Geoff Nunberg Summary

Geoff Nunberg is one of the many people who search for problems within language and bring it to our attention that we, in fact, are wrong and have been wrong and probably will continue to be wrong. Nunberg argues that the phrase “comprised of” is passive and illogical. “Saying the book is comprised of three chapters is like saying it’s ‘contained of three chapters’ or it’s ‘consisted of three chapters.’ It shouldn’t make any sense at all.” He continues to point out that the usage of this nonsensical phrase has found a commonplace in our vernacular because of its wide usage among English speakers.

Language is constantly morphed by those who use it and vice versa. Some debate that as long as you are understood you are correct. Being the grammar-loving,