The Great Grammar Gossip
Long before the era of social media and Internet trolls, myths about grammar rules have been circulating in our society. From elementary school classrooms to corporate boardrooms, these 'rules' are propagated, accepted, and enforced without question. But how many of them are valid, and how many are simply hearsay? Time to debunk some of the most persistent grammar myths.
Split Infinitives are a No-No
One of the most infamous grammar myths is the prohibition against splitting infinitives. The infinitive form of a verb consists of the word 'to' followed by the base form of the verb, as in 'to go' or 'to see'. A split infinitive occurs when an adverb or adverbial phrase is inserted between 'to' and the verb, as in 'to boldly go'.
This 'rule' allegedly originated from Latin grammar, where it's impossible to split an infinitive because it's a single word, like 'ire' (to go). However, English isn't Latin. In English, sometimes the most natural position for an adverb is between 'to' and the verb. So feel free to boldly split infinitives when it improves clarity or emphasis.
Don’t End a Sentence with a Preposition
Another classic grammar myth is that it's incorrect to end a sentence with a preposition. This 'rule' is another Latin-based relic, as in Latin, prepositions always precede the noun or pronoun they're linked with. But again, English is not Latin. In English, prepositions often naturally end up at the end of a sentence, especially in questions like "Who are you talking to?" or statements like "That's the best movie I've ever seen!"
Trying to avoid ending a sentence with a preposition can lead to awkward or overly formal language. For instance, "To whom are you talking?" sounds stilted and obsolete. So, don't be afraid to end a sentence with a preposition if it makes your sentence sound more natural.
Never Start a Sentence with 'And' or 'But'
The myth that you shouldn't start a sentence with a conjunction such as 'and' or 'but' is another grammar myth that needs debunking. This 'rule' was probably taught to prevent young writers from creating sentence fragments or run-on sentences. However, in mature writing, starting a sentence with a conjunction can be an effective way to create emphasis or show a contrast or progression of ideas.
Just remember: when starting a sentence with a conjunction, make sure the sentence is complete and can stand on its own.
'I' Before 'E' Except After 'C'
This rule is taught in many English classrooms, but it has more exceptions than words that follow it. Words like 'weird', 'seize', 'height', 'their', 'ancient', 'science', 'sufficient', and 'weird' all violate this rule. While it can be helpful as a general guideline, don’t rely on it as an absolute rule.
The Myth of Double Negatives
Many people believe that using a double negative in English results in a positive statement. This belief stems from the rules of mathematics, not language. In some languages, double negatives are the norm. In English, they can be part of regional dialects or used for emphasis in a poetic or rhetorical context.
In conclusion, language is a living, evolving entity. Just because a rule was once taught doesn't mean it's still applicable today. English is a flexible and diverse language that can't be boxed in by rigid rules. So the next time someone corrects your grammar based on one of these myths, feel free to enlighten them. It's time to stop the grammar gossip and focus on clear, effective communication.