Tag Archives: grammar

“Inputted” on the increase?

Posted on January 10, 2024 by Ingrid Tieken

On reading a PhD thesis from the University of Sheffield on the phonology of West Cornwall English (excellent data collection, detailed and very meticulous methodology description) I encountered the word inputted, which set me thinking. The context was very clearly … Continue reading →

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“The language is evolving …”

Posted on October 6, 2022 by Ingrid Tieken

I know that, but I’d still like to know what YOU think about this sentence, which I heard this summer while camping in England: “We are currently having to deal with a large volume of calls and are unable to … Continue reading →

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What are your thoughts on the Microsoft grammar and style checker?

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Viktorija Kostadinova

In the past two years, we’ve been publishing a series of interactive features in the journal English Today as a way to engage more readers in issues of interest to our research project. (Past features can also be found on … Continue reading →

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What’s the fuss about the controversial SPaG test?

Posted on November 5, 2015 by Carmen Ebner

The 2016 version of the Key Stage 2 Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar test, also known as SPaG test, has made the headlines in the UK again. Michael Rosen has often voiced his concerns about the test publically and did so again … Continue reading →

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Fix Your Grammar

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Carmen Ebner

If you are in a grammar or usage dilemma and looking for a clarification, you can find a huge number of useful and informative websites on grammar and usage advice online. Sometimes you come across advice presented in a somewhat … Continue reading →

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Next generation of prescriptivists?

Posted on June 21, 2014 by Carmen Ebner

“I am a pedant. There is no question about it. Everyone I know would agree, and I accept and embrace it. I have no problem with being called a nerd, or a geek, or any synonyms of these words.” These … Continue reading →

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The Guardian on language

Posted on May 13, 2014 by Ingrid Tieken

It makes you wonder if they know the difference between grammar and spelling, but the pictures are still great for a good laugh! And there is more where this one came from.   Thanks for the link, Alison!

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A never-ending story

Posted on March 21, 2014 by Carmen Ebner

Are ‘grammar Nazis’ ruining the English language? This is a question you might have already asked yourself as a reader of this blog. Now the question has been posed to Geoffrey Pullum, Professor of General Linguistics at the University of … Continue reading →

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Grumbling about grammar over coffee

Posted on October 3, 2013 by Ingrid Tieken

The Literary Gift Company What a wonderful gift this would be, this lovely set of Grammar Grumble Mugs! Except that most of them are about spelling, not grammar of course (I’m a pedant after all!). Thanks for the link, Ana! 

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Does Only spelling Matter? A Word from the Creator of the Text of the Dutch Spelling Contest

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Inge Otto

Yesterday the Volkskrant introduced the composer of the text of the 24th edition of the Grand Dictation of the Dutch Language (het Groot Dictee der Nederlandse Taal), a Dutch spelling contest that is scheduled to be broadcast on 18 December … Continue reading →

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