From the point of view of one of the prolific writers and accomplished language purists, “Word power is about very much more than the number of words you know. But at the same time, words are the raw material of communication, and the greater your vocabulary, the greater will be the means at your disposal for effective communication.” Unfortunately, many of us misinterpret grammar to mean the use of high-sounding rhetoric or bombastic expressions meant to “dazzle” the reading and listening public. Rather than express ourselves, we often try to impress others by sounding pompous— using strange vocabularies and jargon that alienate the reader.
The implication is that the message becomes stifled or even lost. Grammar, experts say, is the science and mechanics of language—the precise way we put our thoughts into words. Put plainly, grammar deals with words and expressions that may not easily be understood or explained at first encounter. According to one master of the language, “Many people think of grammar, if at all, as a sort of unenlightened despot, imposing rules from above without regard to the needs or convenience of its struggling subjects.” In short, language purists and masters caution that “language came before grammar, and grammar is merely an attempt to systematize the way we use words in order to avoid misunderstandings and ambiguities.” Against the backdrop of misinformation and misinterpretation that often generate noise in language, the acronym “KISS” became popular in both the newsroom and the boardroom.
That is not to say trade jargons should be ignored; they still hold sway, especially within specialised circles. Take the medical profession, for example—its technical terms cannot be compromised. Therefore, it is the duty of journalists or reporters to break such terms down so that the audience can understand them. This has given rise to specialized reporting in science and technology. We are advised to always Keep It Short and Simple (KISS) when writing with the aim of informing, educating, and entertaining the public—particularly on matters of public interest—without sidelining anyone. That is the essence of effective and efficient communication. On the whole, the rules of grammar, language enthusiasts opine, “are there to make life easier and are worth observing,” not the other way around.
Grammar, especially in the twenty-first century, “has been carefully formulated to reduce to a minimum the opportunities for confusion and ambiguity which language presents at every turn,” observed a language purist. It is often said that English is odd and eccentric: just as there are exceptions to its rules of spelling and pronunciation, there are also exceptions to its grammatical rules. However, there are standard rules for constructing sentences which must be followed. Long sentences should be avoided because it has been established that people tend to err when they overextend their vocabulary. In subsequent discussions, we shall consider specific examples of sensible grammar rules—such as the fact that plural subjects should not be attached to singular verbs, among others.
