English for Students

Seven Writing Myths

Avoid being enslaved by seven writing myths. Here are those seven non-rules imposed on writers that can be safely discarded:

(1) You must not start a sentence with ‘but’, ‘so’, ‘because’, ‘and’, and ‘however’.

(2) You must not put a comma before ‘and’. A comma before ‘and’ may, in fact, help the reader to see how the sentence is constructed, or put a pause exactly where you want it.

(3) You must not end a sentence with a preposition.

(4) You must not split your infinitives - If you think a sentence will be more emphatic, clear or rhythmical, split your infinitive – there is no reason in logic or grammar for avoiding it.

(5) You must not write a one-sentence paragraph. If you can say what you want to say in a single sentence that lacks a direct connection with any other sentence, just stop there and go on to a new paragraph; there’s no rule against it.

(6) You should write as you speak.

(7) You should test your writing with a readability formula.

• Keep Sentences Short.
• Use words your readers are likely to understand.
• Use only as many words as you really need.
• Prefer the active voice.
• Use the clearest, liveliest verb to express your thoughts.
• Use Vertical Lists to make complex materil understandable.
• Keep Electronic Text Communication simple.
• Put your points positively when you can.
• Reduce cross-references to the minimum.
• Try to avoid sexist usage.
• Avoidable English Errors are so many.
• Avoid fusty first sentences and formula finishes.
• Put accurate punctuation at the heart of your writing.
• Avoid being enslaved by seven writing myths.
• Plan Before You Write.
• Organize your material in a simple way.
• Consider different ways of setting out your information.
• Devote special effort to producing lucid instructions.
• Use clear layout to present your plain words.