A Few Grammatical Errors That Aren’t Actually Errors
There are two kinds of grammar: Descriptive and Prescriptive grammar. Descriptive grammar talks about the systematic description and study of a language, whereas prescriptive grammar prescribes the set of rules and examples regarding the structure of a language, generally intended as a guide to the learning of that language.
As with any prescription, an overdose is dangerous. Here are some grammatical rules that are not actually grammar errors but should be avoided when writing to make your pieces better and more professional.
- Avoid using a preposition at the end of a sentence As a useful check, try to avoid ending sentences with a preposition. Although it is not a grammar rule, usually a preposition appears before a noun or a pronoun. English being a distinct and rich language it can form its own customs.
- Avoid beginning a sentence with a conjunction Although some people persist in prohibiting this rule, it is better to follow it. However, the majority of modern fiction writers agree that using a conjunction to begin a sentence is acceptable practice. Instead of starting sentences with a conjunction, try using a semicolon to merge two related thoughts, it will help to avoid beginning a sentence with one.
- Differentiate between ‘though’ and ‘while’ There are several prescriptivists who would persistently use while instead of though, like: “While I agree, I resist,” whereas the correct sentence construction is “Though I agree, I resist.” Although it is not actually grammatically wrong, avoid using while in place of though. It will read more fluently.
- Distinguish between ‘since’ and ‘because’ There can be a lot of confusion between these two words. Since is only used to describe length of time or the stretch or time something continued. Because offers a reason but not necessarily dealing with a particular timeline. Just ensure you understand the difference between these two terms before using them.
- Use data always in plural sense Where did they get this data? In this sentence data appears to be vague in terms of singular or plural form. Data in itself is plural and the alternative is to use datumin the singular sense. Data is generally used as a singular mass noun in everyday usage. So make sure you are using it correctly.
- Use none in the singular form None should typically be used in the singular sense. Usually it depends on the sense of sentence. When the sense is plural, none is plural; when the sense is singular, none is singular. Although both ways will work, preferably it should be used in the singular sense.