By Freddie Tubbs
Grammar and punctuation can be tricky subjects to master, even for the most experienced writers and editors. But they can make a huge difference in the impact your writing has and the authority you demand. If you’re highly knowledgeable about a topic, but the grammar is not spot-on, your credibility on the subject can suffer overall. Ensure you aren’t making these common writing mistakes by keeping a close eye out for them while editing.
Incorrect prepositions
Prepositions are those words used to describe the relationship between two words in a sentence, and they often confuse writers and editors. To the untrained eye, these errors may go unnoticed. But for someone with knowledge of their use, they will be picked up on immediately. If you’re unsure about which preposition to use, State of Writing can be an excellent resource to tap for some help.
Incorrect: Mary was unable to download her photos, because her phone wouldn’t connect with her computer.
Correct: Mary was unable to download her photos, because her phone wouldn’t connect to her computer.
Conjunction problems
Linking together words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence are words known as conjunctions. The main issue that is seen here is with inconsistent phrases being connected. There should be consistency throughout the sentence so that, even if the two phrases are swapped, the sentence still makes sense and flows. Check out Write my essay for quick and straightforward explanations of the different components of grammar and when to use the correct one. And, if you’re looking for some assistance with writing or editing, Best Australian Writers gives you some insight into the top ranked professional writing services online, so that you can better educate yourself before deciding which one to use.
Incorrect: Gerald played his guitar loudly and was passionate.
Correct: Gerald played his guitar loudly and passionately.
When to use E.g. vs. I.e
This is a fairly common mistake, although once you learn the differences, it should be an easy one to catch and fix. E.g. is an abbreviation for ‘exempli gratia’, which means ‘for example,’ while i.e. is short for ‘id est’ which, roughly translated from Latin means ‘that is’ or ‘in other words.’ E.g. should be used when you’re about to provide examples, and i.e. when you’re going to clarify information. If you’re putting together your resume and using these abbreviations, you’ll want some help from Dissertation service to make sure you’ve got the correct ones in place.
Incorrect: This event will attract many visitors, e.g., children, music lovers, and fun-seekers.
Correct: This event will attract many visitors, i.e., children, music lovers, and fun-seekers.
Appositives
When you’re adding in nouns, pronouns or phrases to clarify or add information to another component of your sentence that’s known as an appositive. When the sentence is still understood without the appositive it needs to be bookended by punctuation, usually in the form of commas but sometimes dashes or parentheses. But, if it’s necessary to have it in the sentence in order to make it coherent it does not need added punctuation. When you need added editing help, Elite Assignment Help can assist with any of your proofreading and copyediting needs.
Incorrect: The bedroom which was painted blue was decorated beautifully.
Correct: The bedroom, which was painted blue, was decorated beautifully.
Semicolons
Sandwiched between two related independent clauses should be a semicolon. Each sentence should be able to stand on its own but are closely related enough to justify semicolon use. A period or comma could potentially be used to replace a semicolon in most instances. In terms of citing references, sometimes the easiest route is to have them written for you, with the help of Cite It In.
Incorrect: The concert last night was unbelievable, I danced all night long!
Correct: The concert last night was unbelievable; I danced all night long!
Correct: The concert last night was unbelievable. I danced all night long!
The Oxford comma
Simply put, the Oxford comma is the comma placed before the last item in a list. There’s some debate about the use of this punctuation mark, but it does add some clarity to a sentence. When you’re unsure about the usage, the team at Grade on Fire can provide you with professional writing and editing assistance.
Incorrect: After winning his Grammy, Kanye West thanked his parents, God and Kim Kardashian.
Correct: After winning his Grammy, Kanye West thanked his parents, God, and Kim Kardashian.
Without the Oxford comma, the sentence implies that Kayne West’s parents are God and Kim Kardashian.
It’s important to take the time to properly review and edit any type of work you’re putting your name on. It leaves a good impression and keeps your credibility intact. Watch for these most commonly made mistakes when editing your work and ensure that you’re putting out the highest quality written pieces.
Freddie Tubbs is an eLearning project manager from Fort Myers, Florida. He works as a language researcher at UK Top Writers and is a contributing author at The Atlantic.
These are so good to review.
Thank you, Mr.Tubbs.
I am surprised the dangling participle did not make the list.
Super helpful Thanks.
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog.
Thank you for this advice! Really cleared up my confusion!
Reblogged this on Sharon E. Cathcart and commented:
It’s always nice to be reminded of this information.
Reblogged this on Plaisted Publishing and commented:
The six most Common Writing Mistakes missed during editing.
Thank you for posting these tips.Keep sharing.
All very useful information. Thank you.
Thanks for these very useful tips. I didn’t know about the Oxford Comma; I am now the wiser.
Thanks for this helpful information, 🙂 — Suzanne
Honest points. I learned, checking work from some other in a writing circle, every writer need as many more eye as they can get.
Useful post. As well as all the ones you listed, I find that typing “you” instead of “your” or “you’re” is very common, and people in the U.S. no longer seem to know the difference between possessives and plurals. It’s all too common to see signs advertising “orange’s” or talking about “knee’s.”
Reblogged this on TheKingsKidChronicles and commented:
Things we have forgotten since grammar school. A much needed refresher in the use of some forms of punctuation. Reblogged from https://kobowritinglife.com
Reblogged this on Stevie Turner, Indie Author. and commented:
Thanks to Freddie Tubbs for these commonly made writing mistakes.
Thanks so much. That’s very helpful information!
nice post
These are the most important tips! Thank you so much!
I got very important tips from that site.
Nice job
Useful post, It’s best to learn from other’s mistakes than to feel the urge to commit one by oneself & then think of learning. I think we’ve all made some of these mistakes to some degree or another.