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Lies your English teacher told you

Lie #1: Never split an infinitive.

An infinitive is the basic form of a verb (for example, to run or to write). Infinitives are split when an adverb is placed between the two words. A famous example is Captain Kirk’s “…to boldly go where no man has gone before”. It’s important to listen to the flow of your sentence when considering whether or not to split infinitives. Sometimes the adverb needs emphasis, or it just wouldn’t work anywhere else in the sentence. But never split infinitives if it could cause confusion or alter the sentence's meaning.

Lie #2: Never begin a sentence with a conjunction.

A conjunction is a word used to link sentences, clauses or phrases (for example, and, but, for, nor, or, so, and yet). I admit that it’s not the best idea to begin too many sentences with conjunctions. But every now and then it is perfectly acceptable, perhaps even preferable. Conjunctions can be used to create a smoother transition between sentences, or to add a dramatic tone. Just make sure you use them sparingly otherwise your writing will sound fragmented and lifeless.

Lie #3: Never end a sentence with a preposition.

A preposition is a word used to link a verb, noun or adjective to a noun or pronoun (for example, with, by, on, in, at, to, and about). You should avoid ending sentences with prepositions in formal writing such as academic papers and business proposals. But I promise the world won’t end if you send a text to your mum asking “Which café are we going to?”. Just ensure the prepositions are absolutely necessary. Don’t say “Where are you at?” when you can simply say “Where are you?”.

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