar prescriptivist, I’m guessing that your blood pressure is rising right now. Your internal editor is screaming, “She’s completely wrong. I would never make these mistakes!” I humbly suggest that you do and that it’s ok.
I actively listen without correcting the spoken grammar of others (unless they’re paying me to) because I find it interesting how language use differs from language rules. I hear myself and other highly educated English teachers make these “errors” all the time, and it never interferes with understanding (which should be the point of communication).
If you’re upset, perhaps ask yourself why you’re so committed to enforcing unrealistic standards of English that create a caste system of speakers.
3. Incorrect verb form in the subjunctive
Much like the word “few,” this is another grammatical feature that seems to be fading from use.
Examples:
- If I was her, I wouldn’t speak to him.
- He recommended that she listens to her mother.
- It’s important that he agrees to attend the meeting.
- She wishes she was taller.
4. Using non-action verbs in the progressive tenses
This is a rule that English learners are taught very early in their lessons, but most native speakers don’t even know it exists!
Examples:
- You’re looking happy today!
- We’re going to be seeing them tomorrow.
- I’ve been feeling sad lately.
- I’m thinking he’s about to learn his lesson.
And the most famous example: the McDonald’s slogan “I’m lovin’ it.”
5. Subject-verb disagreement
Once again, this is a rule many people break in order to speak more quickly. While I would always correct it in writing, does it really matter when we’re speaking?
Examples:
- There’s more crackers in the cupboard.
- Each of us need to buy a ticket.
- Neither of the kids were at school today.
| *Note: All of the examples I’ve shared are commonly heard in spoken English, and they’re all technically incorrect. Remember that writing doesn’t allow the same flexibility with the rules as speaking does. If you’re curious about how to fix these sentences, please send me an email, and I’d be happy to answer your questions! As the Dalai Lama said: “Know the rules well so you can break them effectively.” |