Understanding Grammar in Everyday English: The Sister-Friend Relationship

The sentence 'Ur sisters becomes ur frnds' is a common example often cited when discussing grammatical correctness in everyday English. This short phrase, while understandable in casual conversation, is fraught with issues that highlight the complexity of proper grammatical structure. Let's break down these issues and explore the reasons behind the corrections.

Technical Understanding and Grammatical Correctness

The original sentence 'Ur sisters becomes ur frnds' is technically understandable but grammatically incorrect on multiple levels. To correct this sentence, we need to address several key elements:

Spelling Corrections

Replace 'Ur' with 'Your': 'Ur' is a casual abbreviation of 'your,' but in formal writing, we should use the complete word. Replace 'frnds' with 'friends': 'frnds' is a casual abbreviation of 'friends,' but in standard English, we should use the full word.

Subject-Verb Agreement

The subject 'sisters' is a plural noun, so it requires a plural verb to match it. The correct verb is 'become,' not 'becomes.' This principle of subject-verb agreement is fundamental in English grammar.

Final Corrected Sentence

Thus, the corrected sentence is: 'Your sisters become your friends.' This sentence adheres to the rules of English grammar and is grammatically correct.

The Sister-Friend Relationship in Everyday Language

Many people might argue that the original sentence is acceptable in casual or text-based communication. However, in formal writing, emails, professional documents, and academic papers, such abbreviations and grammatical errors are unacceptable.

Why Grammar Matters

Grammar is not just about correct spelling; it is about the structure and arrangement of words to construct meaningful sentences. Correct grammar ensures clarity and precision in communication, which is especially important in contexts where misunderstanding could lead to serious consequences.

The Role of Linguistics in Grammar

Some argue that if a phrase is understood, it is grammatically correct. This perspective can be misleading. Linguistics, the scientific study of language, defines grammar based on the rules and patterns that govern how language is used. A word like 'ain’t' is a nonstandard form of 'am not' or 'is not,' and while it does not adhere to standard grammatical norms, it is a word with a specific meaning. Understanding this distinction is crucial for a comprehensive grasp of grammatical correctness.

Conclusion

The sentence 'Your sisters become your friends' is not only grammatically correct but also adheres to the standards of formal English. While the original phrase might be used in casual settings, it does not meet the criteria for grammatical correctness in formal or professional contexts. Understanding these nuances is key to effective communication and academic rigor.

References

1. Sarah M. (5/21/2018). Sisters as Friends. Personal Communication.

2. Linguistic Society of America. What is Linguistics?. Retrieved from