This week: Grammar Issues Edited by: Lilli ☕  
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"No iron can pierce the heart with such force as a period put just at the right place."
- Isaac Babel
"A comma can change the meaning of a sentence from 'Let's eat, Grandma!' to 'Let's eat Grandma!'"
- A common humorous example of punctuation's importance.
"If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second greatest favor you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style."
- Dorothy Parker |
Grammar rules rarely taught in schools include nuances like the subtle or even complex use of articles (a, an, the, some), phrasal verbs (like “get by” or “run into”), specific preposition usage (in vs. on, by vs. on), the correct order of adjectives, rules for count and non-count nouns (advice vs. suggestions), and the use of colloquialisms and slang that are essential for native-like fluency and cultural connection. Many “rules,” like not ending sentences with prepositions, are actually modern myths rather than established grammatical principles, according to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Let’s take a look at some specific examples of grammar nuances often overlooked in formal schooling:
Article Usage:
The basic “a” and “an” are taught, but the much more complex rules for using “the,” “some,” or no article at all in various contexts are often missing, making it difficult for learners to use them naturally.
Phrasal Verbs and Prepositions:
Multi-word verbs (phrasal verbs) and tricky prepositions (like “on time” vs. “in time,” or “get on” a bus versus “get in” a car) are common in English; they are vital for understanding and connecting with native speakers, but basic grammar lessons just don’t cover them.
Order of Adjectives:
Most people know to say “a skinny old French man” rather than “an old French skinny man,” but this specific order of adjectives is a rule often not taught in school.
Count vs. Non-Count Nouns:
Knowing when to use “an idea” (count) versus “some advice” (non-count), or how to pluralize nouns like “rice” and “beans,” is complex and often not fully explored.
Colloquial Language:
We learn to understand informal language, slang, and expressions (like “cruise over to Josh’s pad” or “it’s a total rager”) by observing speakers in everyday contexts, not from textbooks.
Myths of Grammar:
Some rules, such as “don’t split infinitives” or “don’t end a sentence with a preposition,” are modern myths, according to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. These “rules” are often based on attempts to impose Latin grammar onto English and can lead to clunkier, less natural-sounding sentences.
Here's a list of examples regarding some common issues in grammar.
1. Less vs. Fewer
Less is for uncountable nouns.
Fewer is for countable ones.
Less water, fewer bottles.
"Fewer than" not "Less than"
I'm sure you recognize this every time you visit a grocery store, lol.
Fewer than 10 items.
2. Who vs. whom
Who = subject
Whom = object
Who are you calling?
To whom are you speaking?
3. That vs. Which
"That" introduces essential information,
"which" adds extra detail.
The book that I borrowed was great.
The book, which I borrowed, was great.
4. May vs. Might
May = possibility
Might = less certain
5. Never split 'to' and a verb.
 to quickly run
 to run quickly
6. Since vs. Because
Since = time reference
Because = reason
I haven't been able to eat since Tuesday because I have stomach pain.
7. Than vs. Then
Than = comparison
Then = sequence/time
I'd rather go to the park than stay indoors.
I went to the store, and then I came home.
8. Affect vs. effect
Affect is a verb (influence)
Effect is a noun (result)
Her mood was affected by the sunny weather.
The new law's effect was to reduce traffic accidents.
9. Adjectives before nouns, but in order
Opinion  Size Color Origin Material Purpose Noun
I was gifted a lovely, small, old, red Italian wooden coffee table.
10. Between vs. Among
Between = 2 things
Among = 3+ things
The store is open between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
The virus spread quickly among people living in cities.
11. Farther vs. Further
Farther = physical distance
Further = figurative
He ran farther than any other competitor.
We need to discuss this topic further.
12. Lay vs. Lie
Lay = put something down
Lie = recline
Lay the book on the table, please.
I need to lie down.
13. Could have vs. Could of
If we had left earlier, we could have stopped for coffee.
"Could have" is the grammatically correct form, while "could of" is an error that stems from the pronunciation of the contraction "could've". "Could have" is used to describe a past possibility that didn't happen or express an ability in the past that was not used.
14. Who's vs. Whose
Who's = who is or how has
Whose = possession
Who's joining me for coffee?
Whose coffee mug is this?
If you've read this far, let me know your favorite part of this newsletter.
Because the first 5 people will receive a Coffee Award MB. |
| |  | Tomorrow (E)
A poem that came to me as I was thinking about what to do after I graduate.
#1858817 by Mindertwenty  |
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For Authors: September 17, 2025 Issue [#13350]
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