Grammar gets a bad rap even without the help of the vigilantes who use it to take the moral high ground. So when a few haters decide to reduce learners, those who make grammatical mistakes, and even old-school grammar pedants to lifeless sea scum, it doesn’t do grammar any favours.

It only means true and noble grammarians need to work harder to destigmatize the institution.
So, if you truly adore the conventions that structure and shed light on the English language, give some thought to what we think are the guiding principles to a society where everyone understands each other easily and clearly. After all, that’s the point of good grammar.
Make grammar love, not war!

6. Thou shalt not worship false grammar gods.
If someone brags about the way they corrected a shopkeeper’s grammatically incorrect sign with a Sharpie or humiliated a public speaker for their poor use of language, stand up to them—don’t side with them. By condoning this kind of behaviour we’re supporting and encouraging it.

7. Thou shalt not commit grammar schadenfreude.
Don’t revel in another person’s grammatical mistakes or wait with bated breath to break someone down the second they slip up and insert a ‘me’ where an ‘I’ should have gone. Taking pleasure in other people’s misfortune is only an indication of your own insecurity.

8. Thou shalt not bear false witness against grammar pedants.
They’re people too! Talking smack about a purist is as problematic as their penchant for unnecessarily crossing other people’s t’s. Respect their religion and encourage them to respect yours.

9. Thou shalt give people the benefit of the doubt.
Even the most brilliant grammatical minds have a mental fart every now and then—that is, a lapse in concentration that results in an error. It will happen to you, and that’s why you shouldn’t venomously censure or harshly judge people when it happens to them. After all, you’ll likely be in their shoes at one time or another. Not to mention, it’s not their intent to blow the English language to smithereens, so try not to act as if they’ve channelled Guy Fawkes.

10. Thou shalt not repress your urge to make the world more grammatically correct.
Just because there’s a time and place for your grammatical two cents and a certain way to best deliver it doesn’t mean you should shy away from expressing it. Shout it from the rooftops! Just make sure you’re doing it in a positive, considerate way that illuminates, not chastises or derides.

Help spread the grammar love.
Stephanie Katz