 |
| http://amzn.to/JQqo5y |
The
verbal fisticuffs started with a simple comment. The writer expressed her
chagrin at an author’s persistent use of the non-word “irregardless,” and the
battle was on: "irregardless" vs
"regardless, "altogether" vs "all together." Several
rounds involved dialect as opposed to "proper" English. There was even
some sparring over the use of slang as opposed to "ordinary" language. Accusations
flew, suggesting those who clung more strictly to a Strunk and White version of
grammar were elitist.
This battle was waged on a recent LinkedIn
discussion. Shortly after it began, I offered a comment or two then sat back and followed as
new remarks were added day after day after day. At last count, there were
seventy-six comments added to the thread, enough to weave a virtual rope. The
influx has finally tapered off, but the debate still continues and, no doubt,
always will.
What constitutes proper grammar is a topic that may rank
right up there with religion and politics. The word alone elicits moans and
groans. It causes eyes to roll and eyebrows to arch. It almost invariably causes
conflict.
Like everyone else, I've got personal
pet peeves when it comes to grammar. Here’s an example of something that makes
me cringe: He poured himself a cup of coffee. Arrrrgh! That and countless other
variations of it make their way into writing every day. In actuality, he didn't
pour himself; he poured a cup of coffee for himself.
Do I understand the meaning of the first version? Sure I do, but the writer might
just as well write: Throw me down the stairs my shoes. Frankly, I don't want to
read that either.
I think we, as writers, should be
aware of and use “proper” grammar when it’s appropriate. On the other hand, I
think fiction writing has its own set of ground rules. Weird analogy or not, like
a centerline down a highway, I see quotation marks as the indicators of what we
are and aren’t allowed to do in that regard. Unless it's first-person narration, anything outside
quotation marks needs to adhere to proper usage. As for anything inside
quotation marks, whether it's slang, dialect, or dropping 'g's, whatever
your characters choose to say, however they choose to say it, anything goes, because
it’s the writer’s job to make dialogue sound natural no matter how grammatically
incorrect it may be. It just has to be kept in line with the character's
background, education and personality.
Let me share a laugh aimed at
grammarians everywhere. This is from a birthday card I received from a good
friend and member of my critique group. Picture two women chatting at a table.
First woman: "Where's your
birthday party at?"
Second woman: "Don't end a
sentence with a preposition."
First woman: "Okay. Where's
your birthday party at, bitch?"
What are YOUR pet grammar peeves?
Post them here. Let’s hear 'em!
