Rebel With A Clause

1. Grammar is More Than Rules: It's About Connection

Language is powerful: it enables large, organized collections of people to live together, to cooperate, to experience joy and wit, and to improve the human condition.

Beyond Prescriptions. Grammar isn't just a set of rigid rules to be memorized and followed blindly. It's a dynamic system that evolves over time and reflects the way people communicate. The book emphasizes that language is a tool for connection, enabling cooperation, joy, and progress.

Personal and Powerful. Language is deeply intertwined with our sense of self and our sense of power. Grammar insecurity is common, and people often wish they knew more about the building blocks of the words they use. The goal should be to feel good about one's relationship with language, not to be intimidated by it.

Embrace Diversity. The author celebrates the diversity of language and welcomes discussions of all languages, not just English. This inclusive approach acknowledges that there are many valid ways to use language and that judging others based on their grammar is often unproductive and even harmful.

2. The Oxford Comma: A National (But Not Global) Obsession

For something that could be mistaken for a speck of dirt on a page, the Oxford comma…inspires strong attachments.

A Divisive Dot. The Oxford comma, also known as the serial comma, is a source of endless debate and strong opinions. While some style guides, like The Chicago Manual of Style, encourage its use, others, like The Associated Press Stylebook, advise against it unless necessary for clarity.

Clarity vs. Cadence. Proponents of the Oxford comma argue that it prevents misinterpretations and adds clarity to lists. Others find it unnecessary and prefer the cleaner look of omitting it. The author suggests that the choice often comes down to personal preference and a sense of cadence.

Context is Key. The need for an Oxford comma often depends on the context of the sentence. While some examples demonstrate how its absence can lead to ambiguity, many lists are perfectly clear without it. Ultimately, the decision to use the Oxford comma is a matter of style and judgment.

3. Grammar Vocabulary: Unlock the Building Blocks of Language

I’ve always loved knowing the names of the bits and pieces that make up sentences.

Demystifying Sentences. Knowing the terminology of grammar, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, provides a deeper understanding of how sentences are constructed. This knowledge empowers individuals to identify and correct structural issues in their writing.

Pleasure in Precision. The author finds joy in knowing the vocabulary of grammar, viewing it as a way to demystify sentences and gain a sense of control over language. This passion is contagious and encourages readers to embrace the fun of learning about grammar.

Beyond Definitions. The book encourages readers to go beyond simply memorizing definitions and to actively engage with grammatical concepts by composing fresh sentences that fit various patterns. This hands-on approach fosters creativity and a deeper understanding of language.

4. Affect vs. Effect: Taming the Spelling Trolls

“Affect” and “effect” are mean spelling trolls.

A Common Conundrum. The words "affect" and "effect" are frequently confused, even by experienced writers. While there are general rules to follow, the nuances of their usage can be tricky.

Verb vs. Noun. In most cases, "affect" is used as a verb, meaning to influence or produce a change in something. "Effect," on the other hand, is typically used as a noun, referring to the result or consequence of an action.

Specialized Uses. Both "affect" and "effect" can also be used in less common ways. "Affect" can be a psychological term referring to someone's mood, while "effect" can be a verb meaning to bring about or accomplish something. Understanding these specialized uses requires careful attention to context.

5. Etiquette and Evolution: Navigating Grammar Corrections

Telling someone at a party that they have just used an incorrect verb form does not make you a superior person.

The Rudeness of Correction. Correcting other people's grammar, especially in casual settings, is generally considered rude and can damage relationships. It's important to remember that language is personal and that people have different levels of comfort and knowledge.

Memory is Fallible. People often cling to grammar rules they learned in school, even if those rules are outdated or inaccurate. It's important to be open to new information and to recognize that language is constantly evolving.

Fluid and Flexible. Language is fluid and constantly evolving, and what was once considered incorrect may become acceptable over time. It's important to be flexible and to avoid clinging to outdated rules.

6. Adverbial Adventures: Beyond the "-ly"

The convention is to not form ly adverbs for certain adjectives.

More Than "-ly". Adverbs, words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, don't always end in "-ly." Many common adverbs, such as "already," "also," "never," and "now," have their own unique forms.

• Adverbs modify verbs: He ran quickly.
• Adverbs modify adjectives: She is intellectually curious.
• Adverbs modify other adverbs: They finished extremely quickly.

Adjective Imposters. While many adverbs end in "-ly," some adjectives, like "friendly," "lively," and "lovely," also have this ending. It's important to avoid creating double "-ly" forms, such as "friendlily" or "livelily," and to find alternative ways to express the intended meaning.

