By If superfluous commas, misplaced apostrophes (looking at you, it’s/its, they’re/their!), and sentence-ending prepositions make you flinch in horror, you’re in the right place. We take grammar seriously at The Daily Post; my fellow editors and I can often be found quibbling and nitpicking over tenses, modes, and — you guessed it — punctuation. Good writing, though, isn’t merely about adhering to rules. It’s also about knowing how and when to break them. Today, let’s talk about grammar — and the kinds of liberties you might consider taking with it.
Know your grammar
We’d all like to think we’re the Lifetime Presidents of the Global Union of Universally Accepted Grammar. (Wait, you don’t?!) In reality, English is spoken by billions. Everywhere it’s spoken, its grammar depends, to a certain extent, on the community that uses it. One person’s aberration can be another’s standard — so we should all relax just a bit before jumping on every imagined grammatical offense (except for my pet peeves, please; those are clearly unacceptable).
It follows that breaking grammar rules means breaking your grammar rules — those that your community of friends, relatives, colleagues, and readers deems acceptable.
Infuse your writing with human voices
Spoken language is inherently forgiving of grammatical oddities, from up-talk (raising your voice as if you’re asking a question, even though your sentence isn’t one) to incomplete sentences and false starts. Incorporating bits of conversation into your writing will liven it up — and allow you to show a more playful side to your grammar. You could replicate actual exchanges, come up with imaginary ones, or just tone down your usual written voice to a more oral-sounding one.
Like our scars and other imperfections, the errors we make when we speak are an important part of how the world sees us: they make us unique. If you have a verbal tic that really conveys a sense of how you sound, embrace it — even if it’s not 100% correct.
Tip: Engaging speakers often make the kinds of mistakes your composition teachers would really hate (for example, using run-on sentences to convey a sense of urgency). Who’s the best storyteller in your family? Listen to that person talk, and try to nail a couple of verbal tics that might be “incorrect,” but help engage the listener.
Internet grammar is broken. Why fix it?
There’s a whole array of expressions that would make any gruff editor’s blood curdle, yet are indispensable for anyone commenting on and participating in online discourse. Phrases like “I can’t even” and “all the things” are everywhere. So is the grammatically incomplete fragment “Because X” (“I went for a jog. Because health.”). Some choose to avoid these phrases altogether. Others don’t even realize they aren’t, strictly speaking, correct. What about aiming for a more pragamtic middle ground?
While meme-talk isn’t necessarily the most advanced form of rhetoric, these expressions are part of contemporary culture, along with their imperfect grammar. It feels silly not to use them (and other internet-generated phrases du jour), at least in some contexts (not to mention ironically!).
All because of a comma splice?! (Image by photosteve101, CC BY 2.0)
Give your writing a taste of the foreign
Many of us live in international communities, with people speaking English with a whole variety of accents and dialects. It’s often through listening to others that we come to terms with the strangeness of our own language, and incorporating some of this insight into your writing can make it more interesting.
The effects can range from the comical to the poignant. Think, for example, of how Russian speakers often omit the definite article in English (“Can I have pencil, please?”), imbuing specific objects with a touch of universality. Or how speakers of languages with gendered nouns — German, French, Hebrew, Spanish, etc. — will often refer to an inanimate object as a he or a she (try deciding whether your desk, or your eyes, are male or female: it can be hilarious. And/or touching).
Tip: When channeling speakers who use grammar differently, whether they’re foreign or belong to a different community, you might want to take extra care making sure what you’re writing doesn’t come off as parody.
It’s all in the dosage
Imagine a 1000-word blog post written entirely in lolspeak (moar nightmarez, pleaze!). If you survived that thought, imagine, now, a sharply-written piece on electoral reform, into which you drop, mid-way, a sentence with awful feline grammar (“we can haz moar votes,” for example). Context is always key, but so is dosage: whether you use bad grammar for comic effect or otherwise, keeping it limited to specific moments will only make it more powerful.
There might not be a ready-made formula for how much grammatical idiosyncrasy is too much of a good (bad) thing. As a general rule, though, if your reader can no longer know whether you’re making errors intentionally or not, it might be a good idea to dial it down a bit. No one has ever complained about too much clean, clear prose.
What’s your take on grammar? Are there cases where it’s fine to relax the rules a bit? Have you used (or seen) any creative uses of alternative grammar? We’d love to hear your input.
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I love how you bring up that grammatical errors should be clearly intentional to the reader. It’s perfectly warranted in some cases, but I don’t think I will ever get over your/you’re and there/they’re/their mix-ups. Those drive me “cray.” 😛
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I am guilty of not putting apostrophes where I should.
