Why Your English Teacher Wasn’t Always Right
English is messy, playful, and constantly changing. But somewhere along the way, we picked up a bunch of grammar “rules” that make us sweat over perfectly normal sentences.
Let’s bust some of the biggest myths and set your writing (and speaking) free.
1. You Can’t Start a Sentence with “And” or “But”
This is the heavyweight champion of grammar myths. Generations were taught never to begin a sentence with “And” or “But.” But look at any top-quality writing — newspapers, novels, even academic essays — and you’ll see it all the time.
Starting with “and” or “but” is perfectly fine when you want to:
- Emphasize contrast or addition
- Keep sentences punchy
- Improve flow in informal writing
✅ Good example:
But that’s exactly why it matters.
So next time someone corrects you, you can smile — and keep writing.
2. Never Split an Infinitive
Ah yes, the old “to boldly go” controversy. The idea is that you shouldn’t insert anything between “to” and a verb (like “to go”). But that’s pure snobbery left over from Latin, which doesn’t split infinitives.
English is not Latin. Splitting an infinitive often makes your meaning clearer or more natural.
✅ Natural:
She decided to quickly leave.
❌ Awkward alternative:
She decided quickly to leave.
3. A Sentence Can’t End with a Preposition
Ever tried to avoid ending with “at,” “with,” or “about,” and ended up sounding robotic?
❌ “This is the house in which I grew up.”
✅ “This is the house I grew up in.”
The “no prepositions at the end” rule is another Latin holdover. In real English, it’s completely normal to end sentences with prepositions.
4. Passive Voice Is Always Wrong
Passive voice gets a bad rap. Yes, it can be weak or evasive. But sometimes it’s exactly what you need.
✅ “The cake was eaten by the kids.”
(If you care more about the cake than the kids.)
It’s a tool — just use it wisely.
5. Longer Words Are Smarter
Many people think using big words makes writing sound smarter. In reality, simpler words are often clearer and more powerful.
✅ “Use” over “utilize.”
✅ “Help” over “facilitate.”
Plain English wins almost every time.
The Bottom Line
Grammar rules are guides, not handcuffs. The best writers bend or break them all the time to sound more natural and engaging.
