Breaking the rules… part 1
Language is versatile and always changing. We are taught the ‘rules’ of grammar so that we can writea correct and comprehensible text and not sound stupid when doing so.
Due to modern dayconstraints of style and space because of texting, tweeting, slogans and brand names, copy- andcontent writers often do not have the luxury of concentrating on grammar.
But how relevant arethese rules in this day and age anyway?
We’ll begin with a box, and the plural is boxes,
But the plural of ox should be oxen, not oxes.
Then one fowl is a goose, but two are called geese,
Yet the plural of moose should never be meese,
The Dutch have left their mark on the English language through many centuries of cultural interaction and language contact across the North Sea.
Among other things, this traffic has brought many words from the Low Countries to the British Isles and it is ongoing; as testified by more recent additions such as apartheid and gabber.
Here are ten words that have their origins in the Dutch language. You may find some surprising:
March 4th, the only date that is also a complete sentence (March forth!), was also National Grammar Day in America. It was first observed in 2008 as established by Martha Brockenbrough, founder of the Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar. This day was celebrated reviewing grammatical errors. It presents the perfect opportunity for reflecting upon and appreciating grammar in all its forms.
Are you a grammar nerd? Take the test and find out.