Language is Evolving. But for the Right Reasons?

Language is alive. It evolves because we evolve. The culture, our values, the way we live—they all change and appropriately so. But when language changes because people use it incorrectly, we here at Positively Writing are compelled to voice our disappointment.

Example: the word "hopefully." We've somehow evolved to the point at which usage like "Hopefully, the train will be on time" dominantes. What's the big deal? you may ask. And we would point out that the primary definition of the word is "in a hopeful manner." The primary meaning.

A secondary meaning exists, of course, but that second meaning has become the default way to use "hopefully." The primary meaning? Nowhere to be found in daily discourse, and that is what bothers us. We understand that disjunct adverbs are perfectly acceptable (have you ever heard of disjuncts?). But they should not be the only use of the word, causing the primary use to become obsolete.

Another big language issue, this one prominent thanks to a One A Day vitamin commercial currently airing. In it, Tampa Rays manager Joe Maddon says, "As a manager, my team relies on me . . . " If you again ask what the big deal is, you fall into the category of "sloppy and incorrect is good enough for me" users of the language. That an agency and a client used/approved this language is pretty appalling.

This is one more incorrect use of an appositive phrase, and that it is in use on national TV is, to us, proof that ignorance of grammatical rules can filter into everyday language. The phase that must be used is "As a manager, I know that . . . " The only correct wording that follows the modifying phrase can be wording about the manager.

So the writers and owners of this TV spot are enabling the language to evolve as a result of a mistake. Again. And that bothers us. Mistakes should not drive new uses of the language; new, creative uses should.

We can be precise and structure our messaging correctly . . . and simultaneously be creative and find new, alternative uses that make the communication even more effective. Those of us in the communications business have the primary responsibility to do this. So let's take that responsibility more seriously, and respect the language enough to move it ahead correctly.