Everyday Grammar - VOA Learning English Words Come and Go in English - March 12, 2025
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Mar 12, 2025 Explore how graduation terminology in English has transformed, revealing surprising shifts in meaning and usage. Discover the evolution towards simplified expressions, where spoken language influences writing. This discussion highlights the balance between traditional teachings and modern clarity, all while playfully navigating the quirks of English spelling.
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English Changes Because It Has No Official Form
- English adapts easily because it has no single official form that must be preserved across generations.
- This flexibility lets words and phrases change rapidly without breaking understanding.
The 'Graduate' Example
- David Sullivan uses the example of the verb "graduate" and its shifting prepositions to show language change.
- He explains original meanings like "graduated from college" and how usage moved toward "I graduated college."
Shift In Emphasis Changes Grammar
- The shift from "I was graduated from college" to "I graduated" reflects a change in emphasis from the college to the student.
- Corpus data show the decline of older forms and the rise of "graduate college" across the 20th century.