There are a few reasons why some people write without following standard grammar conventions, using abbreviations like “yr” or “gr8”, and jumping between topics without clear sentence structure.
- Informal Contexts: In casual settings like texting, social media, or online forums, people often prioritise speed and convenience over grammatical accuracy. Abbreviations and shortcuts save time, and there’s less emphasis on formal writing rules.
- Texting Culture: Mobile phone texting and early internet communications, such as chat rooms and instant messaging, shaped a style of writing focused on brevity. Character limits in early text messages encouraged abbreviations and shorthand.
- Expressiveness: Some people use non-standard writing to reflect personality, tone, or creativity. Abbreviations, emojis, and fragmented thoughts can give the writing a casual, conversational tone, mimicking the way people speak in informal contexts.
- Cultural Influence: Certain subcultures, especially younger generations, use shorthand and abbreviations as a form of identity or group belonging. Writing styles that break grammatical conventions can signal membership in these groups.
- Attention Span: Some may write in fragmented, stream-of-consciousness styles because it reflects how they think or interact with media. Social media, where short posts are standard, also rewards concise, punchy communication, often at the expense of traditional structure.
- Cognitive Differences: For some people, especially those with conditions like ADHD or dyslexia, writing that jumps between subjects or avoids standard grammar might reflect their natural thought patterns. In these cases, non-linear or fragmented writing may be easier or feel more natural.
These deviations often happen in less formal contexts, where clarity and correctness aren’t prioritised. However, in academic, professional, or serious writing, these habits tend to be avoided because they can hinder clear communication.