Solecism Examples

Solecism refers to the incorrect use of grammatical constructions-whether intentional or unintentional. Sometimes, writers will use incorrect grammar for effect.

I ain't got no money. (use of colloquial "ain't" and use of double negative)

There is a light bright on the hallway back. (adjectives should come before the noun)

Can we keep this just between you and I? (should be between you and me)

Examples of Solecism in Literature

These lines from Romeo and Juliet would be considered incorrect by our standards:

What, shall this speech be spoke for our excuse?

Or shall we on without a apology?

We would say "be spoken" and "an apology."

From Robert Frost's "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening":

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

And miles to go before I sleep.

It is typically considered grammatically incorrect to begin a sentence with a conjunction like "but."