THE ancient notion of English grammar was one of certain categories of words, and certain rules for their proper use. This is still the idea implied in most of the dictionary definitions of the word.

The Oxford comma. “Ask” instead of “aks.” There, their, and they’re. The legitimacy of “ain’t” and “y’all.” These are familiar, if sometimes contentious, issues in the usage of the English language.

English grammar is the foundation of effective communication, and understanding its basic rules is essential for beginners. Whether you're just starting to learn English or looking to strengthen your ...

It may seem from some of my recent newsletters — championing “they” as a singular pronoun and “me” as a subject pronoun — that there’s something about being a linguist that makes one strangely ...

IS AMERICA RUINING English or giving it new life? Most of this old transatlantic debate concerns words. Is elevator an improvement on lift? Why say transportation when transport will do? Sometimes it ...

Good grammar may have came and went. Maybe you've winced at the decline of the past participle. Or folks writing and saying "he had sank" and "she would have went." Perhaps it was the singer Gotye ...

Today, March 4, is National Grammar Day: an occasion, the NGD website tells us, to “celebrate good grammar in both our written and spoken communication.” Since I am a linguist and get my quotidian ...

Do you have a good command of the English language? Would you like a work-at-home job that would utilize your excellent ...