A World Without "Whom"

1. Language is a Living, Breathing Entity

The moment English stops changing, it’s dead, it’s Latin.

Dynamic nature of language. Language is not static; it's constantly evolving, adapting, and changing. This evolution is driven by cultural shifts, technological advancements, and the creative use of language by its speakers. Resisting change is futile; embracing it is key to staying relevant and effective in communication.

Internet as a catalyst. The internet has accelerated the pace of language change, introducing new words, phrases, and usages at an unprecedented rate. Social media, online communities, and digital communication platforms have become incubators for linguistic innovation.

Flexibility is essential. To remain effective communicators, writers and editors must be flexible and adaptable, willing to embrace new language trends and challenge traditional rules. Rigidity can lead to irrelevance and a disconnect with contemporary audiences.

2. Embrace Descriptive Linguistics Over Prescriptive Rules

Accepting language as malleable is deeply liberating, and I highly recommend it.

Descriptivism vs. Prescriptivism. Descriptive linguistics focuses on observing and documenting how language is actually used, while prescriptivism seeks to enforce a set of rules about how language should be used. Embracing a descriptive approach allows for a more nuanced and realistic understanding of language.

Rules are subjective. Many grammar rules are arbitrary and based on subjective preferences rather than objective principles. Blindly following these rules can stifle creativity and lead to awkward or unnatural phrasing.

Context matters. The "correctness" of a particular usage often depends on the context, audience, and purpose of communication. What is appropriate in a formal academic paper may not be suitable for a casual social media post.

3. Master the Essentials, Then Bend the Rules

It’s fine to flout “the rules” when you have a solid understanding of what the rules are and a calculated reason for doing so—for tone, for humor, for readability.

Foundation of knowledge. A solid understanding of grammar and punctuation is essential for effective communication. Before breaking the rules, it's crucial to know what those rules are and why they exist.

Intentional rule-breaking. Breaking grammar rules should be a conscious decision made for a specific purpose, such as to create a particular tone, add humor, or enhance readability. Random or unintentional errors can undermine credibility.

Examples of calculated rule-breaking:

• Starting a sentence with "And" or "But" for emphasis
• Ending a sentence with a preposition for a more natural flow
• Using sentence fragments for dramatic effect

4. Sensitivity and Inclusivity are Paramount

Language has the impressive ability to craft social construct, and if the result is negative, then we learn and we listen and we phrase things better the next time.

Inclusive language. Writers and editors have a responsibility to use language that is respectful, inclusive, and sensitive to the experiences of marginalized groups. This includes avoiding stereotypes, using accurate and respectful terminology, and being mindful of the potential impact of words.

Awareness of connotations. Many words and phrases have hidden connotations or historical baggage that can be offensive or hurtful. It's important to be aware of these connotations and choose language carefully.

Resources for inclusive language:

• GLAAD Media Reference Guide
• Conscious Style Guide
• Diversity Style Guide
• National Center on Disability and Journalism's Disability Language Style Guide

5. Clarity and Consistency Build Credibility

A typo sucks, but that’s the least of a copy editor’s worries, really.

Clarity is key. The primary goal of writing is to communicate effectively. Ambiguous phrasing, grammatical errors, and unclear sentence structure can all undermine clarity and distract the reader.

Consistency matters. While flexibility is important, consistency in spelling, punctuation, and style helps to create a polished and professional impression. Inconsistencies can be distracting and make a publication seem sloppy.

Prioritize clarity over rigid rules. In some cases, adhering strictly to grammar rules can actually make writing less clear or natural. It's important to prioritize clarity and readability, even if it means bending the rules slightly.

6. Social Media's Impact on Language is Undeniable

One problem with trying to preserve the sanctity and rigidness of the written language as laid out by Strunk and White is that today everyone is a writer—a bad, unedited, unapologetic writer.

Democratization of writing. Social media has empowered everyone to become a writer, regardless of their training or skill level. This has led to a proliferation of unedited, informal writing that often breaks traditional grammar rules.

Influence on formal writing. The informal language of social media is increasingly influencing formal writing, blurring the lines between casual and professional communication. This can be seen in the use of slang, abbreviations, and unconventional punctuation.

Balancing act. Writers and editors must strike a balance between preserving the authenticity and voice of social media writing and upholding certain standards of clarity and correctness.

7. The Internet's Influence on Language is Ever-Evolving

And the pace at which this change takes place has never before in the history of the English language escalated as fast as it has since the internet took center stage.

Constant change. The internet is a dynamic and ever-changing environment, and language is constantly adapting to keep pace. New words, phrases, and usages emerge and evolve rapidly online.

Organic change. Many language changes originate organically from online communities, fandoms, and social media trends. These changes are often driven by a desire for self-expression, humor, or connection.

Examples of internet-driven language changes:

• The rise of emojis and their impact on communication
• The use of slang terms like "stan," "ship," and "lit"
• The evolution of abbreviations like "LOL" and "AF"

8. Punctuation: Guidelines, Not Shackles

Punctuation can be a real drag.

Punctuation as a tool. Punctuation marks are tools that can be used to enhance clarity, create emphasis, and convey tone. However, they should not be treated as rigid rules that must be followed at all costs.

Artistic license. In some cases, breaking punctuation rules can be a deliberate stylistic choice that adds personality and voice to writing. This is especially true in informal contexts like social media posts or personal essays.

Examples of flexible punctuation:

• Using commas for emphasis or to create a specific rhythm
• Omitting commas for a more casual or conversational tone
• Using em dashes for dramatic pauses or asides

9. Regional Variations Add Richness to Language

Traditional values still apply to the language we use in nontraditional media; just because words don’t live on paper doesn’t mean they’re exempt from being held to standards for clarity, accuracy, and inclusivity.

Diversity of dialects. English is spoken in many different countries and regions around the world, each with its own unique dialects and expressions. These regional variations add richness and diversity to the language.

Awareness of differences. Writers and editors should be aware of regional language differences and avoid making assumptions about what is "correct" or "standard." Using language that is appropriate for the target audience is crucial.

Examples of regional variations:

• Different spellings (e.g., "color" vs. "colour")
• Different vocabulary (e.g., "elevator" vs. "lift")
• Different idioms and expressions

Last updated: April 11, 2025