When than is used as a subordinating conjunction, it is of course followed by a clause subjective case noun and a verb -- "than I am", which can be shortened to "than I."
However, despite the mistaken analysis of 19th Century grammarians, "than" is, in English, also a preposition, and the proper case of a noun following a preposition is objective. If than were never a preposition, then the construction "than whom" would be incorrect; but even the OED acknowledges that "than whom" is correct and "than who" is incorrect.
Since we can demonstrate that than is a preposition in that case, then there is no logical leg left to stand on to declare the well-established use of than as a preposition elsewhere is wrong.
Unlike the decriptivists, I do not say that common usage makes something good grammar. However, when correct usage requires use of a word as a certain part of speech, it is clearly acceptable to use it as that part of speech in other contexts, when the other-context usage is attested in both common and literary use.
Did you guys catch this juicy Althousian international news tidbit, some lines below the referenced quote?
"The first trio has been “married” – or at least joined in a civil union – in the Netherlands. (Hat tip to Michelle Malkin.)
The Brussels Journal reports that: Victor de Bruijn (46) from Roosendaal “married” both Bianca (31) and Mirjam (35) in a ceremony before a notary who duly registered their civil union."
Pff. Didn't Tom and Roseanne Arnold do this in the mid-90's??
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9 comments:
Perhaps he can replace Glenn's gramatically incorrect tag line. It drives me nuts every time I see it.
Pastor Jeff-
What's the problem? Ann is smarter than Maine...
LOL, Sippican :)
Or the Middle East, or Mechanical Engineers.
When than is used as a subordinating conjunction, it is of course followed by a clause subjective case noun and a verb -- "than I am", which can be shortened to "than I."
However, despite the mistaken analysis of 19th Century grammarians, "than" is, in English, also a preposition, and the proper case of a noun following a preposition is objective. If than were never a preposition, then the construction "than whom" would be incorrect; but even the OED acknowledges that "than whom" is correct and "than who" is incorrect.
Since we can demonstrate that than is a preposition in that case, then there is no logical leg left to stand on to declare the well-established use of than as a preposition elsewhere is wrong.
Unlike the decriptivists, I do not say that common usage makes something good grammar. However, when correct usage requires use of a word as a certain part of speech, it is clearly acceptable to use it as that part of speech in other contexts, when the other-context usage is attested in both common and literary use.
Steven,
I think the problem is in your minor premise. Mine used to give me trouble, but I had it removed.
Professor Althouse is a fan of the Washington Nationals? Who knew!
Although I think the quote 'wrath of Althouse' is somehow misguided.
Ann Althouse is the gentle, loving, forgiving godhead of the New Testament.
It's Glenn Reynolds who is the vengeful, wrathful father-god of the Old Testament.
Together, though, they pack a mean punch.
Cheers,
Victoria
Addendum:
Did you guys catch this juicy Althousian international news tidbit, some lines below the referenced quote?
"The first trio has been “married” – or at least joined in a civil union – in the Netherlands. (Hat tip to Michelle Malkin.)
The Brussels Journal reports that: Victor de Bruijn (46) from Roosendaal “married” both Bianca (31) and Mirjam (35) in a ceremony before a notary who duly registered their civil union."
Pff. Didn't Tom and Roseanne Arnold do this in the mid-90's??
Just before they split up.
Cheers,
Victoria
The penalty for having two wives should be they give you a third one.
Old Italian Proverb:
No house should have two women in it.
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