Among languages, English has always been distinct as a relatively wild and lawless tongue. It borrows more from foreign languages than any other, its "rules" all feature countless exceptions, and its idiosyncrasies make it extremely difficult for non-native speakers to master it. Like all languages, English has evolved over time. Here's a quick summary of the current state of English grammar.
The Death Of Prescriptive Grammar
When native British scholars first began to study English grammar in an academic context, they were dismayed at the hodge-podge of rules and practices they found. English grammar was regularly compared to Latin and Greek grammar, and English scholars found the home-grown version lacking when compared to these ancient examples. This started a centuries-long drive to make English grammar more formal and restrictive. Scholars and educators laid down "rules" to attempt to force English to be as rigidly structured and predictable as the classical languages. This process - referred to by the term "prescriptive grammar." has finally fallen out of favor. Modern grammarians prefer a "descriptive" model, where they simply observe and track the natural changes in the language.
International Distinctions
Like many major languages, English has wound up as the native or second language in dozens of countries around the world. This has led to the emergence of several different strains of English around the world, with American English and UK English being the most common branches. Other Commonwealth countries and former British colonies have their own distinct blends of English. These different subsets of English feature many distinctions, but they haven't yet drifted far enough apart to be considered separate dialects. In contrast to many major languages, (such as French) there is no unified body that attempts to maintain order in the use of English. This is an outgrowth of the shift from prescriptive to descriptive grammar.
The Influence Of Technology
Modern communications technology has had a dramatic impact on the way English is used by most speakers and writers. Although fears of degradation are widespread, in truth they are largely unfounded. In fact, the greater amount of written English being used today may be strengthening the writing skills of most speakers. (Far more people communicate via email and text messages than ever wrote letters, for instance.) While some changes may be inevitable, the overall structure of English grammar appears stable. Many users employ shortcuts or fractured grammar in their email communications, but these are merely time-savers. The medium is not having a global impact on the structure of the language.
The Emergence of Distinct Registers In Written English
Perhaps the biggest change happening in the English language right now is the greater importance being placed on register. "Register," also known as "tone" or "formality," is the selection of certain words and the employment of certain grammatical principles based on one's intended audience. This means that although many people feel comfortable with poor spelling, casual grammar, and colloquialism in electronic communications, they restrict this style of English to that medium exclusively. More formal writing receives more careful thought and employs more polished grammar.
The Death Of Prescriptive Grammar
When native British scholars first began to study English grammar in an academic context, they were dismayed at the hodge-podge of rules and practices they found. English grammar was regularly compared to Latin and Greek grammar, and English scholars found the home-grown version lacking when compared to these ancient examples. This started a centuries-long drive to make English grammar more formal and restrictive. Scholars and educators laid down "rules" to attempt to force English to be as rigidly structured and predictable as the classical languages. This process - referred to by the term "prescriptive grammar." has finally fallen out of favor. Modern grammarians prefer a "descriptive" model, where they simply observe and track the natural changes in the language.
International Distinctions
Like many major languages, English has wound up as the native or second language in dozens of countries around the world. This has led to the emergence of several different strains of English around the world, with American English and UK English being the most common branches. Other Commonwealth countries and former British colonies have their own distinct blends of English. These different subsets of English feature many distinctions, but they haven't yet drifted far enough apart to be considered separate dialects. In contrast to many major languages, (such as French) there is no unified body that attempts to maintain order in the use of English. This is an outgrowth of the shift from prescriptive to descriptive grammar.
The Influence Of Technology
Modern communications technology has had a dramatic impact on the way English is used by most speakers and writers. Although fears of degradation are widespread, in truth they are largely unfounded. In fact, the greater amount of written English being used today may be strengthening the writing skills of most speakers. (Far more people communicate via email and text messages than ever wrote letters, for instance.) While some changes may be inevitable, the overall structure of English grammar appears stable. Many users employ shortcuts or fractured grammar in their email communications, but these are merely time-savers. The medium is not having a global impact on the structure of the language.
The Emergence of Distinct Registers In Written English
Perhaps the biggest change happening in the English language right now is the greater importance being placed on register. "Register," also known as "tone" or "formality," is the selection of certain words and the employment of certain grammatical principles based on one's intended audience. This means that although many people feel comfortable with poor spelling, casual grammar, and colloquialism in electronic communications, they restrict this style of English to that medium exclusively. More formal writing receives more careful thought and employs more polished grammar.