The English language is rather like a monster accordion, stretchable at the whim of the editor, compressible ad lib. — Robert Burchfield Copy Share Image
I believe it is imperative to see modern English grammar as a rich and diverse linguistic system deposited on our [England's] shores 1,500 years… — Robert Burchfield Copy Share Image
I am sure that the two main forms of English, American English and British English, separated geographically from the beginning and severed politically since… — Robert Burchfield Copy Share Image
Vulgarity finds its antidote; old crudities become softened with time. Distinctions, both those that are useful and those that are burdensome, flourish and die,… — Robert Burchfield Copy Share Image
In 1776, at the point of severance, except for an infusion of words from east coast Indian languages, the English language of North America… — Robert Burchfield Copy Share Image
At all periods of the [English] language it is difficult to assign a beginning date to most new words and meanings. They tend to… — Robert Burchfield Copy Share Image
American English is the greatest influence of English everywhere. — Robert Burchfield Copy Share Image
The language of Doctor Johnson and Mrs Hester Lynch Thrale, and that of their adult contemporaries, was the stately language of the time, polished,… — Robert Burchfield Copy Share Image
Computer users soon learn that the miraculous powers of personal computers are based on avoidance of error. — Robert Burchfield Copy Share Image
The English language is rather like a monster accordion, stretchable at the whim of the editor, compressible ad lib. — Robert Burchfield Copy Share Image
To finish is both a relief and a release from an extraordinarily pleasant prison. — Robert Burchfield Copy Share Image
Lexicography is a chastening as well as an illuminating and fascinating art. — Robert Burchfield Copy Share Image
![“I believe it is imperative to see modern English grammar as a rich and diverse linguistic system deposited on our [England's] shores 1,500 years ago, and left with us unweakened, though substantially changed by the social and political events of the intervening period.” quote by Robert Burchfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/620/robert-burchfield-39223_believe_i-believe-it-is-imperative-to-see-modern_818844.jpg)
![“At all periods of the [English] language it is difficult to assign a beginning date to most new words and meanings. They tend to slip into the language silently, and are placed in date order only when scholars subsequently get to work.” quote by Robert Burchfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0a2/robert-burchfield-39223_difficult_at-all-periods-of-the-english-language-i_1733512.jpg)
