AdviceToWriters – Rules and Commandments

Here’s a collection of rules from writers by Jon Winokur of AdviceToWriters.com. Our favorites:

The one great rule of composition is to speak the truth.

— Henry David Thoreau

One of the great rules of art: Do not linger.

— Andre Gide

Click on the link to see other quotes.

via AdviceToWriters – Rules and Commandments.

Nutty non-rules of grammar | Grammar Monkeys | Wichita Eagle Blogs

What rules have you been taught that turned out to be preferences? Let us know through comments. It’s time to let go of those grudges you’ve been holding against your grade school or high school English teacher.

Lisa McLendon lists the following as “NOT legitimate” but somehow popular rules:

Don’t split infinitives or compound verbs.

Don’t end a sentence with a preposition.

Don’t start a sentence with a conjunction.

Cakes are “done,” but people are “finished.”

Don’t begin a sentence with the word “it.”

Don’t use the passive voice.

Paragraphs MUST have 5 sentences (topic, 3 support sentences, conclusion).

Sentences must have verbs.

via Nutty non-rules of grammar | Grammar Monkeys | Wichita Eagle Blogs.

(Image taken from original post linked.)

Also, see this related repost from Cracked.com on rules that aren’t.