Chao- When writing fan fics, some writers use programs like Microsoft Word or Works. Some programs come with tools that pick up misspelled or misused words. Sometimes writers only type what sounds correct through their ears. But what if the program is insistent of what you have is incorrect? Consider this line from Chao's YGO fan fic Offspring of Heroes, Chapter 11. Trouble in the Woods Part 2:
What was most peculiar about the bear were the gold chains wrapped around it.
Chao- Microsoft Word had insisted that this should be types as:
What were most peculiar about the bear were the gold chains wrapped around it.
Chao- Which is correct? Chao had asked an English professor at school, and she had said the first line was correct in grammatical purposes. Word does do a good job at catching lines that are not grammatically correct, but it is not always accurate. In this case, the teacher had explained that Word does not pick up well in long clauses. What was also troublesome was having the two to be verbs, was and were.
YChao- Since you mentioned this before the start class, did other students give their feedback?
Chao- Yeah, and some had asked why not rearrange the sentence to saying: "The gold chains were peculiar..."
YChao- You probably wouldn't have run into such a problem and confusion if you had taken their advice. So why go with your first choice?
Chao- Because there was a purpose in mind. Before that line, the bear was already established to be normal, a toy bear wearing human clothing. Authors can work around grammar if they have a purpose in mind. If someone asked you why you wrote a line in a certain manner, you'll need a good reason.
YChao- They can't reply with an "I don't know?" argument?
Chao- Nope. Ignorance of rules is not art. In this case, it was to show just how unnatural the chains were. Whether it's Word or another person's suggestion, if you as a writer have an idea set, then go for it. Otherwise, see if what you have is an honest mistake and try using the grammatically correct sentence/phrase/clause. You may see that the grammatically correct choice has a clearer message. You can work around it if you want something to be seen strong or you are making a point. (But this is for fictional and creative nonfiction pieces. You should probably not try this for academic papers unless your teacher allows it.)
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