Grammar
by Don Magin
The
motivational speaker was several minutes into his
lecture. “…and this should
be considered the least of the two evils”.
“…
this should be considered the lesser of
the two evils.”
As if on cue,
everyone in the audience turned toward the smug
young man who dared to correct the speaker in
such a rude way.
With only a
momentary pause, the speaker continued. A
few sentences later, he said, “…so as
to cause less changes in our daily routine.”
“…so
as to cause fewer changes
in our daily routine.”
Again the
audience glowered at the smug young man.
This time the
speaker was a little more perturbed, but he
continued like the professional he was, for
several more minutes. “If every
one of us follows these simple rules, it will
mean a more productive life for you and I.”
“…more
productive life for you and me.”
With a glare
at the interrupter, the speaker concluded with “So
I’d like to say that I believe that such
measures could actually change the world. But
then, maybe it’s just because”—at
this point he paused slightly—“I be
such a jerk!”
“…I am such
a jerk! “
“At last
we finally agree”. The speaker
sat down to tumultuous applause.
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