Grammar Quote by Richard Mitchell
““Like prepositional phrases, certain structural arrangements in English are much more important than the small bones of grammar in its most technical sense. It really wouldn't matter much if we started dropping the s from our plurals. Lots of words get along without it anyway, and in most cases context would be enough to indicate number. Even the distinction between singular and plural verb forms is just as much a polite convention as an essential element of meaning. But the structures, things like passives and prepositional phrases, constitute, among other things, an implicit system of moral philosophy, a view of the world and its presumed meanings, and their misuse therefore often betrays an attitude or value that the user might like to disavow. ””
About This Quote
Source Book: Language and Truth by Richard Mitchell, 1975
Structural elements shape meaning more than strict grammar rules; misuse reveals underlying values.
In simple terms: Structure matters more than tiny grammar details.
Key Takeaway
Pay attention to how you construct sentences.
Themes
language
meaning
values
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing
- teaching
- editing
- public speaking
Key Concepts
syntax
moral philosophy
communication
Questions to Reflect On
- How does sentence structure affect perception?
- What values are revealed by grammatical choices?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on structure can stifle creativity.
![“Leo Crowley, Harry [Truman]'s Foreign Economic Administrator, tells Congressmen the theory...: 'If you create good governments in foreign countries, automatically you will have better markets for ourselves.' With that honeycunt staring you in the face, you'd forget your grammar too.” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/df0/anonymous-1_administrators_leo-crowley-harry-truman-s-foreign-econo_46095.jpg)