Many so-called rules of writing should be used as guidelines or suggestions, particularly if adhering to the rule creates monstrous sentence structures.
For example, many of us know the "rule" that you shouldn't end a sentence with a preposition. This is a situation up of which I will not put.
William Safire, the late columnist and language expert offered the following "rules" for writing:
1. Remember to never split an infinitive.
2. Take the ball by the hand and never mix metaphors.
3. Proofread carefully to see if you words out.
4. Avoid cliches like the plague.
5. Don't overuse exclamation points!
And my favorite:
6. Never use a large word when a diminutive word will do.
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