Hi, writers and authors! Karou here with a fresh writing tip. As Halloween approaches, I wanted to talk to you about a spooky subject: zombie grammar rules!
I’m talking about the so-called grammar rules that are confidently repeated by English teachers, book reviewers, readers, and internet trolls everywhere—despite not being real writing rules at all. Let’s dispel zombie grammar myths that refuse to die by overturning five of the most popular grammar misconceptions today.
Zombie rule #1: Never split infinitives (and never split verb phrases)
One zombie rule is the fear of splitting infinitives (which comprise to and a verb, such as to go). A related undead rule is that you should never split verb phrases (which comprise an auxiliary or helping verb and another verb, such as can ignore).
This stylistic preference comes from some writers in the eighteenth century who were trying to make English function more like Latin. But English isn’t Latin, and in English, the proximity of an adverb to what it’s modifying matters. Experts agree that it's perfectly acceptable to split infinitives and verb phrases when doing so enhances clarity and flow.
It’s fine to boldly go where no one has gone before—you can safely ignore these rules if it makes your writing clearer.
Zombie rule #2: Never end a sentence with a preposition
Another zombie myth is the prohibition of ending sentences with prepositions. But guess what? That rule is simply a remnant of yet another misguided attempt to make English work like Latin. The Chicago Manual of Style 5.180 says, “The traditional caveat of yesteryear against ending sentences or clauses with prepositions is an unnecessary and pedantic restriction. And it is wrong. As Winston Churchill is said to have put it sarcastically, ‘That is the type of arrant pedantry up with which I shall not put.’” So, what are you waiting for? Use natural-sounding language and don’t twist your words like a pretzel to avoid ending with a preposition.
Zombie rule #3: Don’t use over to mean more than or under to mean less than
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage scoffs at disapproval of using over to mean more than, calling it “a hoary American newspaper tradition.” Many sources show that the usage of over and under for countable nouns was standard for centuries before a newspaper editor in the nineteenth century decided he didn’t like it. Somehow, his opinion stuck—despite having no rationale.
The Chicago Manual of Style 5.250 says this about the word over: “As an equivalent of more than, this word is perfectly good idiomatic English.”
This is a great example of how people can attach emotional significance to zombie rules. As Grammar Girl explained, the collective internet went wild when the Associated Press changed its style guide to allow over to be used as a synonym for more than and apply to countable nouns. You can stop worrying if you want to phrase something as “under $X” or “over X million.”
Zombie rule #4: Never start a sentence with a conjunction
Contrary to zombie grammar beliefs, starting sentences with conjunctions (e.g., and, but, so, etc.) is acceptable. Doing so can add emphasis or connect ideas. It’s a tool for creating rhythm and engaging readers by adding tension, not to mention enhancing the authenticity of voice in dialogue. The Chicago Manual of Style 5.203 states: “There is a widespread belief—one with no historical or grammatical foundation—that it is an error to begin a sentence with a conjunction such as and, but, or so. In fact, a substantial percentage (often as many as 10 percent) of the sentences in first-rate writing begin with conjunctions.” So, go ahead and confidently begin a sentence with a conjunction if it enhances the tension of a scene or the flow of your writing.
Zombie rule #5: “They” can only be plural
The Oxford English Dictionary traces they used in the singular sense back to 1375, which means it likely existed in speech long before that. Merriam-Webster Unabridged has this to say on the topic: “The development of singular they mirrors the development of the singular you from the plural you, yet we don’t complain that singular you is ungrammatical.” Indeed, you used to be considered only a plural noun. Similarly, we still see a singular we in places like royal communications. But it’s only the singular they that grammarians incorrectly insist is wrong. “Each student turned in their homework” is a perfectly fine sentence.
With singular they being already perfectly correct, it’s no wonder that many nonbinary people have adopted they/them pronouns instead of gendered pronouns. So, check yourself: is your insistence that you can’t honor someone’s pronouns really based on grammar and so-called correctness? Or is there a deeper, uglier sentiment to blame?
Conclusion
One word of caution: know your audience. If you can just as easily write a sentence without breaking a zombie rule, go for it. Book reviewers can be brutal about what they perceive to be bad grammar—even though they’re wrong.
But you shouldn’t live in fear of undead rules that really should stay buried. Know how to differentiate between real grammar rules and the lingering zombies proselytized by English teachers everywhere. Whatever you do, write with confidence and creativity, and let your words shine.
Happy writing! And don’t forget: if you need editors who understand that writing is ruff, contact us!
