Based on the assertions of the Theory of Linguistic Variation and Change, this paper proposes a discussion about the possible action of linguistic norms over two variable phenomena in Brazilian Portuguese: the position of clitic pronouns associated with a single verb, and the use of prepositions with verbal complements indicating a?goal/recipient?. By the analysis of data from the newspapers from São Paulo and Rio Claro between (the years of) 1900 and 1915, we intend to describe each phenomenon; compare these descriptions and evaluate the role played by the standard and the common usage which is (already) perceptible in the?paulistas? continuous published pages of that period.