Comparative Research
Paper 3
Grammar and Style Rules
Tahirih Morrison
WRA 370
Professor Houghton
October 16, 2012
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Change, while often hard won, prevents stagnation. The multitude of
grammar and style rules in the English language are no exception to this
phenomenon. As generations have changed, some of these rules have held true
while others have shifted with common usage. A variety of quality resources must
be consulted in order to fully and accurately research any grammar rule. In my
research I choose an unabridged dictionary (Random House Webster’s
Unabridged Dictionary), several usage guides (Oxford A—Z of English Usage,
Modern American Usage—a Guide, and Garner’s Modern American Usage), and
a couple of online grammar blogs (English plus: Using Indefinite Pronouns and
Grammar Girl: Quick and Dirty Tips) as sources. The variety of my sources
allowed me to get a clear view of each perspective. When a possible source was
difficult to understand or seemed to contradict itself, I discarded it and focused
on only those with clarity. Furthermore, I did not allow myself to make any
judgments on the issue until I had fully considered each vantage point. Once I
had developed a thorough understanding, I contemplated the best technique(s)
for me to use.
For this paper, I chose to explore the current redefinition of the usage of
the word everyone because it is a good example of change that is currently
occurring to the rules governing English grammar usage. The fact that everyone
is singular and requires a singular verb is agreed upon by grammarians.
However, there is heated disagreement about whether or not it should be allowed
to take a plural pronoun. The traditional grammar usage rule is, in this respect, in
direct opposition to the modern usage commonly in practice.
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“The root of the problem is that English doesn’t have a word to refer to a
singular noun of undetermined gender” (Grammar Girl). In the past, the generic
he or his was used. But as times changed, this was considered sexist and a call for
reform occurred in the United States. Unfortunately, there is no quick and easy
answer. The traditionalist view is that everyone is singular and “likewise call[s]
for an array of singulars coming after: Everybody has to make up his own mind
(not have to; not their …)” (Follett, 109). It is the traditionalists’ conviction that it
is contradictory to use a singular verb and a plural pronoun in the same sentence,
referring back to the same singular indefinite pronoun. Therefore to avoid
sexism, he or she (his or her) can be used, but it tends to be rather awkward. One
can also be used, but one must take care that one uses one in the proper way.
Therefore, using one can be a bit confusing and it also carries a bit of a snobbish
air. There are resources, including English Plus and Modern American Usage—a
Guide, that continue to advocate using strictly the traditional usage rule for
everyone.
The modern usage practice of using plural pronouns to refer back to an
indefinite pronoun is becoming normalized in the United States. This practice is
listed as a second option in Garner’s Modern American Usage, Oxford A–Z of
English Usage, Grammar Girl: Quick and Dirty Tips, and Random House
Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary. “The use of plural forms, especially plural
pronouns, has been increasing in the United States, partially because of the
desire to avoid using he or his to refer to a female” (Random House, 162).
Because it has become standard “to use everyone and everybody with a singular
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verb but a plural pronoun …” (Garner, 326), the traditional usage rule may end
up being permanently amended in the future.
As a third option, Garner’s Modern American Usage, Oxford A–Z of
English Usage, and Grammar Girl: Quick and Dirty Tips strongly suggest
avoiding the controversy altogether. This can be done by rewriting the offending
sentences in a format that does not require everyone to take a singular pronoun
of undetermined gender. In most cases, this can be done with little effort.
However, be aware that there may be situations where this will not be possible.
Sometimes, it may change the emphasis or meaning of the sentence if you try to
rewrite it. Other times, the author may have a set style preference and be
completely inflexible.
Change can be a painful and slow process. Very often it is dictated not by
what is right but by what the majority perceives to be right. In the case at hand,
the traditionalist view is never said to be wrong—just awkward or sexist. The
traditionalist view is given in every resource as the main view. Where the second
option (the common usage rule) is listed, it is as an alternative (or popular)
choice. Therefore the traditionalist view would be the most correct as it is
mentioned in every source—unlike the common usage rule.
Emotions are likely to continue to run high on both sides of this issue.
Getting caught up in the middle of the controversy, it would be easy to get
confused about what the best practice really is. While there are plausible
arguments for both sides, it is less important who is right. The most important
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consideration is to preserve consistency within each work. Choose one method,
stick with it, and be prepared to defend it when necessary.
As a copyeditor, it is best to first determine the author’s stance and then to
ensure that consistency is maintained throughout. The safest route, however, is
to follow the third option and simply rewrite sentences whenever possible. This
will avoid potential recriminations by strongly opinionated grammarians. In the
end, change is inescapable. Do what you can to influence the change around you
and then learn to live with the end result.
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Bibliography
Butterfield, Jeremy, editor. Oxford A—Z of English Usage. New York: Oxford
University Press Inc. 2007.
English plus: Using Indefinite Pronouns. 1997-2009.
http://englishplus.com/grammar/00000027.htm.
Follett, Wilson. Modern American Usage—a Guide. New York: Hill and Wang,
Inc. 1998.
Garner, Bryan A. Garner’s Modern American Usage. 3rd Edition. New York:
Oxford University Press. 2009.
Grammar Girl: Quick and Dirty Tips. Episode 111: January 27, 2012.
http://www.grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/indefinite-pronouns.aspx.
Random House Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary. 2nd Edition. New York:
Random House, Inc. 2001.