5 ms·

Does it really matter? While it may not adhere strictly to the rules of grammar, it's not so incorrect that it becomes confusing or changes the intended meaning

Does it really matter? While it may not adhere strictly to the rules of grammar, it's not so incorrect that it becomes confusing or changes the intended meaning. This is simply how language evolves over time.

stetrain 2y ago
I associate that variation specifically with non-native English speakers rather than a language evolution happening among native English speakers.
- deleted 2y ago
  [deleted]
- Xelynega 2y ago
  But you still understand it fine, no? Why does it matter how you feel about language evolving(especially bringing race into it)?
  - deprecative 2y ago
    Non-native English speakers is my favorite race.
  - stetrain 2y ago
    I didn't say how I feel about it or anything about race.
- estebarb 2y ago
  Kids born in "native english" change the language too. For example, treat irregular verbs like regular ones. Languages evolve with time, regardless of non-native speakers using it.
  - stetrain 2y ago
    Agreed, and I didn't say otherwise.
lawn 2y ago
One part of effective communication is making things easy to understand and to remove stumbling blocks. Removing uppercase or dots might still convey the same meaning but making it harder to read. It may not matter that much but it does matter.
jaysonelliot 2y ago
Yes, it really does matter. The concept that "language evolves" is absolutely valid when you're talking about the introduction of new words and phrases and adapting existing words to new purposes. It's not the principle to invoke when you're talking about simply making logical mistakes. A question mark is used at the end of a question, not a statement. "How it works" is a statement. "How does it work?" would be the way to word the same CTA as a question. Details matter because they add up to an overall impression of the quality of your work. Think of it as the "Brown M&Ms" principle, if you're familiar with that story. (Google it if you're not, it's a great anecdote.)

stetrain 2y ago

I associate that variation specifically with non-native English speakers rather than a language evolution happening among native English speakers.

deleted 2y ago
[deleted]
Xelynega 2y ago
But you still understand it fine, no? Why does it matter how you feel about language evolving(especially bringing race into it)?
- deprecative 2y ago
  Non-native English speakers is my favorite race.
- stetrain 2y ago
  I didn't say how I feel about it or anything about race.
estebarb 2y ago
Kids born in "native english" change the language too. For example, treat irregular verbs like regular ones. Languages evolve with time, regardless of non-native speakers using it.
- stetrain 2y ago
  Agreed, and I didn't say otherwise.

lawn 2y ago

One part of effective communication is making things easy to understand and to remove stumbling blocks. Removing uppercase or dots might still convey the same meaning but making it harder to read. It may not matter that much but it does matter.

jaysonelliot 2y ago

Yes, it really does matter. The concept that "language evolves" is absolutely valid when you're talking about the introduction of new words and phrases and adapting existing words to new purposes. It's not the principle to invoke when you're talking about simply making logical mistakes. A question mark is used at the end of a question, not a statement. "How it works" is a statement. "How does it work?" would be the way to word the same CTA as a question. Details matter because they add up to an overall impression of the quality of your work. Think of it as the "Brown M&Ms" principle, if you're familiar with that story. (Google it if you're not, it's a great anecdote.)