You probably have learned in language that sometimes the rules aren’t always clearly defined. The same can certainly be said of language usage in the TOEFL. Sometimes there are what we call “Gray Areas,” meaning the rules aren’t as clearly defined as you’d like. Below are what I’d say those areas are.<\/p>\n
<\/b>Contractions (don\u2019t, it\u2019s, and I\u2019m, for example) are a frustrating thing. We use them all the time, but as a general rule, not in writing. Of course, in informal writing, we use them all the time\u2014just check out any of these blog posts or any modern novel. But in an academic or professional context, contractions can make you seem flippant, blas\u00e9, and even uneducated. They have the same effect on the TOEFL essays, so avoid them then. In the speaking section, however, avoiding contractions will make you sound too correct, and the rhythm and fluency of your language will suffer. So although you want to stick to formal English in your essays, try to speak as naturally as possible. As long as you use them properly, colloquialisms like informal transitions (\u201cI mean\u2026,\u201d for example) and contractions will not hurt you in the speaking section.<\/p>\n
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Unlike in many languages, English infinitives are made of two words: \u201cto\u201d and a verb stem, such as \u201crun\u201d or \u201ceat\u201d or \u201cquibble.\u201d Many grammar teachers say that it\u2019s incorrect to split the infinitive\u2014that is, to add an adverb between \u201cto\u201d and the verb stem. Such people tremble at sentences like this: \u201cI hate to rudely<\/b> interrupt you, but your grammar is atrocious.\u201d They would put \u201crudely\u201d after \u201cyou\u201d so that \u201cto interrupt\u201d remains intact. Fortunately-unfortunately, the ban on split infinitives is basically bogus. In a nutshell, it derives from the fact that in Latin, infinitives are made of a single word, and therefore cannot be split. Way back when, some people thought that correct English should resemble Latin as closely as possible, an idea that most grammarians today find ridiculous on more than one level. Nonetheless, some people still swear by the rule. So what do you do? When possible, err on the side of caution by avoiding split infinitives on the TOEFL; in other facets of life (there\u2019s life outside of the TOEFL!), split to your heart\u2019s content.<\/p>\n
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Like split infinitives, the topics of starting sentences with conjunctions (but, or, and, so) and ending with prepositions (about, over, for) are hotly contested. I\u2019ll go ahead and nip the first one in the bud: on the TOEFL, avoid starting sentences with conjunctions. Although it\u2019s not a mechanical crime, if you do it repeatedly on the test, it may begin to affect your score. The issue of prepositions is a little trickier, although I\u2019d likely give you the same advice for that.<\/p>\n
Winston Churchill is (probably illegitimately<\/a>) known for performing great gymnastic feats in order to avoid prepositions at the ends of his sentences. A well-known (but not necessarily true) quotation has him reacting to the absurdity of the very rule we\u2019re discussing: \u201cThat\u2019s a rule up with which I will not put.\u201d Back up and read it again. And again. \u201cThat\u2019s something I won\u2019t put up with.\u201d Wasn\u2019t that easier? When you\u2019re being graded on your grammar, avoid putting your prepositions at the ends of your sentences simply because you don\u2019t know the preferences of your raters. If, however, you find yourself in a sticky spot, know that ending with a preposition doesn\u2019t break a cardinal rule<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Don\u2019t get so caught up in grammatical nuances that you forget to communicate. It\u2019s far better to turn in a well-thought-out essay that clearly makes an argument despite some mechanical problems than to submit beautifully-crafted drivel. Focus on making your point, and if you find yourself in a quandary about usage, either circumlocute or choose the variant that will make your reader\u2019s life as easy as possible, even if it requires bending a minor rule of mechanics.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" You probably have learned in language that sometimes the rules aren’t always clearly defined. The same can certainly be said of language usage in the TOEFL. Sometimes there are what we call “Gray Areas,” meaning the rules aren’t as clearly defined as you’d like. Below are what I’d say those areas are. Can I use […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":47,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13603],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[13632],"class_list":["post-141","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-grammar"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nCommunication comes first<\/h2>\n