When it's GENERALLY not acceptable to break grammar rules:
* Formal writing: Academic papers, legal documents, business reports, etc. Clarity and precision are paramount.
* Professional communication: Emails to clients, business proposals, resumes. You want to project professionalism and competence.
* When addressing someone you don't know well: Maintaining proper grammar shows respect.
When it MIGHT be acceptable to break grammar rules:
* Informal writing: Personal emails, social media posts, texts. You can be more relaxed and conversational.
* Creative writing: Poetry, fiction, etc. Writers sometimes break grammar rules for artistic effect, emphasizing rhythm, sound, or tone.
* To emphasize a point: A deliberate grammatical error can highlight a message, like using "ain't" to create a specific tone.
Key considerations:
* Audience: Who are you communicating with? Their expectations matter.
* Purpose: What are you trying to achieve with your writing?
* Context: Where and when is the communication happening?
Important Note: Breaking grammar rules should be done with intention, not out of ignorance. It's still important to understand the rules in order to break them effectively.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to break a grammar rule is a matter of judgment. Consider the context, your audience, and your purpose. Always aim for clarity, and if you're unsure, err on the side of caution.