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How The English Language Changes

This goes out to the people who hate it when people misuse "literally."

Rachel Lowry

Apr 10, 2017

Bloomsburg University

Business Insider

This goes out to the people who get annoyed when someone misuses "literally".

Please stop. Please. Stop. It's way more annoying when you point it out. The word has two meanings now. I'm serious, look it up.

Literally: Actually; without exaggeration or inaccuracy

Literally: In effect; in substance; very nearly; virtually

The word, literally, has been given another definition due to many people using the word in a new way. But this is not a bad thing. Literally since the beginning of English, words have changed and evolved. Some words have brand new meanings. Some words have fallen out of style while some new words take their place. Language is not stationary and it never was. it's natural for words to take on new meanings over time. if you listen closely you can hear different words and phrases that are slowly going out of style.

For example, what do you say when someone says "thank you"?

I'm sure a lot of you said "you're welcome," but is that what you really say? I'm sure a lot of people will find themselves saying "no problem" more often then not. Think about it the next time you help someone.

When we were children, first learning about manners, we were taught to say "your welcome" after receiving thanks. This was what our parents and grandparents said so we said it too. As we started to grow up we started to say "no problem" to our friends and over time, "no problem" has become a perfectly valid response to "thank you".

There is nothing wrong with this evolution of language, in fact it's completely normal. Language evolves and changes the same way it always has. The reason you can't understand a lot of older literature comes down to the fact that the language has changed so much that it feels like a completely different language.

The next time you go to criticize someone for misusing the word "literally", admire the fact that you're watching our language grow and evolve.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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How The English Language Changes

This goes out to the people who hate it when people misuse "literally."

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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