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Definitions
What is grammar? Grammar refers to the structure of language. In English, we typically use a structure where the subject is first in the sentence. When we think of grammar, we tend to think of a series or rules, and we tend to think of not following those rules as making mistakes. Puntcuation is used in written language to help with structuring out thoughts. Errors in punctuation are often viewed as errors in grammar, but sometimes punctuation can be a choice. In particular, creative writing may make use of punctuation to visually add meaning to a text. Style is often lumped together with grammar and you may see a grading rubric with a category for “Style and Grammar” or “Style and Mechanics.” Style, however, is more preference driven than rule-driven. For example, if a teacher comments that you have a sentence that is too long, that sentence may still be grammatically correct. However, the style may make it hard for your reader to follow.Language is Rhetorical
Did you know that grammar, punctuation, and style shift over time? For example, as we mentioned in our section on Ethics in Writing, gender-neutral they is now accepted by most major publications. At one time it was considered grammatically incorrect to write a sentence such as: A student turned in their work late. However, this is now acceptable grammatically if you do not know the gender of that student or if that student uses non-binary pronouns. Grammar, then, is rhetorical. It varies depending on your context, which includes the setting and time period you are writing in. Punctuation shifts over time, too. It was originally designed for reading writing out loud; however, over time rules emerged beyond those designed to help you read out loud. So, if you learned that a comma goes where you pause, that’s an oversimplification of comma usage. As we read in written forms, we started to use commas to show lists or where clauses separate. Style shifts as well. Have you been told to “never end a sentence with a preposition”? That’s an old rule based on Latin, not English. Take the following two sentences:- After what her boyfriend did, Anna has a lot to be angry about.
- After what her boyfriend did, Anna has much about which to be angry.
Examples of Rhetorical Choices
Below are some examples of how grammar, punctuation, and style can be rhetorical.Active v. Passive Voice
Let’s take another example. You may have been taught to use active voice in your writing. Passive voice is also grammatically correct, but it puts the emphasis on a different part of the sentence. As you write, consider carefully whether you are using active or passive voice, and what effect each choice has on you communication.
Active voice has the following sentence structure: Subject-Verb-Object.
Passive voice has this structure: Object-Verb-Subject or even just Object-Verb.
Which one you choose makes a difference in how your audience will receive your message and even in what message you wish to convey. Passive voice distances the subject from the action of the sentence.
The Women’s March organization in Sydney made this graphic to show how our language use, specifically passive voice, can impact how we talk about violence against women. The group suggests that shifting from passive voice to active voice stops the cycle of blaming women for their own assault.
However, active voice isn’t always the right choice. In particular, scientists often use passive voice for very good reasons. An online source about biomedical editing suggests a few good reasons to use passive voice:
The performer of the action, aka the subject of the sentence, is unknown.
Example: The pizza in the refrigerator was eaten before lunch-time.
Perhaps you don’t know who ate the pizza or don’t want to accuse anyone, you simply want to explain your lack of lunch.
The action is more important than the performer of that action.
In science writing, it is often much more important what action was performed rather than who performed it. In particular, you will see this type of passive voice in the Methods section of a scientific article. Take a look at this example from the Methods section of Wolf Reintroduction, Predation Risk, and Cottonwood Recovery in Yellowstone National Park:
“A total of nine sets of paired color photographs dating from 1977 to 1997 were obtained for sites within our study reach” (p. 303).
We know that the scientists were the ones obtaining the photographs, but that isn’t what is important in this sentence. In fact, since the scientists wrote the article, we can assume that they collected the data.
The Oxford Comma
One way to get some English gurus arguing is to bring up the Oxford comma. What is it? It’s a comma used before the last item on a list, before the “and.” Either way is grammatically correct, but what is correct stylistically? The choice you make should be based on clarity. Look at the following examples:- Please bring your laptop, paper and a pencil to class.
- The two cheerleaders, Sara and Asia went to the prom.
Different Englishes
Finally, did you know that there are multiple distinct grammatical patterns for different varieties of Englishes? You are probably used to writing academic papers in what is often referred to as “standard English” or “standard academic English.” That will usually be what your professor expects for ENG 104. However, you may have the chance to use a different English grammar, such as African American Vernacular English, in some assignments.
Summary
Basically, it comes down to this: Grammar is a rhetorical choice. Punctuation is a rhetorical choice.
Does that mean that however you want to write is fine and grammar doesn’t matter? No. Certain rhetorical choices are better than others for different types of writing and different audiences. Think carefully about the expectations of your audience for the project you are working on!
NEXT: Genre, Media, and Disciplinary Conventions