Common Errors in Writing

• Sentence Fragment


  An incomplete sentence, either lacks a subject, verb, or both
• Dependent Clause


  Looks like complete sentences but does not express a complete thought, cannot stand on its own
• Run-on Sentence


  Two or more independent clauses are fused without proper punctuation or conjunction needed for the sentence to be grammatically correct
• Comma Splice


  Two independent clauses separated by a comma
• Ways to correct a comma splice

  1. Separate by using a period (.)

  2. Replace the comma with a semicolon

  3. Use subordinating conjunctions (i.e after, because, although, etc)

  4. Use coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS)
• Misplaced Modifiers


  Modify the wrong word in the sentence, can usually be corrected by moving the misplaced modifier to a more sensible place, generally next to the word it modifies
• Dangling Modifiers


  Occurs when the modified word is missing in the sentence, can be corrected by adding a doer or a word to be modified by the modifier
• Time expression


  i.e last night, tomorrow, etc
• Contraction


  Shortening words such as I am to I'm
• Gerund


  Words with -ing at the end
• Verb phrase

  Has + verb
• Split Construction


  Phrases in which a thought, interrupted by an intervening material, is to be completed later on in the sentence
• Splitting of an Infinitive


  One or more words separate the two parts of the infinitive: "to" and the base verb
• Infinitive Phrase

  To + verb
• Faulty Parallelism


  The lack of parallel structure, which creates sentences without a sense of balance
• Parallelism


  Similarity of form in words, phrases, or clauses that have similar functions in a sentence or paragraph
• Wordiness


  Taking more words than necessary to make your point which can take the form of redundant expressions or phrases
• Redundancy


  Superfluous repetition or overlapping of words, repetition, unnecessary words, use of meaningless jargon, and use of pompous sentences and phrases are the main culprits behind redundancy
• Sentence Fragment


  
  

  "The Yellow Paper", a story that conveys deep thoughts and emotions
• Run-on-Sentence

  I need a new tv, mine's broken
• Misplaced Modifier

  The small black lady's wallet was found on top of the refrigerator.
• Dangling Modifier

  While riding the bike to go the the library, the dog began barking
• Split Construction

  We expected the quiz to quickly end, but a few people wrote for almost fifteen minutes. 
• Split Construction

  I have, for several attempts, successfully transferred the files.
• Faulty Parallelism 


  Prewriting is important, as well as to free write and rewrite.
• Redundancy/ Wordiness

  The new President won by a landslide, obtaining many more votes than the other candidate.