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‘Imagine a 1000-word blog post written entirely in lolspeak (moar nightmaresz pleaze!).’
The Horror. I think my eyes and brain would simultaneously swell and explode from trying to translate. While I know my grammar is far from perfect; there are times I feel it is essential in giving a clear, concise message of your thoughts and ideas. Just the thought of even one paragraph in lolspeak makes my face hurt from the thought of being forced to read it! Great post, much food for thought on that one. Thanks!
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Reading all these comments makes me think; are we all guilty of the Apps constantly forced down our throats, let’s all be honest here, do you use grammar correctly when texting UR buddies!!! Say no more.
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When I’m texting my buddies I feel less inclined to worry about how I sound, because I know they’re hearing my voice saying it as they read it. They know me, therefore I can choose however I wish to text without worrying about my meaning becoming lost in translation.
Not so for blog subscribers.
Grammar I can handle most of the time, it’s really spelling that will drive me bonkers. As another commented, ‘defiantly’ being used in place of ‘definitely’……..seriously? Can they not pop on dictionary.reference.com to check that out? Really, it takes all of two seconds and saves a little face. Whether english is a first or second language is moot; there’s plenty of reference material on and off of the internet so one can differentiate. I’ve read the different ‘realize’ and ‘realise’ and feel neither is wrong as they do depend on the dialect of said blogger/author/writer. I’ve read many different authors and notice depending on where they are from, their personal writing style, spelling, and grammar varies widely; but doesn’t ultimately detract from their stories.
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Honestly I always feel the need to write out everything when I’m texting. That’s why I quit twitter XD
But I don’t get upset if people lolspeak to me.
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For those wanting to brush up on their written English skills or pick up some new tips, you might find my Style Matters series of 50 posts of some use (http://reporting4work.com.au/category/journalism/style-matters/ where the latest of the series is and you can work back over five pages to the beginning). Feel free to add your feedback to any of them. Warning: They were written mostly for an Australian audience, so I hope that’s “foreign” enough for you 🙂
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Thank you so much for the link. I feel it’s going to help me a lot. I appreciate it.
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You’re welcome!
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I recall the late Les Dawson who could play the piano badly for comedic effect. The same principle would apply to writing, though I’ve usually considered grammar to refer to punctuation and correct usage rather than dialect changes (regional or generational). I enjoy creating new words to express a particular thought, and I hope this comes across as a comedic device rather than poor education ROFL
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Les Dawson was a genius, do you know how much of a skill it is to play the piano that bad when you are an accomplished pianist. When you are trained to a particular level its difficult to make a mistake, but if your training is impeded in some way then mistakes are made. Some people are not as lucky as some, some do not have the education which because of illhess, disability, unemployment and we should not be critical of their writings but leave them alone and read what they have wrote.
Btw this post won’t stay long as WP has a problem with my comments and ignore my emails
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I once taught ESL to Korean students. I realized then how difficult the English language is to explain to non-English speakers.
When a student asked me the difference between “cute, attractive, lovely, pleasant, pretty, beautiful, gorgeous and awesome,” I had to give it a lot of thought. I finally told him that “wow” leaves the door open for any interpretation the other party wants to give it!
And good grammar??? Well, it’s extremely helpful regardless (NOT irregardless!) the language we speak.
Great post. Thank you!
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I think in whatever language we decided to write our blog, we always need to take grammar seriously. If I do break the grammar rules, I do it on purpose. English is not my first language, so forgive me if I make grammar mistake to write this comment.
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This is very helpful haha!! I’m always in need for guidance in grammars…and if possible, may I ask for some assistance in checking my writings on my blog at wherewordsbreathe.wordpress.com? I don’t think my works are great, but it would be very much appreciated if I know how to write better, by learning from other writers’ comments and suggestions. Thank you once again!
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I am not perfect nor worthy of helping but with the little I know, I sure can help you the best way I can. I don’t know if I’m right nor wrong, but don’t you think it’s better to say I’m always in need of *not for guidance in grammar? Take care!
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This post will really help me especially after using my phone for too long
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I appreciate this post a great deal. But it is curious how many writers are published that have erroneous or plain broken-down grammar and poorly constructed sentences. And these books sell!I have been in writing groups where other writers suggested I use incomplete sentences for emphasis and a certain effect. I have done that and I get the point. But it still bothers me.
