Deep Dive
Why do people sometimes use 'them' before nouns in informal speech?
It's common in certain regional dialects in the U.S. and the UK, and in some idioms where breaking the grammar rule is intentional for emphasis.
What are some idioms that intentionally break grammar rules?
Examples include 'thems the breaks,' 'thems the rules,' and 'how do you like them apples.' These idioms are used to convey specific meanings and are common in informal speech.
What does 'thems the breaks' mean?
It means 'it is what it is,' acknowledging an outcome that might not be what was wanted or expected, but there's nothing that can be done about it.
What is the meaning of 'how do you like them apples'?
It's used when something unexpected or ironic happens, often to highlight an ironic or unfair situation.
Where does the phrase 'how do you like them apples' come from?
It originates from the movie 'Good Will Hunting' in a scene where the protagonist, a genius, outsmarts a Harvard student and later taunts him with this phrase.
Why might older films or TV shows use broken grammar rules more often?
They might depict how people spoke at the time or represent regional dialects where such grammar is common.
Is it necessary to use these idioms in everyday English?
No, it's not necessary. These idioms are optional and can be used for fun or emphasis, but understanding them helps in comprehending informal speech and regional dialects.
- Certain phrases break grammar rules but are acceptable in informal speech.
- The use of 'them' before nouns is common in some dialects.
- Two main reasons for this grammatical 'error' are regional dialects and established idiomatic expressions.
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