Prescriptivism in linguistics dictates how language should be used, establishing a set of rules that some consider "correct" and deviations from which are deemed "incorrect." These rules aren't based on how people naturally use language but rather on historical precedent, perceived logic, or aesthetic preferences.
Understanding Prescriptive Rules
Prescriptivism often aims to maintain a standardized form of language, sometimes based on older versions or dialects considered prestigious. However, these rules can often clash with how language is naturally evolving and used in everyday conversations.
Here's a breakdown of some common prescriptive rules, as detailed in the provided references:
Common Prescriptive Rules
| Rule | Prescriptively Incorrect Example |
|---|---|
| Do not end a sentence with a preposition. | That's the person I sat next to. |
| Avoid the passive voice. | This book has been read by many students. |
| Say "and I" not "and me." | You walked past my brother and me. |
| Do not use double negatives. | I didn't say nothing! |
Deeper Dive into Prescriptive Rules
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Ending Sentences with Prepositions: The rule against ending sentences with prepositions comes from the idea that sentences should follow the same grammatical structure as Latin. However, this rule doesn't reflect how English is naturally spoken.
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Avoiding Passive Voice: The preference for active voice aims to make writing more direct and clear. However, passive voice has its place, especially when the subject of the action is less important than the action itself or is unknown.
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Using "and I" vs. "and me": The correct use depends on the grammatical role the phrase is playing in the sentence. "I" is used when it's the subject, and "me" is used when it's the object. Many prescriptive rules struggle with common usage as people naturally simplify language.
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Avoiding Double Negatives: This rule is rooted in the principle that two negatives make a positive, though in many dialects, double negatives are used for emphasis.
Why These Rules Exist
- Standardization: Prescriptive rules often seek to create a standard form of language, often influenced by the language of those with power and social status.
- Maintaining "Correctness": These rules are often meant to preserve what is deemed "correct" usage, often overlooking that language is always in a state of flux.
- Historical Influence: Some rules, such as those about prepositions, are based on attempts to mold English to fit the grammatical structure of Latin.
A Note on Prescriptivism
It's important to acknowledge that prescriptivism often clashes with descriptivism, which observes language as it's actually used without making judgments about right or wrong. Prescriptive rules can sometimes be useful for formal writing but often don't align with natural spoken language.