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I think it really just varies from person to person. I mean, I use incomplete sentences like I’m getting paid (I’m not though), but if it’s not your style you don’t have to. I always say don’t write something that you’re not comfortable with.
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I agree, and I am open to experimentation.I think the question in the end is: how critical is a traditionally correct and common grammar in our language, anymore? If there is leeway for psychosocial reasons, then where do we draw the line, or do we need to draw it boldly at all? What scares me if kids who are writing with words that do not have any vowels!
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What bothers me more is reading a book or article from a professional magazine/journal and coming across spelling and/or grammatical errors? How well was the material proofread before it went to print?
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Agreed! Often find those, too.
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If not certain if the my sentence or usage is correct I have a character say it and make it a quote. That’s my little trick.
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Haha so glad someone else does this too. I feel so sneaky when I do that. Like “everybody look at this profound character tool I used!”
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I write a lot of dialogue (if you get my point).
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It’s pretty funny that I saw this post tonight. I just completed and published a post for Tipsy Lit’s weekly prompt on writing with accents. It was incredibly difficult and had me constantly seeking writing guidelines online. I’m sure I still made several mistakes. It was tough to find a balance between writing with in a dialect/accent without totally sabotaging the rules and/or making the character seem dis-ingenuous. Especially since it was only my second time attempting to write fiction.
I was glad to hear you talk about leniency in using formal grammar in order to add flavor. I am a bit of a grammar nerd but tend to write like I speak. It’s a curse really.
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Writing in prose, grammar is the backbone of every sentence. Grammatical rules and the usage of words changes according to the times. In school, I was being punished by my teacher for using “brake” as a verb. That was more than 60 years ago. Now, it can be used.
“There is a man and a woman at the gate” or “There are a man and a woman at the gate”
“A number of children is waiting for you.” or “A number of children are waiting for you”
These and many more are very confusing. Could you please comment.
That’s why I try to write and express in verse in my blog!
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I say “is a man and woman” and for the second sentence “are a number if children”. I may be wrong though.
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Agree with Daisy. There is a man and a woman, is really shorthand for there is a man and there is a woman, hence there is. Or, thinking differently, there is a couple or a pair.
Children is a plural noun, so needs a plural verb. You aren’t describing the number, but the children. But things change, eg I would describe a football team as singular. Common usage has made it plural.
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Regarding the first example, there is not a contracted form of “there are” and many Americans will contract the words in speech, saying, “there’s.” This word carries over into writing, explaining why a lot of people write, “There is a man and a woman at the gate.” While this sounds correct to many people, the correct form should be, “There are a man and a woman at the gate.”
In the second example, “a number of children,” the word “number” is a collective noun. Rules for subject-verb agreement with collective nouns are dependent upon the variety of English. American English speakers are more likely to use the singular verb with a collective noun (A number of children is…), whereas British English speakers are more likely to use the plural (A number of children are…).
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I have to admit, I’m horrified by the thought of making grammar mistakes on my blog. There have been times when I’ve heavily edited a post, published it confidently, and come home from work later that day to discover that I’d made a mistake (grammar, typo, etc.) or three. On those occasions, my face turns slightly pink from embarrassment, even though there’s nobody here pointing it out!
I enjoyed this article. My own posts may be fairly unremarkable, but the thing I like about blogging is that it’s a great way for someone to let his or her personality shine through via the written word. For me, ultimately, great content trumps perfect grammar. I do have trouble reading heavy-lolspeak text without getting annoyed, but overall, I love how easy it is to share – either by reading or writing – experiences with others (and revel in our myriad differences!) through our blogs.
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You don’t want to hear this. Grammar is a noun, not an adjective. Mistakes is also a noun. If you wish to describe your mistakes you should use grammatical. ie grammatical mistakes or, instead but clumsy, mistakes of/with/in grammar. But not grammar mistakes. Just thought you would like to be horrified.
I agree incidentally, that content is all.
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I find that I often make grammatical errors when I post or comment very late at night. This comment, which was made late last night, is a perfect example! I’m not horrified, though.
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😀 I try and avoid late night comments for the same reason. Read and leave it till the morning 😉
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I think the best way to watch your grammar and be interesting is to write like you’re talking to that person or people.
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I love this post, thank you. You and my Mother would get along like a house on fire! She has been known to take to shopping centre signs with a red pen. Seriously! I cant help a good exclamation mark and have an inbuilt dose of ‘grammar guilt’ in my blog. Mum offered to edit it the other day for me and was slightly upset with my nonchalant response. Are smiley faces deemed acceptable :). Anyway thank you for your blog it is a great read. Now I want to write thx and add a xx just to be cheeky.
