Why Some Writers "Break" Rules:
* Emphasis and Impact: Deliberate grammatical errors can create emphasis or highlight a specific feeling. For instance, using a fragment for a dramatic effect, or using incorrect grammar to show a character's lack of education.
* Voice and Style: A writer's voice and style are unique. Sometimes, breaking rules can be a signature of their style, contributing to their overall identity as a writer. Think of Hemingway's short, impactful sentences.
* Realism and Authenticity: In dialogue, using slang or informal language, even if grammatically incorrect, can make characters more realistic and relatable.
* Experimental Writing: Some genres, like poetry or avant-garde literature, experiment with language and form, and breaking rules is part of the artistic process.
Important Considerations:
* Purposeful vs. Careless: The distinction is crucial. A deliberate grammatical "error" for artistic effect is different from simply not knowing the rules.
* Context Matters: Breaking rules should be done intentionally and serve a purpose. It shouldn't be a default choice or just because you think it sounds cool.
* Audience and Genre: Breaking rules might be appropriate in certain genres or for certain audiences, but not in others. A formal essay should follow conventional grammar more closely than a casual blog post.
Examples:
* Hemingway: Famous for his short, simple sentences, he sometimes breaks grammar rules for emphasis and impact.
* Mark Twain: Used vernacular and dialect to capture the voice of his characters, sometimes breaking standard grammar.
* Toni Morrison: Employed fragmented sentences to create a sense of immediacy and emotional intensity.
In Conclusion:
It's not about blindly breaking rules. It's about understanding them deeply and then making a conscious decision to use them or break them for artistic effect. The goal is to improve communication, not undermine it. A truly great writer, even when "breaking" rules, ultimately strives to create clear, impactful, and engaging writing.