There are always some of the lucky few that have a natural feel for grammar and the other rules. Others don't. Luckily, grammar is an easy (if repetitive and tedious) fix once you have an idea of the rule.
However, because there are so many rules, I'm not going to go into them today. Rather, I will refer you to this lovely lady.
Lucy is also doing the A to Z Challenge and her theme this year is Writing Conventions. Each letter deals with a specific grammar or writing rule.
I also suggest you go check out Grammargirl. She probably has every single thing to know about grammar on her site.
But before you turn yourself into a grammar nazi, remember that the prerogative is still yours. If you want to break a grammar rule for a reason, do it. As long as it works stylistically (ask crits and betas) and the reason isn't because you're too lazy to fix the mistakes.
So what about you? Grammar Nazi, or Grammar Hippie? Or somewhere in between? Have you ever experimented with breaking grammar rules? How did it work out?
I try to stick to the rules if I can, but even after writing for so long, there are rules I still need to learn!
ReplyDeleteHaving found the rules to be totally confusing, I'm probably a bit of a Grammar Hippie.
ReplyDeleteTo be unique is to break the established rules!
ReplyDeleteI'm a definite grammar hippie. When I critique in my writers' group, I tend to focus on the plot and story and leave the line edits to those who are more qualified.
ReplyDeleteI don't feel bad about it, as a writer I value both types of feedback.
I picked up grammar rules from reading, I think. I probably break a few, though. Good recommendations!
ReplyDeleteI am definitely not a grammer nazi.
ReplyDeleteI try to stick to the basic grammar rules. Definitely not a rule breaker for sure :)
ReplyDeleteSomewhere in between, although I don't try to break the rules.
ReplyDeleteI don't have trouble with grammar until you ask me to define the rules--I think I know most of the basic stuff and how to use it, but all the different kinds of words throw me for a loop.
ReplyDeleteYeah, somewhere in between. Seems when I cultivated my "voice" I broke some of the rules.
ReplyDeletegrammer drives me crazy some times, If im typing a story and that silly green squiggly line pops up all for a meant missed comma or the wrong their/there i loose my focus cos i just have to fix it.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of the lucky ones. I probably break the rules sometimes, but only when I want my work to flow a particular way.
ReplyDeletei snub grammar in notes and comments but cant stand errors in letters and documents. writing depends on the voice, but majority of time i follow rules there =)
ReplyDeleteStopping by on the A-Z Challenge. I love grammar, but it's also OK to break grammar rules as long as you know them and have a reason :)
ReplyDeleteI'm in between. Certain things will stick out and drive me crazy until I fix them. But, in dialogue, I'll break the rules if I need to.
ReplyDeleteI prefer Grammar Diva.
ReplyDeleteI'm visiting on the A to Z Challenge. I wish more people used proper grammar. It seems outdated sometimes,thought, in every day conversation. Our English teacher stressed proper grammar and I think some of the kids used really bad grammar just to annoy her. I can still remember that...like nails down a chalkboard. I checked out your other posts and being am amateur photographer the sunset photo and the beautiful butterfly caught my eye. It's nice to meet you.
ReplyDeleteKathy at Oak Lawn Images
Just discovered your blog on A-Z and finding it very helpful. As regards to your question, I tend to lean towards the strict traditions of the grammar nazi but find myself from time to dipping into the other side. Some flashes I write are in stream of consciousness, so grammar gets thrown out the window.
ReplyDeleteI am a bit like Tara, when writing documents and letters etc., grammar is extemely important, at other times I take a little break.
ReplyDeleteI probably fall somewhere in between. Still have the MS out with betas so waiting to see what the verdict will be.
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm an eclectic mix. When writing serious nonfiction, I'm stringent about grammar rules. When writing fiction, I purposely break rules like crazy.
ReplyDeleteI want to scream when people consistently use improper grammar on a daily basis. It’s so prevalent online. I’m talking about basics we all learned in grade school like “Them was really good noodles” or “Me and Jane don’t have nothing to do.” Aarrgghh!
I continously pour over grammar books determined to learn all I can. I also read craft books which help determine where these grammar rules can be broken.
ReplyDeleteI relax my grammar on blog comments, but I try to get it right everywhere else!
ReplyDeleteI'm more of a grammar hippie than a grammar nazi, More so a novice writer than a professional editor ...
ReplyDeleteI learned English by seeing, not listening, which has helped me a lot, particularly with spelling. I know it is an impossible language to spell for some native-born. I grew up in Sweden and of all the languages we learned, I found English to be the easiest. I am a grammar hippie, but I think I usually get it right. And then there are the darned ;;;; that I have no idea where to place. Dropping in from the A to Z Challenge. Will visit the grammar ladies above.
ReplyDeleteI try to get it right. Thank you for the links to the Grammar queens, I'll be sure to visit.
ReplyDeleteMisha, thanks for posting, will definitely check Lucy and her tips out - I think I am somewhere in between:)
ReplyDeleteHmmm, guess I'm in the grammar nazi pot.
ReplyDeleteHey, great post!!! Nice blog and layout!! Keep up the good work!! You are invited to follow or check out my blog anytime!! Have a great day!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like the Grammar Hippies are winning. :-P
ReplyDeleteGrammar is quite important, it shows your writing proficiency
ReplyDelete