Patrick Reany
29 January 2024
While reading some instructions, I came across a sentence fragment that seemed to have some ambiguity on how it should 'conjugate' the adverb 'toward'. As I have been a published author in one form or another for decades, I am constantly trying to get better at English grammar (though I have a long way yet to go!). It's part necessity and part fun that I do this. So, in this case, I asked ChatGPT 3.5 for help and it was confident it knew how to deal with this situation. Let's see.
Patrick:
Take on the persona of an English grammatist. You are given the choice between the two incomplete sentences to find the grammatically correct one: 'Work toward a solution.' or 'Work towards a solution.' Which is correct and why.
ChatGPT:
As an English grammatist, I would assert that both "Work toward a solution" and "Work towards a solution" are grammatically acceptable, though the choice between them may depend on regional preferences or stylistic considerations.
In American English, "Work toward a solution" is commonly used, where "toward" is considered the preferred preposition. However, in British English, "Work towards a solution" is more prevalent, with "towards" being the favored preposition.
The distinction between "toward" and "towards" is primarily one of regional variation rather than strict grammatical correctness. Both forms are considered standard and acceptable, so the choice ultimately depends on the writer's preference or adherence to a particular style guide.
Patrick:
Would this rule you presented be modified if the reader of the incomplete sentence knows the intended doer of the action verb ('work') to be either one, he, she, you, etc?
ChatGPT:
No, the rule regarding the choice between "toward" and "towards" would not be modified based on the intended doer of the action verb ("work"). Whether the reader knows the intended doer of the action verb to be "he," "she," "you," or any other pronoun does not influence the selection between "toward" and "towards."
The choice between "toward" and "towards" remains primarily a matter of regional variation or stylistic preference rather than a grammatical rule based on the subject of the sentence. Both forms are grammatically correct and interchangeable, with "toward" being more common in American English and "towards" being more common in British English. The selection typically depends on the writer's preference or adherence to a specific style guide.
Patrick:
What do you think would be the chances that a high-school English teacher would be familiar with your ruling on this arcane bit of grammar?
ChatGPT:
The likelihood that a high school English teacher would be familiar with the specific distinction between "toward" and "towards" might vary. High school English teachers generally possess a solid understanding of English grammar, including common grammatical rules and conventions.
However, the distinction between "toward" and "towards" is somewhat subtle and falls into the realm of style and regional variation rather than a strict grammatical rule. Therefore, while some English teachers may be aware of this difference, it might not be a focal point in their curriculum or teaching materials unless they specifically address variations in English usage or discuss differences between American and British English.
In practice, many English teachers may guide students to use either "toward" or "towards" based on regional conventions or personal preference without delving deeply into the nuances of why one might be preferred over the other. As language evolves, so do our understandings and priorities within its usage.
Patrick:
I've studied English grammar for forty years past graduating college (obviously I'm not an expert yet), but this is the first time I remember encountering this subtle issue.
ChatGPT:
It's not uncommon for nuances in language usage, especially those related to style and regional variations, to escape notice even among those with a deep understanding of English grammar. Language is incredibly vast and dynamic, and there are always new subtleties to explore and learn, even after years of study.
The distinction between "toward" and "towards" is indeed subtle, and many native speakers use them interchangeably without giving much thought to the difference. It's often those who have a particular interest in language, linguistics, or writing style who delve into these nuances.
Your experience underscores the richness of the English language and the ongoing journey of discovery it offers to learners and enthusiasts alike. Even after decades of study, there are always new insights to be gained and new aspects of language to explore.
Patrick:
Doctor Who once said, "People often overlook the obvious." When I first started to study grammar on my own, I learned about the error of the comma splice. I was surprised to find this error in the well-known book A Separate Peace (if my memory is correct on this). If educated people will miss the obvious, they'll certainly miss the subtle.
ChatGPT:
Indeed, the quotation from Doctor Who holds a profound truth, especially when it comes to language and grammar. Even well-educated individuals, including authors and editors, can sometimes overlook grammatical errors or nuances in language, whether they are obvious or subtle.
The error of the comma splice, for example, is a relatively straightforward concept in grammar, yet it can be found in writing across various levels of proficiency. Similarly, subtle distinctions like the choice between "toward" and "towards" may go unnoticed by many, even those with a strong grasp of English grammar.
Language is complex and ever-evolving, and its nuances can be challenging to master completely. Moreover, writing often involves creativity and personal style, which can sometimes lead to departures from strict grammatical conventions.
Encountering errors or oversights in published works, even those by well-known authors, serves as a reminder of the fallibility of language users and the ongoing process of learning and refinement. It underscores the importance of continued study and attention to detail in matters of grammar and language usage.