Which Sentences Contain An Example Of Contested Usage

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

The English language, a vibrant and ever-evolving entity, is rife with examples of contested usage. These are phrases, words, or grammatical structures whose correctness or appropriateness are debated among grammarians, style guides, and everyday speakers. Understanding these contested areas is crucial for effective communication, especially in professional settings where clarity and precision are paramount. This article delves into various sentence examples showcasing contested usage, exploring the nuances of each case and offering insights into why these usages spark controversy.

What Constitutes Contested Usage?

Before diving into examples, let's define what we mean by "contested usage." It's not simply about grammatical errors; instead, it encompasses instances where:

• Prescriptive vs. Descriptive Grammar Clash: Prescriptive grammar dictates how language should be used, often based on traditional rules and established norms. Descriptive grammar, on the other hand, observes how language is actually used. Contested usage often arises when these two approaches diverge.
• Regional and Dialectal Variations: English is a global language, with diverse regional dialects and accents. What's acceptable in one region might be considered incorrect or informal in another.
• Evolution of Language: Language is constantly changing. Words and phrases once considered incorrect might become widely accepted over time, while others might fall out of favor.
• Formal vs. Informal Contexts: Certain usages might be perfectly acceptable in informal settings but inappropriate in formal writing or professional communication.

Examples of Sentences with Contested Usage

Let's examine several sentences containing examples of contested usage, categorized for clarity:

1. Subject-Verb Agreement with Collective Nouns

Sentence: The team are playing exceptionally well this season.

Contested Usage: Collective nouns (team, family, committee) can be treated as singular or plural, depending on whether the emphasis is on the group as a whole or on its individual members. Traditional grammar often favors the singular ("The team is playing"), but using the plural ("The team are playing") is becoming increasingly common, especially in informal settings. The choice often reflects the writer's intent and desired level of formality.

Resolution: In formal writing, stick with the singular verb. In informal contexts, the plural might be acceptable, depending on the audience and purpose.

2. Split Infinitives

Sentence: To boldly go where no one has gone before.

Contested Usage: Split infinitives (placing an adverb between "to" and the verb) were once strongly condemned by prescriptive grammarians. However, this rule is largely disregarded today, especially in informal writing. Split infinitives can often enhance clarity and readability.

Resolution: While avoiding split infinitives might be preferred in extremely formal writing, there's rarely a compelling reason to avoid them in most modern contexts. Prioritize clarity and natural flow.

3. Ending a Sentence with a Preposition

Sentence: Who did you go with?

Contested Usage: This rule, another holdover from prescriptive grammar, dictates against ending sentences with prepositions ("with," "to," "from," etc.). However, avoiding this can lead to unnatural and awkward phrasing.

Resolution: Prioritize naturalness and clarity. Ending a sentence with a preposition is perfectly acceptable in most modern writing styles, especially in informal settings. The focus should always be on effective communication.

4. Use of "Data" as a Singular or Plural Noun

Sentence: The data is compelling. / The data are compelling.

Contested Usage: "Data" is a plural noun in its original Latin form. However, its use as a singular collective noun ("The data is compelling") has become widespread, especially in scientific and technical writing. The plural form ("The data are compelling") emphasizes the individual data points.

Resolution: The singular usage is gaining ground and is generally acceptable, particularly in less formal writing. However, using the plural form might be preferred in situations where emphasizing the individual data points is crucial.

5. The Dangling Modifier

Sentence: Running down the street, the mailbox was easily visible.

Contested Usage: Dangling modifiers occur when a modifying phrase doesn't clearly refer to the intended subject. In this case, the mailbox isn't doing the running.

Resolution: Rewrite the sentence to clearly connect the modifier to the correct subject: "Running down the street, I saw the mailbox was easily visible."

6. Use of "Hopefully"

Sentence: Hopefully, the meeting will start on time.

Contested Usage: The use of "hopefully" as a sentence adverb (expressing the speaker's hope) has been debated for decades. Some grammarians argue that it should only be used to describe someone acting in a hopeful manner ("She smiled hopefully").

Resolution: The sentence adverb usage is now widely accepted in informal and even some formal contexts. While some purists might prefer alternatives like "It is hoped that...," the modern usage of "hopefully" is generally deemed acceptable.

7. Less vs. Fewer

Sentence: There are less people here than I expected.

Contested Usage: "Less" refers to uncountable nouns (water, time, sugar), while "fewer" refers to countable nouns (people, cars, apples).

Resolution: Use "fewer" with countable nouns. The correct sentence would be: "There are fewer people here than I expected."

8. That vs. Which

Sentence: The book, which I borrowed from the library, is overdue.

Contested Usage: The distinction between "that" (restrictive clause) and "which" (non-restrictive clause) is often blurred. "That" introduces clauses essential to the meaning of the sentence, while "which" introduces clauses that provide extra information.

Resolution: Use "that" for restrictive clauses and "which" for non-restrictive clauses (set off by commas). However, many writers now use "which" for both types of clauses in informal settings.

9. Irregardless

Sentence: Irregardless of the weather, the game will go on.

Contested Usage: "Irregardless" is considered non-standard and redundant. Use "regardless."

Resolution: Avoid "irregardless." Always use "regardless."

10. Between vs. Among

Sentence: Divide the candy between the three children. / Divide the candy among the children.

Contested Usage: "Between" is typically used with two items, while "among" is used with three or more.

Resolution: While some flexibility exists, generally follow this guideline for clarity.

Navigating the Challenges of Contested Usage

The examples above demonstrate the complexities of contested usage. There are no simple answers, and the "correct" choice often depends on context, audience, and desired level of formality. However, a strong understanding of the underlying grammatical principles and current linguistic trends can guide your choices.

Strategies for Effective Communication:

• Know your audience: Consider the context in which you're writing or speaking. Formal settings generally demand adherence to stricter grammatical norms, while informal settings allow for greater flexibility.
• Choose clarity over strict adherence to rules: If a grammatical rule leads to awkward or unclear phrasing, prioritize clarity.
• Consult style guides: Style guides (such as the Chicago Manual of Style or the Associated Press Stylebook) provide valuable guidance on usage conventions.
• Read widely: Immerse yourself in well-written texts to gain a sense of natural and effective language use.
• Be consistent: Once you've made a choice regarding contested usage within a given piece of writing, maintain consistency throughout.

Conclusion: Embracing the Nuances of English

The ever-evolving nature of the English language ensures that contested usage will always be a part of the landscape. By understanding the nuances of these debates, writers and speakers can navigate the complexities of language with confidence and precision, fostering clearer and more effective communication. The key is to be informed, to be aware of the potential pitfalls, and to prioritize the overall clarity and effectiveness of your communication. Continual learning and attention to detail will help you master the intricacies of English and confidently express your ideas.