What are Grammar Myths and Misunderstandings:

 

        Have you ever, as a student at school, felt oppressed by the overly literal grammar rules? This very complex language English is such that over time, many myths and misconceptions have developed about writing and speaking. In this post, we're going to start debunking the most common grammar myths, tracing their origins, and clearing up all misunderstandings to demonstrate just how flexible and dynamic English can be.

Myth 1: You Can't Start a Sentence with 'And' or 'But

Fact: One of the oldest myths in English grammar is that sentences should never be started with "and" or "but." The "rule" is sometimes taught to avoid sentence fragments early in writing instruction. But the professional writer often begins sentences with these words to create emphasis, show contrast, or maintain a conversational flow.

Example:

Mythical Rule: "You cannot start a sentence with 'but.'"

Correct Usage: "We did our best. The results were unexpected."

Takeaway: Start with "and" or "but," and use it well for better readability and flow of narration.

Myth 2: Never Split Infinitives

Reality: The motivation behind its nonapproval was based on the tendency to borrow Latin grammar, in that infinitives can never be split in the Latin grammar. Infinitives, however, in the language of English can always be split. That sometimes really makes sentences much clearer.

Example:

Mythical Rule: "To go boldly where no man has gone before."

Correct Usage: "To boldly go where no man has gone before."

Takeaway: Split that infinitive if clarity or emphasis demand it!

Myth 3: Never End a Sentence with a Preposition

Reality: Once again, this rule has its origin in attempts to make English grammar conform to Latin. But in many situations, ending sentences with prepositions sounds perfectly natural. In fact, overuse of the rule has caused resulting sentences to sometimes sound awkward or overly formal.

Example:

Mythical Rule: "With whom are you speaking?"

Correct Usage: "Who are you speaking with?"

Takeaway: Write as naturally as possible. Do not contort your sentences just to avoid ending with a preposition.

Myth 4: Passive Voice Is Always Wrong

Reality: Passive voice is often shunned because it can hide the doer of the action. However, there are occasions where passive voice is acceptable; such as when the focus is on the action itself or when the doer is unknown or irrelevant.

Example:

Passive Voice: "The cake was eaten by the children."

Active Voice: "The children ate the cake."

Takeaway: Use the passive voice less often, but know when to do so.

Myth 5: Double Negatives Are Always Incorrect

Reality: Although you are never likely to hear standard English expressions like "I don't know nothing," where the negative words cancel each other out with a positive meaning, double negatives are used for effect in specific dialects and in other informal environments.

Example:

Formal English: "I don't know anything."

Informal Use: "I don't know nothing" (emphatic in some dialects).

Takeaway: Avoid double negatives in formal writing, but their use in informal settings is culturally and communally determined.

Why Grammar Myths Endure

Grammar myths endure because they exist within the prescriptive grammar environment of schools or because these myths provide memorable "rules" for students learning English. More to the point, though, are the facts: English is a living language. Context gives more guidance than stiff adherence to outdated rules.

How to Approach Grammar Rules

Context Matters: Choose language that fits the audience and purpose, formal or informal.

Communication Is Key: Prioritize clarity and effective communication rather than blindly following the rules.

Learn the Rules Before Breaking Them: Understanding how grammar rules came about and what they are intended to achieve will help you apply them or bend them appropriately.

Thank you.