The Debate of Language and Grammar

As I was reading Robert Lane Greene and Bryan A. Garner articles, I found it difficult to pick a side. I believe they both have very valid points in which I agree in some and disagree in others. The debate of how we should write has been going now for many years. Should you be graded on whether someone likes how you write or not? Is this fair?

In my opinion every person has its own way of writing, which is either good or bad. But still since I´ve been in fifth grade I have been graded on a certain criteria. I believe that if you understand what you are reading, it has a good grammar, and the ideas are clear one should give that person a good grade even though you dint like his/her style. Just because somebody doesn’t like the way you write, they shouldn’t give you a bad grade. There’s a big difference between not liking the style of the person or not being able to understand the persons writing. Lane states, “You give not just “right” or “wrong” rulings on usage, but often a 1-5 score, in which a given usage may be a 1 (definitely a mistake), 3 (common, but …) or 5 (perfectly acceptable).”  I agree with this kind of grading system because for what sounds right for some, might sound bad to others. It all depends from what perspective you see it: a descriptivist or a prescriptivist. On this case Lane is a descriptivist since he is arguing how “language is used.” What made me agree more with him was when he said, “There is a set of standard conventions everyone needs for formal writing and speaking. Except under unusual circumstances, you should use the grammar and vocabulary of standard written English for these purposes.” There is a basic rubric one has to follow to write, for example you can´t write on a formal register and include slangs, since it would be inadequate. But you can when you are using a familiar registration.

The fun part of writing is that everyone has its own style and way of expressing themselves. Imagine how boring it would be if we all had to write in the same style! Your writing is what represents you, so why should one be limited and graded on how you write. Rules are necessary in order for everyone to understand what you are trying to say (to understand the what), but there shouldn’t be a grading system of how to express yourself.
One has the freedom of speech, meaning you can write whatever you want and which ever way you want (as long as the what is clear and easy to understand.)

Important terms:

Descriptivist: describing “language as it is used.”

Prescriptivist: focusing “on how language should be used.”

Dogmatic: characterized by or given to the expression of opinions very strongly or positively as if they were fact