Because the English language continues to evolve and change over time, grammar is not a subject exempt from hot debate, especially among professional writers, editors, and proofreaders.
Here’s a list of the ten most hotly debated topics in grammar. Take a gander and then share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
1. The Oxford Comma
It seems like the debate about whether to use the Oxford comma (a.k.a. the “serial comma”) will always be around. Some style guides petition for it to be used and others contend that it should never be used. So, who’s “right”? We may never know for sure.
Examples
With the Oxford Comma: I would like to make apple, raspberry and blueberry, and peach pies for the festival.
Without the Oxford Comma: I would like to make apple, raspberry and blueberry and peach pies for the festival.
Read The Oxford Comma: Use It or Ditch It? to learn more details about this long-standing grammar debate.
2. Two Spaces After a Period
Before word processors and computers were widely used, typewriters were used to type important documents, and it was common practice to insert two spaces after every sentence typed with a typewriter for better readability. Some businesses, industries, and teachers still require individuals typing documents on word processors now to insert two spaces after every period. Yet others think that doing this makes things harder to read.
Examples
With Two Spaces: Bob arrived to the meeting late. At the meeting we discussed the budget.
Without Two Spaces: Bob arrived to the meeting late. At the meeting we discussed the budget.