Common grammar myths that could he hurting your writing
Language is always evolving, but some grammar myths seem to stick around no matter how many times they’re debunked. They show up in classrooms, boardrooms, and even well-meaning style guides. The problem? Following these so-called “rules” too rigidly can make your writing feel awkward, stilted, or even inaccurate.
At LFP Editorial Studio, I help clients polish their copy without getting tangled up in outdated dos and don’ts. Let’s bust a few of the most persistent grammar myths, and talk about what really matters instead.
Myth #1: Never start a sentence with “and” or “but”
Why people believe it:
Many of us were told in school that beginning a sentence with a conjunction is lazy or incorrect.
What’s actually true:
It’s perfectly fine to start a sentence with and, but, or so - especially in informal or conversational writing. Used well, it creates flow, emphasis, and rhythm.
Example:
You could spend hours rewriting your About page. But if the message isn’t clear, it won’t connect.
Myth #2: You must never split an infinitive
Why people believe it:
This rule comes from an attempt to align English with Latin, where splitting infinitives is impossible. (Spoiler: English isn’t Latin!)
What’s actually true:
There’s nothing wrong with placing a word between “to” and a verb, especially if it clarifies your meaning or improves sentence flow.
Famous example:
“To boldly go where no one has gone before.”
(“To go boldly” just doesn’t have the same impact, does it?)
Myth #3: Ending a sentence with a preposition is always wrong
Why people believe it:
Again, Latin influence. In Latin, prepositions never come at the end of a sentence.
What’s actually true:
In English, especially modern usage, there’s nothing wrong with it. Trying to avoid it can lead to painfully unnatural sentences.
Compare:
That’s the client I wrote the proposal for. (Clear and natural)
That’s the client for whom I wrote the proposal. (Grammatically tidy, but stilted)
Myth #4: You must use “fewer” with countable nouns, “less” with uncountable ones
Why people believe it:
Because some style guides insist on it, and in many formal cases, it’s a good rule of thumb.
What’s actually true:
This rule isn’t always enforced in spoken English or marketing language. In fact, supermarkets helped shift usage by writing “10 items or less” (which is now widely accepted, despite the fuss).
Use judgement:
Fewer mistakes (yes)
Less stress (yes)
10 items or fewer? Only if your audience cares.
Myth #5: Passive voice is always bad
Why people believe it:
Passive constructions are often less direct and harder to read, so many style guides warn against them.
What’s actually true:
Passive voice has its place. Sometimes, you don’t want to (or don’t need to) emphasise the subject.
Example:
The report was approved yesterday.
If it doesn’t matter who approved it, the passive voice is efficient and appropriate.
Use it sparingly, but don’t fear it.
The Real Rule: Clarity Comes First
Grammar “rules” only matter if they serve the reader. If sticking rigidly to one makes your message clumsy, cold, or confusing, it’s time to let it go.
Good writing is about clarity, tone, and purpose, not about pleasing imaginary grammar judges!
Need Help Navigating the Myths?
Grammar myths can be surprisingly persuasive, and hard to shake. If you’re still unsure when to bend the rules (or break them altogether), I’ve created a free Grammar Myths Cheat Sheet to keep handy while you write.
Need help navigating grammar myths, or just want your copy to sound more confident?
Let’s work together to sharpen your message and take the guesswork out of editing.
