Break outdated writing rules

- Yes, you're right. Writing rules have changed since you were in school. You are not just imagining it. When you were a kid, a teacher may have scolded you for using an exclamation mark in an expository essay, but these days, people use multiple exclamation marks within a single business email. So yes, the rules for writing correctly have changed. Of course, writing in plain language doesn't mean you must break the rules, not at all, but when you write in plain language, you focus on helping your reader understand and use what you've written. So plain language writing should sound natural. You'll probably break a few rules along the way. In fact, here are four outdated writing rules you can let go of. Plain language writers don't hold fast to these rules anymore, and neither should you. Outdated rule number one. Elegant variation. Elegant variation is the writer's intentional use of synonyms to give their writing variety. A teacher in your past may have marked up your draft saying don't call it the blue sky every time, use elegant variation and call it the azure firmament once, and the indigo heavens next. Well, variation for variation sake ends up being annoying at best and confusing at worst. In plain language writing, we would never arbitrarily substitute a term just to keep a sentence fresh. Let's say you work for a healthcare company and you were writing web content that explains how to choose a doctor. Imagine how confused people would be if you referred to choosing a doctor, a healer, a healthcare provider and a physician. Elegant variation isn't elegant, it's outdated and confusing. Outdated rule number two. Never begin a sentence with the word but, and or any other conjunction. That used to be a hard and fast rule, but not anymore. It's acceptable now to write sentences like these. In the world of plain language, the second sentence is grammatically acceptable, and starting with the word but puts a fresh, sharp emphasis on the costs of waiting to save. Outdated rule number three. Never end a sentence with a preposition. In the past, people were taught it was always wrong to end a sentence with a preposition like upon, so to avoid doing that, they'd write contorted sentences like this one. No one talks like that and writing that way sounds forced. Plain language writing shouldn't be forced. These days, most plain language writers agree it's okay to end a sentence with a preposition. Does ending with upon bother you in this sentence? No, me either. Outdated rule number four. Never use contractions in business writing. This grammar rule is as outdated as the fashion rule always match your belt to your shoes. Contractions are only slightly less formal than the full form of the verb. You are not slouching if you use can't instead of cannot. In fact, using contractions makes your writing sound more natural, more conversational, which in turn makes it easier for readers to engage with the points you're making. Download the handout and learn more about which rules are in and which are out. Yes, there are tons of rules for writing correctly that are still firmly in place like start sentences with a capital letter, make sure the subject and verb agree, and avoid misplaced modifiers. Plain language follows those rules. Remember, we're talking modernization of rules here, not a complete insurrection.