it just don't look right
I have noticed something in Laura Ingalls Wilder's manuscripts -- what today is considered an incorrect usage of the auxiliary verb "do" used as a negative in the present simple tense. Yes, I used to teach grammar.

Take the By the Shores of Silver Lake manuscript, for example. The following sentences are spoken by the characters as noted:

Laura: "He don't look out the window at all."
Pa: "I hope Jerry don't come back tonight." - "That song don't fit!"
Mr. Boast: "It don't bother me much." - "Maybe Sullivan don't know it." - "If Ingalls don't hurry back..."
Carrie: "He don't need to come."
Mrs. Boast: "Rob don't know I brought it."
Ma: "The shanty don't have to be finished."

In all cases, don't was changed to doesn't for the published book.

Was this acceptable or standard English in Laura's day? Or did Laura use the verb incorrectly herself, and it carried over into her writing? I don't know what grammar book Laura used, but it would be interesting to see what she was taught.
- posted by pioneergirl at 11:38 PM