Hot take: learning grammar rules is a waste of time for most writers

I spent three years trying to memorize comma rules and verb tenses from books, and my writing stayed stiff and boring. Then I just started reading pulp novels out loud for 20 minutes a day and my sentences started flowing naturally. Has anyone else found that skipping the formal stuff and just copying good rhythm works better?

2 comments

2 Comments

grace_hunt8416d ago

Copying FROM pulp novels is Actually a great way to learn sentence flow.

rayy8316d ago

My own attempt at the grammar route lasted about two Wednesdays before I gave up. I bought a handbook, highlighted half of it, then used it as a coaster. Reading cheap crime novels out loud worked better for me too, and now I accidentally use words like "dame" in emails to my boss. It's not pretty, but at least my sentences don't feel like they're wearing a suit that's too tight anymore.