Page 328 - Practical English Usage 3ed - Michael Swan, Oxford

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Mistakes become part of the language
Sometimes a mistake is made by so many people that it becomes the normal form, and can no longer be called incorrect (see 309.5). This has happened with the word data. It was originally a plural, from a Latin word meaning 'given things', but it is now widely used as a singular uncountable noun. And recently people have started using between . .. to instead of between . .. and (e.g. There were between 50 to 60 people on the bus). This, too, could end up as a normal and correct expression.
Phonetically weak forms disappear
The weak form of have in I've got is so quiet that it is often not heard at all; and people are beginning to say 1got instead of I've got. In time, this could become a new regular form.
some more examples of changes in modern English
• Who is replacing whom.
Who do you trust? (George Bush's 1992 election slogan)
• Will and would have now practically replaced first-person shall and should. We wiU be in touch soon. I would be grateful for some help.
• Subjunctive were is becoming less common.
IfI was ten years younger I'd do the job myself. I wish it was Friday.
• Some adverbs without -Iy are becoming more common. You pronounced it wrong.
• Comparatives and superlatives with more and most are gaining ground in two-syllable adjectives.
'Commoner' used to be commoner, but 'more common' is now more common.
• Plural noun modifiers are becoming more common. For example, antiques shop is now as common as antique shop, and drugs problem is replacing drug problem.
• The (very old) use of less with plurals is becoming more respectable. There were less people than I expected.
• Some ArnE prepositional uses and phrasal verb forms are moving into BrE.
The following trains will not run due to engineering work on weekends. (instead of ... at weekends.)
We met with the unions yesterday. (instead of We met the unions . ..) Can I speak with Cathy? (instead of ... speak to ...)
We haven't seen Granny In ages. (instead of ... for ages.)
You have to fiU out this form. (instead of ... fill in ...)
• The ArnE use of a past tense with just and already is becoming common in BrE.
Peter just went out. (instead of Peter has just gone out.) I already told Jane about the party.
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