Do you like to follow the rules always? I don’t.
Too often, we follow rules without questioning them. Sometimes, following outmoded grammar rules means your writing gets worse, not better.
♦ The ‘rule’ that tell you NOT to start a sentence with ‘and’ or ‘but’ is an example. Conjunctions help create pace in writing. They keep it conversational. But you don’t want to overuse any technique.
Here are two other “rules” you can ditch.
♦ ‘Rule’: Never end a sentence with a preposition. Ignore. If I ask you, “From where did this delicious latte come?” I might be grammatically correct, but you’d assume I am a pompous git.
♦ ’Rule’: Avoid personal pronouns. No way! I love a good personal program. And I am sure you do too. I love, you love, we all love a personal pronoun.
What’s a rule you love to break (grammar or otherwise)? I’d love to hear from you.