English is a democracy in which the people decide
. We may not like its moves sometimes, but we leave it to get on with the job. A golden age of language, when rules were rules and all communication was elegant and articulate, is a figment of pedantic fancy. Here too, it’s a question of the survival of the fittest. If a government minister, a low-hanging fruit, and an Oxford comma were to walk into a bar, there might be fireworks, but I think we know which one would come out smiling.
Susie Dent is a lexicographer and etymologist. She has appeared in ‘Dictionary Corner’ on Countdown since 1992, and co-hosts with Gyles Brandreth the podcast
We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more: