Computer users soon learn that the miraculous powers of personal computers are based on avoidance of error.

- Robert Burchfield

In 1776, at the point of severance, except for an infusion of words from east coast Indian languages, the English language of North America was not i…

- Robert Burchfield

I believe it is imperative to see modern English grammar as a rich and diverse linguistic system deposited on our [England's] shores 1,500 years ago,…

- Robert Burchfield

At all periods of the [English] language it is difficult to assign a beginning date to most new words and meanings. They tend to slip into the langua…

- Robert Burchfield

Lexicography is a chastening as well as an illuminating and fascinating art.

- Robert Burchfield

I am sure that the two main forms of English, American English and British English, separated geographically from the beginning and severed political…

- Robert Burchfield

American English is the greatest influence of English everywhere.

- Robert Burchfield

Vulgarity finds its antidote; old crudities become softened with time. Distinctions, both those that are useful and those that are burdensome, flouri…

- Robert Burchfield

To finish is both a relief and a release from an extraordinarily pleasant prison.

- Robert Burchfield