Allied Against Grammar Nazis

We've all known someone that has said, "No not good. Well. You're doing well," after asking how you are. These people are usually self-proclaimed grammar Nazis, and they take a curious pleasure in "correcting" peoples grammar--or what's more likely the case--telling people they're wrong. (Sometimes, I must admit, I've put myself amongst the grammar police.) In actuality, many of these "grammar laws" seem to have been invented by the Nazi grammarians, as they don't exactly correspond to standard English. For example, saying "I'm good," is perfectly acceptable grammar, as is "I'm well." Or those who think the word done, as in "I'm done," should only reference cooking meats. Truthfully, people and meats can be done, and have brought either a task or the process of cooking to an end. Other myths include never starting sentences with the word however, and never ending sentences with prepositions, which actually occurs quite frequently in the English language (See grammar girl). 
        Unlike math and science, there are no true laws in any language. Grammar rules are like cautionary street signs, and by following them, you only insure your own safe and effective communication. But just like the people who never slow down to the recommended 25 mph around steep curves, many people use incorrect grammar in their speech. And it's okay! Famous writers have avoided the "safe and effective" method of communication, and heaven forbid they disobey the laws of grammar! Famously, ee cummings never capitalized letters in his poetry, and he was among the most prolific 20th century poets. Mechanics and punctuation are not just being broken, they are still, like the interrobang, being invented. Our language affects how we communicate in the present, and changes in language reflect the evolution of our culture. (There are some truly fantastic videos about this in the Merriam Webster "Ask the Editor" series) 

So me and you can just call it a grammar truce. 
  

Signed, 
EJS