A slogan I've seen from time to time comes to mind today: Christians aren't perfect -- just forgiven. Sometimes I'd like to post this slogan: Grammar advisers aren't perfect -- just trying very hard.
When I decided to write a blog about grammar, usage and style, I was worried about being perceived as an "expert" or, worse, as a pretender -- someone who aspired to be an expert. That concern still hangs over everything I write. When I make a mistake -- whether it's a typo or some other error -- I am riddled with doubt. Why am I doing this? I'm no expert!
I also worry about being perceived as a pest or a smart aleck, drawing attention to the shortcomings of others just to embarrass them. To be clear and direct, that is not my driving motivation. I wonder if others would see me as hypocrite -- pointing out the mote in my brother's eye while ignoring the beam in my own. I do have readers who will help me on that score, though. Even if it hurts my feelings, I am grateful for those who let me know when I've fallen short. The two-way communication of blogs has made the form popular and useful.
The truth is I enjoy thinking about the structure of our wonderful English language and the way it is used. I have years of experience as a copy editor and have learned from some of the smartest editors. I have overcome my strong prescriptivist roots for the most part, but I am a schoolmarm at heart. I like to teach and to lead others to think more deeply about how they use the language. And, best of all, I can turn to a slew of grammar and usage books written by real experts. I rarely answer a question off the top of my head. I turn to the experts I trust. I ruminate over structure and meaning. Still, even with all this consulting and thinking, I am not always sure of my answer.
Like most other journalists and teachers, I am not perfect -- just trying very hard.
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Sure had me fooled
Thu, 07/23/2009 - 21:30 — breakPRranksPam, you should leave the self-doubt to deluded blowhards like myself -- blokes who have to think carefully before identifying words as either adjectives or adverbs, but still accuse the Associated Press and OED of having their collective heads up their butts when clinging to "Web site" rather than "website." (Hey, by their reckoning, we should all be reading News papers!)
The truth is, you ARE an expert; every bit as much of one as the countless experts journalists quote every day for commentary on news and events. And how often do you find yourself harboring doubts about some of what THEY say?
I, for one, am glad for an expert to turn to when questions arise. Please keep at it, no matter what label you choose to append to it.