9 Errors of style that writers should avoid
sentence structure
Before we get to dive into the most common errors of style, we will explain sentence structure and types. So, what is a sentence ?
It is a sequence of words that describe a thought; it contains subject (noun, pronoun, gerund, imperative) and predicate. A predicate is a verb and all that follows. Sentences are made of clauses, and we have two types of clauses: independent and dependent.
Independent clause structure is: subject + verb + full meaning, for example:
I love my city (its independent clause that explains what I mean)
Dependent clause structure is: subject + verb + not full meaning, and usually clauses that start with: when, where, that, or FANBOYS are dependent, for example: because I need that. (No full meaning).
Types of sentences
Simple sentences:
and it has only one clause (independent clause).
For example, I play chess, I love my country,
Compound sentences:
It has two independent clauses.
For example, I went home, but my brother went to the party.
Complex sentence:
It contains an independent clause (one at least) and a dependent clause (one at least joined together by a conjunction). When the dependent clause comes first, we use a comma to separate it from the independent clause. Ex: Because I failed my exams, I studied the lectures again.
I will call you when I finish writing.
Although the exam was hard, she managed to pass it.
Compound complex sentence:
Dependent clause (one or more) + independent clause (two or more), so it has at least three sentences joined together by a conjunction or semicolon.
Coordinating conjunctions
Previously, we used “but” to connect sentences together, and it is called coordinating conjunction. There are other coordinating conjunctions that we can use, which are (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), and it’s called "FANBOYS.”.
For: It is a synonym for “because” to show a reason or purpose. Ex: I want to go to my friend’s house, for it’s his birthday.
We use 'And' to connect two sentences that are grammatically equal. Ex: I studied and revised for my exam.
Nor: We use it with negation, and it is considered a negative conjunction. Ex: I stayed and never complained again, nor did I regret it.
But to connect contrasting ideas with each other, add information and an exception. Ex: I was mad, but I managed to stay calm.
Or: to introduce alternatives or choices. Ex: say the truth or stay silent.
Yet is similar to "but,” and it is a synonym for nevertheless and still; it is used to contrast an idea. Ex: He said he would help me, yet he didn’t show up.
So: to explain the reason why something has been done (reasoning). Ex: I had nothing to do, so I called my friend.
Nor, but and so is preceded by a comma.
PS: We can also use a semicolon instead of the coordinator's conjunction. EX: The party was amazing; everyone is talking about it.
Errors of style
The English language is renowned for its simplicity. Hence, it is important to write as simple sentences as possible. Here are some errors that make the sentence clumsy, and we should avoid them.
Basically, it is a long sentence that contains a lot of independent sentences, usually joined together with an “and” or "but." Writers have this problem when they try to write like they speak.
EX: I went to the grocery shop and I wanted to buy something, but I forgot what it was, so I called my mother.
Revised: I went to the grocery shop to buy something. I forgot what it is, so I called my mother.
Which are series of very simple sentences, so it feels “choppy” to read. Writers fall into this trap when they try to avoid grammatical mistakes. Ex: I love chess. Chess is cool. I play chess most of the time.
Revised: I love chess because chess is cool and I play it most of the time.
Which means using too many words that have the same meaning to fill the space. Ex1:
A number of teammates were on the same page. Several teammates were on the same page.
Ex2: All of the students who are new to this school are required to attend a meeting that has been scheduled for Friday the 22nd of September.
Revised: New students are required to attend a meeting on Friday, 22nd of September.
A sentence fragment is a sentence that is missing a verb or a subject. Ex: because of the rain (uncompleted sentence)
Revised: Because of the rain, the class was cancelled.
A phrase placed awkwardly in a sentence so it appears to modify an unintended word.
Ex: My dad bought shoes for my sister with wheels.
This sentence implies that the sister is the one with wheels.
Revised: My dad bought shoes with wheels for my sister.
Both terms refer to modifiers that are connected to the wrong thing in a sentence. The difference is that in the misplaced modifier the modifier exists but in the wrong place, but in the dangling participle there is no subject to modify. Ex: laughing loudly, the movie was over.
The movie can’t be the one who is laughing loudly, so this is a dangling modifier.
Correction: I was laughing loudly; the movie was over.
A run-on sentence is contained of two or more independent clauses that are not joined together correctly. Ex: I hate this game. It is boring.
Correction: I hate this game because it is boring.
When independent clauses come together, it is not strong enough to connect them with a comma. We can fix this by using a conjunction, changing the comma to a semicolon, or making a separate sentence. Ex: The clouds were dark; we thought it would rain.
Correction: the clouds were dark; we thought it would rain.
Ex2: Tom read the novel; his friend saw the movie.
Correction: Tom read the novel. His friend saw the movie.
Lack of parallel structure can make the sentence sound clunky and uneven. Ex1: George is always singing, drumming, or he will play the guitar.
Correction: George is always singing, drumming, or playing the guitar.
Ex2: Is it our thoughts or what we do that matter?
Correction: Is it our thoughts or our actions that matter?
?