Most Common Writing Mistakes
Top ranked error is a comma splice which results when a comma is mistakenly placed between two independent clauses that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction. (If the comma is omitted, the error is called a run-on sentence.
Comma splices and run-on sentences may be corrected in five principal ways:
- Use a period. Write two sentences.
- Use a semicolon.
- Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, or, nor, but, for, so, and yet).
- Make one of the clauses dependent (subordinate), and use a subordinating conjunction such as after, although, because, before, if, since, though, unless, until, when, where, and while.
- Reduce one of the independent clauses to a phrase or even a single word.
A common student error is placing a comma between two verbs. Do not separate compound verbs with commas (correct: "Sam cycled and then swam.") Do separate full, independent clauses when joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, or, not, but, for, so, and yet. (correct: "I want to eat dinner, but I should work out first.
Typographically, a semicolon is part comma, part period, and it does indeed function as a strong comma or as a weak period. It can never function as a colon. As a strong comma, it can be used to provide strong separation of two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (normally, a comma provides this separation) or to separate a series of phrases or clauses with internal commas.
As a weak period, the semicolon joins independent statements that the writer wishes to bring together more closely than a period allows. Use a semicolon also before a conjunctive adverb (that is, a transitional word such as consequently, furthermore, however, moreover, nevertheless, therefore) connecting independent clauses, and put a comma after the conjunctive adverb. Students tend to overuse semicolons, which have specific, limited functions.
A fragment is a part of a sentence set off as if it were a complete sentence. A sentence fragment is often an afterthought that really is an explanation or other addition to the previous sentence. With appropriate punctuation, a fragment can usually be connected to the previous sentence.
A modifier should appear close to the word it modifies (that is, describes or qualifies). If the modifier seems to modify the wrong word, it is called misplaced. Misplaced modifiers are often funny ("Orwell shot the elephant under pressure.") If the term it should modify appears nowhere in the sentence, the modifier is called dangling.
Avoid overuse of nouns as modifiers. We often use one noun to modify another, especially in the absence of an appropriate adjective form. Carefully conceived, such constructions can be both clear and concise ("child care center"). But overuse of nouns to modify other nouns can lead to awkward or confusing constructions, so keep two principles in mind. First, whenever possible, use a possessive or an adjective as a modifier. Second, use only short nouns as modifiers and use them only in sequences of no more than two or three words.
The following pairs of words are often confused by students. Here, are examples of the words:
Affect - Effect
Farther - Further
Less - Fewer
Between - Among
Which - That
Since - Because
Parts have been taken directly from the following two sources (mostly from the first):
Barnet, S., & M. Stubbs. 1980. Practical guide to writing. Little, Brown and Co., Boston.
Fowler, H.R. 1983. The Little, Brown Handbook. Little, Brown and Co., Boston
Knobull suggests added details at:
https://www.hamilton.edu/academics/centers/writing/writing-resources/common-writing-mistakes