Breaking the Rules: When Breaking the Rules Becomes Acceptable
Crafting a piece of work that adheres to all the established rules can be quite a challenge. There’s an ongoing debate about whether it’s better to follow the rules religiously or to break free from them and let your creativity flow. In my humble opinion, it’s not so much about blindly following all the “rules,” but rather about having a deep understanding of the craft. It’s about being able to intrinsically recognize when breaking the rules would be acceptable.
The world of writing, be it in the form of literature, journalism, or even social media posts, is governed by a set of guidelines that help us communicate effectively. These rules have been established over time to ensure clarity, coherence, and readability. However, there are instances when adhering to these rules might hinder the overall impact of the message we want to convey.
For instance, let’s consider the use of sentence fragments. Traditional grammar rules dictate that every sentence should have a subject and a predicate. However, in certain cases, using sentence fragments can add emphasis or create a more conversational tone. It’s in these instances that breaking the rules becomes acceptable. By using sentence fragments strategically, we can capture the reader’s attention and create a sense of intimacy.
Another area where breaking the rules can be effective is in the use of punctuation. We’ve all been taught that a sentence should end with a period, question mark, or exclamation mark. However, sometimes a dash or ellipsis can be more impactful. These unconventional punctuation marks can create suspense, convey hesitation, or indicate a sudden change in thought. By breaking the rules and using unconventional punctuation, we can inject our writing with personality and emotion.
Additionally, the rules of grammar and syntax can sometimes restrict our creativity. While it’s important to have a strong foundation in grammar, there are instances when bending or even breaking these rules can enhance the overall message. For example, using sentence fragments, starting a sentence with a conjunction, or ending a sentence with a preposition can add a conversational and relatable tone to our writing. These deviations from the norm can make our work more engaging and accessible to a wider audience.
However, it’s crucial to note that breaking the rules should be done purposefully and with a clear understanding of the impact it will have on the reader. It’s not about disregarding the rules haphazardly, but rather about using our knowledge and intuition to determine when and how to break them.
In conclusion, the art of writing is a delicate balance between following the established rules and knowing when to break free from them. It’s about having a deep understanding of the craft and being able to recognize when breaking the rules would enhance the overall impact of our message. By strategically deviating from the norm, we can inject our writing with creativity, personality, and emotion. So, don’t be afraid to break the rules, as long as you do it with intention and purpose..
Okay, don’t come for me, but in my opinion, it’s not so much about following all of the “rules,” it’s about having learned enough about the craft, that you can intrinsically recognize when breaking the rules would be acceptable. https://t.co/9QrPFQVjcj
— オレノナハエラーダ。😷 Pro 🇺🇦&🇵🇸 she/her (@IAMERR0RK0K0) January 21, 2024
Source
@IAMERR0RK0K0 said Okay, don’t come for me, but in my opinion, it’s not so much about following all of the “rules,” it’s about having learned enough about the craft, that you can intrinsically recognize when breaking the rules would be acceptable.
