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Don't Forget These Rules for Writers

© Barb Alexander

• Remember to never split an infinitive.

• The passive voice should never be used.

• Do not put statements in the negative form.

• Verbs have to agree with their subjects.

• Proofread carefully to see if you words out.

• If you reread your work, you can find on rereading a great deal of repetition can be by rereading and editing.

• A writer must not shift your point of view.

• And don't start a sentence with a conjunction. (Remember, too, a preposition is a terrible word to end a sentence with.)

• Don't overuse exclamation marks!!

• Place pronouns as close as possible, especially in long sentences, as of 10 or more words, to their antecedents.

• Writing carefully, dangling participles must be avoided.

• If any word is improper at the end of a sentence, a linking verb is.

• Take the bull by the hand and avoid mixing metaphors.

• Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.

• Everyone should be careful to use a singular pronoun with singular nouns in their writing.

• Always pick on the correct idiom.

• The adverb always follows the verb.

• Last but not least, avoid cliches like the plague; seek viable alternatives.

-Have any questions about these clever reminders? (In other words, are you thinking "But I don't understand why the second item is supposed to be funny!")? Post in discussions on this article, or e-mail me!

Note: The above set of "rules" is not a Barb Alexander original. It has been seen in various places, for quite some time. I printed it here to share with you.

The copyright of the article Don't Forget These Rules for Writers in English Grammar is owned by Barb Alexander. Permission to republish Don't Forget These Rules for Writers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.