Understanding Our Language Choices

Like many others, I often find myself using English carelessly when I compliment a fellow writer, saying something like, “I adore your article!” However, my father instilled in me the idea that the term “love” should be reserved for living beings rather than inanimate objects.

“It's not possible to truly love a car or a locomotive,” he would say. “You can appreciate it greatly.”

This notion feels rather stilted! Rarely have I heard someone remark, “I appreciate this cheesecake greatly!” Instead, we usually declare our love for it.

When it comes to appreciating art, the line between living and non-living blurs. A Rembrandt painting is indeed an object, yet its portrayal of humanity is so profound that you can almost sense the spirit within. Do you love it, or simply appreciate it greatly?

Books are tangible items made of paper or pixels, yet they transport readers to vivid imaginary realms filled with characters. Do you love them or merely like them immensely?

And films? They are just strips of celluloid, but they convey dynamic stories with characters in deep emotional scenarios. Surely, it feels justified to love a movie!

Today, however, it seems that such distinctions matter less to many. Social media bombards us with phrases like, “I love your hairstyle!” or “I love your pinky ring!”

For some, reading an article like this might seem tedious. Who truly cares? Couldn’t we discuss something more pressing, like cryptocurrency?

Interestingly, many people profess their love for that, too.

Ultimately, it might boil down to individual preferences. If I feel a strong affection for something, why should I let grammatical conventions dictate how I express that sentiment? It’s my emotion, after all!

Academia has traditionally upheld strict language rules. While it may seem that we’ve lost direction today, perhaps this evolution is a necessary step toward redefining norms and embracing newfound freedoms.

Chapter 2: Enhancing Writing Skills

This first video offers seven practical tips to refine your academic writing, helping you become a more effective communicator.

The second video presents techniques for effectively reading research papers, enhancing your comprehension and critical analysis skills.