Frequently asked questions
Q What is the King’s English?
A 'The King’s English’ is a long-standing term that, in common parlance, denotes ‘standard’ English. Other terms that have been used in a similar way include “received pronunciation” or in the last century “BBC English”. Its use is metaphorical, not signifying any literal connection to a monarch.
The term applies mostly to written English rather than any oral accent. “Received pronunciation” of “BBC English” are often additionally applied to a neutral non-geographic style of speaking.
Q When was the King’s English Society formed?
A The Society was formed in 1972. As it was formed during the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II it was originally named The Queen’s English Society which gave rise to the name of our publication Quest, which we have retained after we renamed the Society.
Q What does the KES actually do?
A The Society works to encourage high standards of written and spoken English, with the aim that school-leavers and university graduates be equipped with the ability to communicate their ideas and advance their careers in the most effective way.
Q Does the KES seek to police or govern the language?
A No. That is not seen as our role, as a language will always continue to evolve just as it has done through the ages. We do comment on any alterations to the language where we see that they do not deliver clarity and elegance in written or spoken English. We aim to help people avoid the confusion which arises when language is used imprecisely.
Q Does the KES set rules of good English?
A No. The Society is an observer of the language like anybody else. It does not originate the rules of good English but seeks to share from experience and the wealth of contributions made over the centuries by writers who have analysed vocabulary and grammar and synthesised the way in which it is spoken and written.
The Queen's English and How to Use It, published in September 2010, is available for sale at good bookshops around the country.
Q Does the KES tolerate deviations from the rules that exist?
A The Society does not believe that rules should be adhered to blindly at the expense of literary impact. Indeed, the Society encourages rich and imaginative English where appropriate, as in poetry, drama, fiction, oratory and other non-fiction. Schools should teach pupils to suit their style of writing to the context.
Language will always develop, with the addition of new vocabulary and new forms of expression. Understanding existing structures of language and the rules which can be inferred from them helps speakers and writers appreciate nuances which may help rather than hinder the future development of forms of communication.
Q Is the KES a self-appointed group of authoritarians?
A No. The Society is open to everyone to join and most of our committee members are relatively new to the Society. We believe that by attracting people who believe in the power of clarity in use of language, we can offer much to the needs of the world at large. Our wish is to encourage people to enjoy using the tongue properly and elegantly.
Q Does the KES favour a certain accent in spoken English?
A No. We all have different accents. Communication between people needs to be clear for both parties. Indeed, the manner of our speech may differ between conversations within a community sharing a single accent and discussions between people with different ways of giving voice to their English. In situations where an accent may hinder understanding, we would encourage people to recognise that clarity of diction may improve their connection. One may need to adjust some aspects of a local accent to suit the circumstances.
Q Does the KES oppose the assimilation of foreign words?
A We appreciate that the English language has gained enormously from such 'loan' or 'portmanteau' words, as a result of invasions of England by the Vikings and the Normans, borrowings and new coinages from Latin and Greek, our cultural openness to borrowing and its modern global importance. We encourage clear usage and avoiding misusing a word that threatens understanding.
In many cases, it is necessary for us to understand different uses of the same word. For example, an American would use ‘pavement’ for the main road surface and describe the place for pedestrians as a ‘sidewalk’ where a British speaker would use ‘pavement’. In telling someone to keep on the ‘pavement’, speakers need to appreciate that their meaning may not be clear, depending on the people to whom they are talking.
Where British people might say “it is a shame” about something not working out – like being too late that the shop had closed – they need to realise that a shame is a genuine insult in other English-speaking cultures.
There are not actually many differences between British and American English, which is why they tend to be noticed. Each community could benefit from appreciation of the other, even to the point where there may be words worth adopting each way to mutual benefit.
Q Does the KES take a stand on simplified spelling?
A We do not support simplified spelling although we recognise that there have been campaigners and organisations over the years interested in new orthography. Having old and new systems running together would be very confusing. Such a change could cut people off from older literature, causing us to lose familiarity with its mode of expression, and would be very costly.
Q Does the KES accept anyone as a member or does one have to be a specialist?
A Anyone who generally supports our objectives is welcome to join, and we encourage members of all ages and backgrounds to join our campaign, from teachers of English or other subjects, to school-leavers, parents and employers, or anyone else interested in using the English language as clearly and beautifully as possible. We have members from many countries whether or not English is one of their national languages. We all may have lessons for one another in ways in which the language has evolved and will continue to evolve.
If you have any other questions about the King’s English Society or its activities, please do send us a message at enquiries@kingsenglishsociety.org and we will try to respond and expand our range of FAQs.