5 Common Grammar Myths

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Here is a list of 5 grammar rules you probably learned in school that aren't actually true. 

1. A is used before consonants and an is used before vowels. While this works in most cases, the rule is actually that you use a before words that begin with a consonant sound and an before words that begin with a vowel sound. That's why you would say someone has an MA—because the pronunciation of the word starts with the e sound. 

2. You can't begin a sentence with but, so, or and. You were probably taught in school that you should begin sentences with a conjunction. But it's not a rule recognized by any grammar authority, just a widespread myth.

3. You shouldnt begin a sentence with because. This is another widespread myth without any actual rule. As long as the sentence has a complete idea, you're good! 

4. Run-on sentences are just long sentences. This isn't true, the actual definition of a run-on sentence is one that contains two complete sentences that aren't separated by punctuation. 

5. I.e. and e.g. are the same thing. I.e. actually means "in other words" and e.g. means "for example." A lot of people think i.e. means in example, and it helps that the letters line up. But these are actually abbreviations for Latin phrases and not English ones.