The changing language

The English language is constantly changing. New words are added from other languages. Inventions and improvements in technology spawn new terminology. New meanings or usages also arise for existing words. Some words and idioms fall into disuse; others become more widely acceptable. That's why Shakespeare's English is not quite like modern English.

It's important for a writer to remember that grammar rules also change over time. Grammar is not a list of immutable rules that must be adhered to but rather a guideline that reflects current usage of the language. Knowing the rules of proper usage is important. Although a writer may sometimes choose to use an incorrect form, the writer needs to have a justifiable reason for doing so.

Changes in the usage of existing words may not be as rapid or as common now as they were before literacy became widespread, but such change nevertheless continues. When a writer crafts a story or novel that is set in a previous decade or century, the language - especially the dialogue - should reflect the usage of that time period.

Thirty years ago, grammar rules required that the future tense of the personal pronouns I and we use the auxiliary verb shall and all other nouns and pronouns use the helping verb will.

Formerly correct: I shall finish that tomorrow.

Now, however, will is used in all cases to show the future tense. The language has changed.

One change currently taking place in the language is the use of the preposition down when referring to travel to the shore instead of using the prepositions to or at.

We're going down the shore for the weekend.

Twenty years ago, no educated person would have talked of 'going down the shore.' I still cringe when I hear this usage of down, but it has become so widely used in conversation and in the media (at least on the East Coast) that it is becoming a new standard usage.

In Brief: Language usage has changed over time. Make sure the language used in your story reflects its time period.