Correct English: Reality or Myth?

Writing is a form of expression, as is painting and composing music. No-one has the right to tell artists to paint in a particular way, nor the right to tell composers to compose in a particular way. So don’t we have a right to talk and write as we please?

“Appallingly ignorant!” “Standards are falling!” Such are the judgements of many a purist when they encounter language they do not approve of. But perhaps it is the purists who are appallingly ignorant for failing to see that language can...