English Language Evolution

This cluster debates the evolution of the English language, contrasting linguistic purism and prescriptivism with descriptivism and natural language change over time.

📉 Falling 0.5x Politics & Society
4,067
Comments
20
Years Active
5
Top Authors
#818
Topic ID

Activity Over Time

2007
2
2008
16
2009
102
2010
106
2011
74
2012
85
2013
220
2014
135
2015
190
2016
226
2017
198
2018
203
2019
271
2020
273
2021
363
2022
360
2023
504
2024
323
2025
402
2026
14

Keywords

e.g SNL GP HN AAVE ed.ac en.m www.lel EDIT aeon.co english language english language languages evolve grammar evolves drink educated noun

Sample Comments

watwut Sep 2, 2020 View on HN

The english language changes over time too.

AmericanChopper Sep 30, 2022 View on HN

The “correct” use of a language for any group of people is really just the way they choose to use it. The English language is changing, like all languages always do. But I can’t help but think that’s a good thing. So much of English language doesn’t make sense, or is needlessly complicated. Seeing these stupid rules erode over time is very encouraging.

Bodhisattya Jul 21, 2018 View on HN

Please try not to redefine the english language according to personal preferences.

cenamus Nov 8, 2024 View on HN

Oh linguistic purism, never seems to change

coliveira Jan 20, 2021 View on HN

And this is how the English language has become what it is. If someone politely points out that the use of a word is incorrect, instead of thanking and correcting themselves, people just shrug and say: "it is what it is" and continue to spread the incorrect usage. I even wonder why bother with grammar in a language like this.

mhluongo Jan 23, 2018 View on HN

Language isn't prescriptive, get over it.

poszlem Nov 10, 2023 View on HN

Which (the outdated language) is the language that 99% of the english speaking world still use and which was fine until 5 minutes ago.

habinero Dec 16, 2025 View on HN

Languages evolve, my dude. It's common everywhere.

theandrewbailey Apr 14, 2020 View on HN

Yes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linguistic_purism_in_English

scottiebarnes Mar 25, 2022 View on HN

Language is fluid and evolves over time, get over it.