Which Sentences Contain An Example Of Contested Usage

Which Sentences Contain an Example of Contested Usage? Navigating the Gray Areas of Grammar

The English language, a vibrant and ever-evolving entity, is rife with examples of contested usage. These are grammatical structures, word choices, or stylistic elements that lack a universally agreed-upon "correct" form. Understanding these contested areas is crucial for effective communication, particularly in writing where precision and clarity are paramount. This article delves into the fascinating world of contested usage, providing numerous examples and exploring the linguistic reasoning behind the controversies.

What Constitutes Contested Usage?

Contested usage arises when different linguistic authorities or style guides offer conflicting prescriptions for a particular grammatical construction. This can stem from several factors:

• Evolution of language: Language is dynamic. What was considered incorrect in the past may become acceptable, or even preferred, over time.
• Regional variations: Different dialects and regional variations of English possess unique grammatical features and vocabulary. What's acceptable in one region might be considered non-standard in another.
• Prescriptivism vs. Descriptivism: A central conflict lies between prescriptivist grammarians, who advocate for strict adherence to established rules, and descriptivists, who observe and document how language is actually used, regardless of perceived "correctness."
• Changes in social norms: Societal attitudes towards formality and informality influence language use. What was once deemed overly casual may now be considered acceptable in formal settings.

Examples of Sentences with Contested Usage

Let's examine several sentences, each showcasing a different aspect of contested usage:

1. The data is/are compelling.

This sentence highlights the debate surrounding the use of singular vs. plural verbs with collective nouns like "data." Traditionally, "data" was treated as a plural noun, requiring "are." However, increasingly, "data" is treated as a singular mass noun, taking the singular verb "is." Both are considered acceptable in many contexts, though the singular form is gaining prevalence in scientific and technical writing.

Which is correct? Both are arguably correct, depending on the context and preferred style guide.

2. Myself and John went to the store.

This sentence demonstrates a common error involving the reflexive pronoun "myself." While "myself" can be used reflexively (e.g., "I hurt myself"), it's generally incorrect to use it in place of "I" or "me" in subject positions. The correct phrasing is "John and I went to the store."

Which is correct? "John and I went to the store" is grammatically correct.

3. He's taller than me/I.

This illustrates the controversy surrounding the use of subjective ("I") versus objective ("me") case pronouns after comparative constructions like "than." Traditionally, the subjective case ("I") was prescribed. However, the objective case ("me") is increasingly common in spoken and informal written English. The objective case is often deemed more natural-sounding.

Which is correct? While "than I" is traditionally correct, "than me" is becoming increasingly accepted, especially in informal contexts.

4. Between you and I/me.

This sentence exemplifies the misuse of the subjective case pronoun "I" after a preposition. Prepositions generally take objective case pronouns. Therefore, "Between you and me" is correct.

Which is correct? "Between you and me" is grammatically correct.

5. Irregardless/Regardless of the weather, we will proceed.

This sentence highlights the difference between "regardless" and the non-standard "irregardless." "Irregardless" is considered a non-standard or incorrect usage.

Which is correct? "Regardless of the weather, we will proceed" is correct.

6. Hopefully, the meeting will be productive.

This sentence demonstrates the contested use of "hopefully." Some argue that "hopefully" should only modify a verb (e.g., "He hopefully answered the question."), while others accept its use as a sentence adverb, expressing the speaker's hope.

Which is correct? Both usages are increasingly accepted, though the sentence adverb use remains controversial for some.

7. There's/There are several reasons for the delay.

This sentence illustrates the debate surrounding subject-verb agreement with "there" clauses. The verb must agree with the true subject that follows "there." In this case, "reasons" is plural, so "There are" is correct.

Which is correct? "There are several reasons for the delay" is grammatically correct.

8. The reason is because...

This phrase demonstrates a redundancy. "The reason is" already implies a cause; adding "because" is unnecessary. A more concise and grammatically preferred way to express this would be "The reason is..." or "Because..."

Which is correct? Avoid using "The reason is because..." Choose a more concise alternative.

9. He borrowed the book off of me.

This sentence showcases the redundancy of "off of." "Off" is sufficient. The preferred form is "He borrowed the book off me."

Which is correct? "He borrowed the book off me" is grammatically more concise and preferred.

10. Due to the rain, the game was canceled. / Because of the rain, the game was canceled.

While often used interchangeably, there's a subtle distinction. "Due to" traditionally functions as an adjective phrase and is better suited for describing a cause as an attribute of something. "Because of" is more versatile as a prepositional phrase expressing causality. Both are widely used, making this a contested area of style.

Which is correct? Both are widely used and largely interchangeable, although some style guides might prefer "because of" for its wider applicability.

Navigating the Challenges of Contested Usage

The existence of contested usage underscores the complexity and dynamism of the English language. There's no single "correct" answer for every instance. The key lies in understanding the factors contributing to these controversies and making informed choices based on context, audience, and preferred style.

Here are some strategies for navigating contested usage:

• Consult style guides: Refer to established style guides like the Chicago Manual of Style, the Associated Press Stylebook, or the MLA Handbook for guidance on preferred usage in specific contexts. However, remember that even style guides can offer differing recommendations.
• Consider your audience: Adapt your language to the expected level of formality and the knowledge of your audience. More formal contexts generally call for stricter adherence to traditional grammar rules.
• Prioritize clarity and precision: The ultimate goal is to communicate effectively. Choose the phrasing that conveys your meaning most clearly and unambiguously, even if it deviates slightly from traditional grammatical norms.
• Be aware of the potential for misinterpretation: Some contested usages carry a higher risk of being misunderstood. Exercise caution when employing these in formal writing.
• Stay informed: The rules of grammar are constantly evolving. Keep abreast of ongoing changes and debates in the field of linguistics to enhance your understanding of contemporary language usage.

Conclusion

The world of contested usage is a fascinating exploration into the fluid and ever-changing nature of language. By understanding the underlying principles, referencing style guides judiciously, and prioritizing clear communication, writers can confidently navigate these linguistic gray areas, creating polished and effective written work that resonates with their audience. The key lies not in blind adherence to outdated rules, but in a thoughtful and informed approach to language use. Embrace the dynamism of English, and leverage its flexibility to create compelling and understandable content.