Plain English Guidelines: Seven Writing Myths

Here are seven non-rules imposed on writers that can be safely discarded:

(1) You must not start a sentence with ‘but’, ‘so’, ‘because’, ‘and’, and ‘however’.

(2) You must not put a comma before ‘and’. A comma before ‘and’ may, in fact, help the reader to see how the sentence is constructed, or put a pause exactly where you want it.

(3) You must not end a sentence with a preposition.

(4) You must not split your infinitives - If you think a sentence will be more emphatic, clear or rhythmical, split your infinitive – there is no reason in logic or grammar for avoiding it.

(5) You must not write a one-sentence paragraph. If you can say what you want to say in a single sentence that lacks a direct connection with any other sentence, just stop there and go on to a new paragraph; there’s no rule against it.

(6) You should write as you speak.

(7) You should test your writing with a readability formula.

Keep Sentences Short Use Easy to Understand Words Use Fewer Words Use Active Voice Use Crisp, Lively Verbs Use Vertical Lists Put your Point Positively Reduce Cross-referencing Avoid Sex Specific Usage Letter Writing Use Accurate punctuation Seven Writing Myths Plan Before you Write Organize your material Presentation Writing Clear Instructions Use a Clear Layout

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