Why Rules Matter, How They Evolve, and When You Can Break Them.
English is a beautiful, flexible language. It allows us to express thoughts, tell stories, and build connections. But, beneath all its poetry and creativity lies a structure that keeps it from falling apart: grammar.
Just like maths, grammar provides the rules that make the language work. Without these rules, communication would descend into chaos.
But grammar, like all things, evolves with time—just as we do as humans. Our relationship with language shifts, and so do the rules we follow. However, just as artists break the rules of art to create something new and exciting, writers can break grammar rules too—but only if they know them well enough to do it right.
Why We Need Grammar Rules: English's Version of Maths
Grammar, at its core, is the mathematics of language. Much like numbers in maths, words follow certain rules to create meaning. Maths gives us formulas, principles, and equations to solve problems; grammar gives us structure, syntax, and punctuation to make sense of words.
Both disciplines aim for clarity, precision, and a shared understanding.
Imagine maths without rules. Two plus two might not equal four anymore. Similarly, without the rules of grammar, the clarity and meaning behind a sentence would be lost. At best, meaning is open to interpretation and that can be problematic.
If everyone were to write and speak without going with grammatical guidelines, communication would break down into confusion.
For example, take this sentence:
Let's eat Grandma. Without proper punctuation, the sentence suggests something quite horrifying. Add a simple comma, and suddenly we have:
Let's eat, Grandma. Crisis averted.
Grammar ensures that when we communicate, people understand what we mean. It’s the scaffolding that holds language together, helping us convey ideas, emotions, and instructions in a way that others can follow.
How Grammar Evolves: A Reflection of Humanity
Grammar may be foundational, but it’s not set in stone.
Just like human culture, technology, and societal norms, grammar evolves over time. This evolution mirrors the way our societies develop and interact with each other.
Think of the early days of English. Shakespeare, for instance, used words and grammar that, today, are seen not only as outdated or incorrect, but are downright indecipherable.
The text needs to be studied to find meaning and make sense.
Some phrases from his plays might feel confusing to a modern reader because the rules of grammar were different back then. But language evolves alongside the people who use it.
Over time, old rules fade, and new ones emerge.
A great example of this is the Oxford comma (the final comma in a list, used before 'and' or 'or'). For years, the Oxford comma was non-negotiable. But in many modern writing styles, it’s now optional, depending on the context or personal preference. This shift reflects how flexible grammar can be as society changes the way it communicates.
But the big game changer right now? The pace of life in the digital age requires texting, social media, and internet shorthand.
Language is becoming more informal.
Contractions, abbreviations, and emojis are now used as a form of punctuation in casual writing.
We may say, “I’m going to the store, brb,” and everyone understands what’s meant. This adaptability is part of language’s natural progression—it evolves to meet the needs of the people who use it.
Breaking the Rules: The Art of Grammar
Rules are important, but sometimes breaking them is what achieves greater impact—just like in art.
Artists and writers who know the rules inside and out and break them deliberately are telling fundamental truths in new ways. And when they do, it's often to all of our benefit.
One of the most famous examples of this is e.e. cummings, a poet who was known for abandoning conventional grammar rules in his work.
He famously disregarded capitalisation and punctuation in his poems, which only served to make his writing more striking and evocative. His unique style worked because he understood how the traditional rules functioned, and he broke them in ways that added depth to his expression.
The same concept applies to modern copywriting. Imagine reading a slogan that follows all the grammatical rules perfectly, but it feels stiff and uninspired:
"Experience a new dimension of excitement with our product."
Now, compare that to something more relaxed, playful, and rule-bending:
"Get ready. It’s time to level up."
The second option breaks a few rules—it’s shorter, fragments the sentence, and uses a more conversational tone—but it’s also punchier and more engaging.
It works because it connects with the audience emotionally and feels less rigid.
Knowing the Rules Before You Break Them
The key to successfully breaking grammar rules is knowing the rules in the first place.
Just like a skilled artist understands the principles of perspective and anatomy before distorting them, a writer needs to know why a rule exists before choosing to ignore it.
For example, sentence fragments are generally frowned upon in formal writing because they don’t provide a complete thought:
“Running down the street.”
But when used intentionally, fragments can create emphasis, build suspense, or mimic natural speech. Take this:
“The car roared past, inches away. Too close. Far too close.”
Here, the fragment works to add intensity, creating a sense of urgency. The effect only works because the writer understands the rule (and why it would normally be “incorrect”) before bending it to fit the mood they’re aiming to convey.
When—and How—to Break Grammar Rules
Here are some of the key moments when bending or breaking the rules of grammar can work to your advantage:
To create impact: Short, fragmented sentences can pack a punch when you want to make a point quickly. Instead of a long, winding sentence, sometimes it’s better to cut to the chase.
Example: “Simple. Easy. Done.”
To reflect natural speech: Real people don’t always talk in perfect sentences. To create authentic dialogue or to mirror how people speak in real life, a little grammar bending can help.
Example: “I mean, sure, but… really?”
To establish tone: If you want to be conversational, fun, or edgy, some rules can go out the window. Breaking grammar norms can create a more approachable voice.
Example: “C’mon. You know you want it.”
To surprise the reader: Sometimes breaking the rules in an unexpected way can surprise or even delight the reader. When done with intention, it can add a creative twist to the copy.
Example: “Life’s short. Make it sweet. Or not. Your call.”
sum total: Grammar is the Foundation—But Know When to Bend It
Grammar is often compared to maths for a reason—it’s the framework that ensures language works. But just as in maths, once you understand the rules, you can get creative.
You can break them. You can turn language into art.
Grammar is evolving, just like we are. And as we embrace the changing ways we communicate, we should never forget that understanding the rules gives us the freedom to break them with purpose. Whether it’s a conversational tone in a product description or an unconventional sentence in a novel, breaking the rules can be just as important as following them—if you know how to do it well.
So, next time you’re writing, remember: be smart about your grammar.
Learn the rules, understand their purpose, and then, when it feels right, feel free to break them. Because sometimes, the most powerful sentence is the one that dares to bend the rules.
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