Breaking Writing Rules: How to Make Your Content More Human Than AI

AI-generated content is errywhere. Which means that the ability to write with a distinctly human voice has never been more valuable. While artificial intelligence is good at following grammatical rules and conventions, true human creativity shines in knowing exactly when—and how—to break these rules. Spoiler alert - you can break the rules a lot. Like I just did using an n-dash where previously I had used an m-dash. Take that, bots.

Let's explore the art of rule-breaking in writing and discover how it can set your content apart from AI-generated text.

The Power of Sentence Fragments

Remember those incomplete sentences your English teacher religiously marked in red? Turns out they're not always wrong. In fact, sentence fragments can be incredibly powerful tools in your writing arsenal. While AI consistently produces grammatically complete sentences, humans naturally think and speak in fragments. Using fragments strategically can:

• Create compelling rhythm in your writing by varying sentence structure and length, keeping readers engaged through dynamic pacing that mirrors natural thought patterns
• Build tension through short, punchy phrases that grab attention and emphasize key points without unnecessary verbal flourish
• Establish a more authentic voice that resonates with readers by reflecting how people actually think and communicate

Starting Sentences with Conjunctions

But what about starting sentences with "and" or "but"? And why does it matter? Breaking this traditional rule can transform your writing from rigid to conversational. While AI tends to maintain strict grammatical correctness, starting sentences with conjunctions:

• Creates natural transitions between ideas that flow more smoothly than formal alternatives
• Establishes a conversational tone that draws readers in and maintains their interest
• Reflects authentic human speech patterns that make your content more relatable and engaging

Creative Punctuation: Beyond Periods and Commas

Punctuation isn't just about following rules—it's about controlling the rhythm and flow of your writing. While AI typically sticks to basic punctuation marks, human writers can leverage a broader range of options:

• Em dashes create dramatic pauses—drawing attention to key points
• Ellipses build suspense... keeping readers on the edge of their seats
• Strategic use of exclamation points adds emphasis (but use them sparingly!)

Breaking the Fourth Wall

One of the most powerful techniques that AI struggles to replicate is breaking the fourth wall—directly addressing your reader. Yes, you reading this right now. This approach:

• Creates immediate intimacy with your audience
• Makes readers feel personally invested in your content
• Establishes a two-way conversation rather than a one-sided lecture

The Art of Tense Mixing

Traditional writing rules dictate consistency in tense, but strategic tense mixing can create dynamic narratives that capture various temporal perspectives. While she walks into the room, she had always hated this place, but tomorrow will be different. This technique:

• Adds depth and dimension to your narrative
• Creates interesting temporal layering
• Helps emphasize different aspects of your story or message

Advanced Rule-Breaking Techniques

Want to upgrade to bigger, better methods? Read on.

Portmanteaus and Word Creation

Following in Shakespeare's footsteps (who gave us words like "eyeball" and "bedroom"), modern writers can create powerful portmanteaus that combine existing words into new ones. Think "brunch" or "hangry"—these linguistic innovations add uniqueness to your writing that AI cannot replicate.

Perspective Shifting

While AI maintains consistent perspective, human writers can skillfully navigate between first, second, and third person perspectives to create engaging and dynamic content. This technique allows you to:

• Draw readers in with intimate first-person narratives
• Create immediate connection through second-person address
• Provide broader context with third-person perspective

Creative Formatting

Don't be afraid to experiment with formatting to enhance your message:

• SUDDEN CAPS for emphasis
• Unique line breaks for dramatic effect
• Mixed fonts for visual impact (when appropriate)

Nonsense Words and Onomatopoeia

From Lewis Carroll's "brillig" and "slithy toves" to comic book "BAMs" and "POWs," creative use of made-up words and sound effects can add texture and personality to your writing that AI simply cannot match.

Strategic Mixed Metaphors

While mixing metaphors is traditionally discouraged, intentionally combining incompatible metaphors can create memorable and impactful phrases. He might not be the sharpest cookie in the drawer, but your readers will remember it.

Implementing Rule-Breaking in Your Writing

The key to effective rule-breaking isn't randomness—it's intentionality. Here's how to get started:

1. Understand the rules before you break them
2. Choose specific rules to break based on your desired effect
3. Test your rule-breaking content with real readers
4. Refine your approach based on feedback

Beyond Basic Rule-Breaking

To truly elevate your writing above AI-generated content, consider incorporating these advanced elements:

• Poetic devices in marketing copy (without forcing rhymes)
• Storytelling techniques that create emotional connections
• Strategic use of "bad" writing for impact and memorability

Your Voice Wins

In a world increasingly populated by AI-generated content, the ability to write with authentic human voice becomes a powerful differentiator. By understanding and strategically breaking writing rules, you can create content that resonates on a deeper level with your audience. Remember, these rules aren't commandments—they're guidelines waiting to be creatively bent or broken in service of more engaging, more human writing.

The next time you sit down to write, challenge yourself to break at least three grammar or convention rules intentionally. Make your writing weird, jarring, and uniquely human. Because that's something AI just can't replicate—yet.

Check out this whole course on my YouTube (FREE) and click here to download the worksheets (ALSO FREE).