Grammar Myths And Common Questions 5.7

Question 1

Never Split Infinitives Myth

Answer 1

Is an outdated rule from the nineteenth century.

Ex/
To stupidly go swimming.

It’s clear that the decision to go swimming that is stupid.

Ex/
To go swimming stupidly.

Suggests that one is swimming stupidly and is less clear.

Question 2

Never start a sentence with a conjunction myth

Answer 2

It can add clarity and emphasis as long as the statements are complete.

Question 3

Never end sentences with a preposition myth

Answer 3

It bases English usage on Latin.

It can sound skewed but most of the time it is fine.

Ex/
There is one thing it the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.

Question 4

Double negatives are always incorrect myth

Answer 4

Correct non-standard double negatives in formal writing.

Ex/
I never saw nothing.

Many are standard though.

Ex/
It is not uncommon to find double negative in a well-written document.