The Grammar Errors in The Book of Mormon

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The original 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon displayed numerous grammatical irregularities, awkward phrasings, and nonstandard constructions. Its syntax at times mirrored an archaic, biblically influenced style, yet also included forms and expressions uncommon in standard nineteenth-century English. Many of these peculiarities stood out to early readers, who found the text’s language unconventional and at odds with the polished prose they would expect from divine scripture. Critics argued that such awkwardness raised doubts about its purported ancient origins. They contended that a genuinely inspired translation of a centuries-old record should not produce grammatical anomalies seemingly rooted in Joseph Smith’s own language environment.

In recent decades, linguist and scholar Royal Skousen has attempted to address these issues through his extensive “Analysis of Textual Variants of the Book of Mormon.” Skousen’s work delves into the earliest manuscripts and printed editions, examining every variant word and phrase. His goal is to understand the text’s linguistic origins, clarify the nature of its dictation, and determine how best to explain the non-standard grammar.