If you could remove one rule of grammar, which would you choose?
English isn't my native language hence it'd feel presumptuous to consider changing grammar rules.
That said, language is a living, changing construct. These rules aren't set in stone and will change through (lack of) use over time or by some language keepers deciding on changed rules (as happened for German grammar during my lifetime). So, these rules may be there for a reason, but not forever.
@Saposcat I wasn't in love with the German rule change at all. I used to be very good with spelling, grammar and punctuation in German (not in English) and now I suck.
@gahlearner@Saposcat I also find the dynamic quality of language fascinating. Changes in English over several hundred years mean we can still use numerous Shakespearean phrases verbatim, while some of his rhyming couplets...er...no longer rhyme.
As a native English speaker who can speak just enough German to procure a room and a hot meal, I'm curious...what changed in the language rules, and who has the power to effect that sort of change? The "language keepers" sound ominous. 🙂
@KurtHohmann@Saposcat
It is the 'Rat für Deutsche Rechtschreibung' who suggests changes for German-speaking countries, but don't ask me about details in the process. Like everything German it is full of rules and regulations.
A lot has changed. Some punctuation rules, some spelling, like Umlauts or ß to ss but only sometimes. Depending on pronunciation and preceding letter it's just as logical as English. ;) It doesn't really make sense to me. I've given up on it mostly.
@gahlearner
I'm so with you on this. Once upon I time, I was truly good at spelling, and now... I'll never understand which words are capitalized and which not, and don't even get me started on zusammen und getrennt schreiben of certain expressions...
Although I do like the idea of some mystical language keepers...
There are three of them, one for spelling, who holds the key to the secret of the order of letters.
The second is responsible for grammar, who watches over who the subject and object are and how they are verbally connected.
The third is for semantics, and is frowned upon by the others for occasionally playing around with meanings.
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