Context Matters. While standard adverb forms are generally preferred in formal writing, it's common to hear adjectives used as adverbs in casual speech. The acceptability of this practice depends on the audience and the context.

7. Texting and Tech: Grammar in the Digital Age

Texting in complete sentences gets me nothing but ridicule.

Abbreviations and Acronyms. The rise of texting and social media has led to the widespread use of abbreviations and acronyms, such as "lol," "omg," and "wyd." While these shortcuts can be convenient, they can also lead to confusion and miscommunication.

Generational Divide. There is often a generational divide in attitudes toward texting grammar. While some younger people embrace abbreviations and informal language, others prefer fully spelled-out words and proper punctuation.

Clarity is Key. Regardless of personal preferences, the most important thing is to ensure that your message is clear and easily understood. In some situations, such as when conveying important information or expressing condolences, it's best to avoid abbreviations and use full sentences.

8. Spelling Sentiments: More Than Just Right or Wrong

I’m interested that you’re able to pull these words out of your head. It’s like you have a random word generator in there.

Spelling and Identity. Spelling is more than just a matter of correctness; it's also tied to personal identity and cultural background. People often have strong emotional attachments to certain spellings, even if those spellings are not the most common or widely accepted.

Foreign Influences. English spelling is influenced by words from other languages, which can lead to inconsistencies and variations. For example, words like "façade" and "piñata" retain letters that are not part of the standard English alphabet.

The Evolution of Spelling. Spelling conventions change over time, and what was once considered correct may become outdated. It's important to be aware of these changes and to consult reliable sources for current usage.

9. Lie vs. Lay: Conquering Verb Confusion

Sometimes I just say “Fuck it!” and pick a different verb so I don’t have to deal with it!

A Troublesome Pair. The verbs "lie" and "lay" are notoriously difficult to keep straight, even for native English speakers. Their similar meanings and overlapping forms can lead to frequent errors.

Intransitive vs. Transitive. The key to understanding "lie" and "lay" is to remember that "lie" is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object, while "lay" is transitive, meaning it does take a direct object. For example, "I lie down" (no object) but "I lay the book on the table" (book is the object).

Past Tense Pitfalls. The past tense of "lie" is "lay," which is the same as the present tense of "lay." This can be particularly confusing. The past participle of "lie" is "lain," while the past participle of "lay" is "laid."

10. Punctuation Placement: The Art of the Pause

You’re not allowed to go around correcting strangers’ grammar, because that would be rude.

Commas and Semicolons. Punctuation marks, such as commas and semicolons, serve as signals to the reader, indicating pauses, separations, and relationships between ideas. Mastering the art of punctuation placement is essential for clear and effective writing.

The Oxford Comma Revisited. The Oxford comma, the comma before the "and" in a list, can also create confusion in certain situations. In some cases, it can be unclear whether the last two items in a list are separate or a single unit.

The Appositive. An appositive is a word or phrase that renames or describes a noun. Restrictive appositives are essential to the meaning of the sentence and do not take commas, while nonrestrictive appositives provide additional information and are set off with commas.

11. Pronoun Power: Navigating "They," "Who," and "Whom"

I’m a complete and utter grammar scold.

Singular "They". The use of "they" as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun is becoming increasingly common, but it remains controversial for some. While it can be a useful way to avoid gender assumptions, it's important to use it carefully and to be aware of potential ambiguity.

Who vs. Whom. The distinction between "who" and "whom" is often confusing, but it's based on grammatical function. "Who" is used as a subject, while "whom" is used as an object. A simple trick is to substitute "he/she" for "who" and "him/her" for "whom."

Pronoun Etiquette. When referring to individuals, it's important to use their preferred pronouns, even if those pronouns are unfamiliar or unconventional. Respecting people's identities is more important than adhering to strict grammatical rules.

12. The Joy of Language: Embrace the Quirks and the Journey

It’s like you went to high school yesterday.

Language as a Living Thing. The book celebrates the ever-changing nature of language and encourages readers to embrace its quirks and inconsistencies. Grammar is not a static set of rules but a dynamic system that reflects the way people communicate.

Humility and Humor. The author approaches grammar with a sense of humor and humility, acknowledging that there is always more to learn. This lighthearted approach makes the topic more accessible and enjoyable for readers.

A Lifelong Pursuit. Learning about grammar is a lifelong journey, not a destination. There will always be new words, new usages, and new challenges to explore. The key is to remain curious, open-minded, and engaged with the ever-evolving world of language.

Last updated: April 14, 2025