However, languages change with time. Even ones with formally prescribed rules do.
In most languages and cultures there’s a tendency of speaking the “standard” dialect (or something close to it) in formal situations, and using a more relaxed form in everyday situations. English isn’t like that - just look at anthing US politicians say - they don’t strike me as using “formal” speech in the least.
There’s also the distinction between “British” and “American” English. And I never heard a “whom” from an American ever, be it in real life or on TV, so to me it seems like an inherently “British” thing.
So appliying the rules “selectively” doesn’t really bother me - especially when the incorrect way is so ubiquitous that it’s more common than the pseudoprescribed way.
I’m content as long as the selectivity isn’t dialed up so much that I need to use arm and leg gestures to communicate effectively.
So selective application of the rules, got it.
Feel free to call it that.
However, languages change with time. Even ones with formally prescribed rules do.
In most languages and cultures there’s a tendency of speaking the “standard” dialect (or something close to it) in formal situations, and using a more relaxed form in everyday situations. English isn’t like that - just look at anthing US politicians say - they don’t strike me as using “formal” speech in the least.
There’s also the distinction between “British” and “American” English. And I never heard a “whom” from an American ever, be it in real life or on TV, so to me it seems like an inherently “British” thing.
So appliying the rules “selectively” doesn’t really bother me - especially when the incorrect way is so ubiquitous that it’s more common than the pseudoprescribed way.
I’m content as long as the selectivity isn’t dialed up so much that I need to use arm and leg gestures to communicate effectively.
For non-U.S. Americans, I hear “whom” all the time here, like not a day goes by without hearing some co-worker use it.
I agree though languages change with time.