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Grammar is such an interesting thing – I love how this post calls attention to the fact that grammar really depends on culture. My correct grammar isn’t necessarily your correct grammar.
I also find that the definition of correct grammar varies on the piece. The grammar and style I use for my blog posts is not the same I use for writing academic papers.
Great insight and fun read!
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e.e. Cummings=grammar at it’s finest.
But I’m totally a conversational writer. Like I sometimes include the unnecessary “like, um, and, y’know” to remind people not to take me too seriously.
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Jeeze save me from the overly educated Pedants.
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And all of the people trying to look impressive and cool with their perfect grammar and formal word choice XD
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Thank you, i found your post very helpful.
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Excellent post. I’m happy to see the acknowledgement of grammar being important, but also allowing for some (some!) creative flexibility.
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Great post. It has been tricky for me to find a unique writing voice but still stick to the grammar rules and this helps a lot. Thanks for the pointers!
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I think a conversational style of writing is fine for social media sites like Facebook or Twitter. What I do find annoying, though is when people use the incorrect form of words that sound the same (e.g. palate, palette, pallet).
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Great post! Thank you
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As one who left English language behind at GCSE level in school for a career firmly based in the sciences, I fear my minimal education on the subject leaves my granmar wanting. On a daily basis. This post makes me feel better about myself and I am consciously aware of it as an issue so *do* strive to improve it, at least in my blog posts 🙂
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It appears to me, there is a consensus, from the multitude of posts I’ve read on this thread, that spelling nor grammatical correctness on blogs is that important nor does it necessarily improve our communication skills. I’m so bad, that I can not tell you for sure if the previous sentence is grammatically incorrect, so could someone please edit it for me. lol
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Neither – – – nor.
In swedish, and I don’t know if it’s the same rules in english, you have one unnecessary comma. Skip the one after “consensus”. 😀
(Probably I do many wrongs when I write in english OR the Mac correcting tool thinks I want a completely different word than I have written)
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This was what I was looking for! It was really wonderful reading you post.
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I consider myself a grammatical fanatic, in some ways. I have had to talk myself out of taking up a paintbrush to correct shop signs with the apostrophe in the wrong place in the past. However I can now moderate my thoughts on grammatical errors. I am just as peeved by them if they occur in ‘professional’ settings, such as on information leaflets, shop signs or on professional websites. However blogging is about expressing yourself in any form you may choose, and there is certainly a place for error here, if it emphasises a point or lets a personality shine through. Blogging is art, and art can be made up and still be wonderful.
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I live in Sweden, are born here, but in my blog I write in english. Can it be worse??? 😆
Honestly! I’m an excellent writer – when I write in swedish. I know the rules, and know how to and when to brake them. Yes! I always know what I’m doing when I write in swedish.
And I can “play” with words, meanings, interpretations, constructions… You name it! I can do it.
But in english?
Oh, I’m pretty good at english, both spoken and written. But I don’t imagine myself to know it perfectly. No no no! On the contrary!
But I sure do hope I write understandable and with not too many serious mistakes. I wouldn’t like to be a laughing stock….
I hope I choose the right word, when I’m hot certain of it in beforehand. I have a good english dictionary, also with synonyms! I just have to choose the right one for each context. (Context?) Not always easy, sometimes I have to do it the easy way. Choose another way to write want I want to say. I think the worst part can be to choose the right preposition.
And spellings? Mostly I think I get THAT right. (I hope) 😉
But one thing is for sure! Two things!
ONE.) I have learnt a lot more english since I started to write my blog in english. That fact, on the top of the fact that I for several years have been watching english spoken movies without subtexts, has increased my knowledge and also my self esteem. I don’t bother that much any longer if I do mistakes now and then.
The liability with only listening, is, that I learn new words and expressions, but not how the words are spelt. And spelling, in any language, has always been my strong part. (Backbone?)
But I don’t know any longer what is American english, or what is British english. And I don’t even want to think about all other differences.
TWO – and not the least.
I’ve encountered so many beautiful and interesting blogs and wonderful people around the world.
I love you all.
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I would like to think my grammar and punctuation is good but quite simply it isn’t. Thanks for the post.
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Little errors don’t bother me. What bothers me is when someone with a full keyboard at their disposal types in Textese. In other words, they’re too lazy to spell out simple words such as “you.” I can hardly translate what some of these people are trying to say. It does occur to me that I probably don’t want to bother.
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