ABSTRACT
English is a rich, flexible and complex language that is constantly evolving. That versatility is one of its strengths and glories. Words fall out of use or change their meanings. New ones emerge, often prompted by new technologies, and the need to invent the terminology to describe them. The evolution of language, written and spoken, gives rise to perennial and frequently tedious debates between purists who want to maintain standards, as they would see it, by preserving traditional usages, and those who take a more relaxed view of the fluidity of the language, and are happy to let it develop as it will. Stylebooks are designed to reflect good practice and to ensure a consistent approach. Spelling is much more of a black and white issue than grammar – social media aside, there are clear rights and wrongs.
