COMMON WRITING MISTAKES
Correct writing is important. Below are some of the common writing mistakes that I see.
A comma follows an introductory clause.
When beginning a sentence with an introductory clause, follow it by a comma. (As in the prior sentence) An introductory clause starts with:
· Although
· After
· Since
· When
· So that
· Whenever
· As
· Supposing
· Where
· Because
· Than
· Whereas
· Before
· That
· Wherever
· But that
· Though
· Whether
· If
· Though
· Which
· In order that
· Till
· While
· Lest
· Unless
· Who
· No matter
· Until
· Why
· How
· What
· Even though
Who vs. That
“Who” is used for people. “That” is used for things.
Incorrect: The student that turned in this paper is John.
Correct: The student who turned in this paper is John.
Using a colon
A colon is used to denote the start of a list. It is never used after a form of the verb “to be.”
Incorrect: The things that are to be brought are: pens, paper, eraser, and a ruler.
Correct: The things that are to be brought are pens, paper, eraser, and a ruler.
Incorrect: Please be sure you have the following items pens, paper, eraser, and a ruler.
Correct Please be sure you have the following items: pens, paper, eraser, and a ruler.
Homonyms
Be sure to use the correct homonym. The following are those commonly misused.
Do, due
To, too, two
Your, you’re
There, their
While not a homonym, “weather” is often used instead of “whether.”
Use of apostrophe
An apostrophe is used to denote possession. Plus the placement of the apostrophe determines whether one is referring to a singular noun or a plural noun.
Singular noun: This is the student’s desk.
Plural noun: These are the students’ desks.
An apostrophe is also used in contractions such as “it’s” for “it is.”
Correct: It’s a girl!
Incorrect: Its a girl!
Agreement of Nouns and Pronouns
As a pronoun takes the place of a noun, it needs to agree with the noun. If the noun is plural, the pronoun must also be plural. If the noun is singular, the pronoun must also be singular.
Correct: The student is in the band. He/she plays the trumpet.
Incorrect: The student is in the band. They play the trumpet.
However and Therefore
However and therefore are preceded by a semicolon and following by a comma.
Correct: I like cake; however, today I will have pie.
Correct: I think; therefore, I am.
Incorrect: I think. Therefore I am.