Common Writing Mistakes

Common Writing Mistakes

For any document to make a good read, the ideas must be arranged in a systematic and comprehensive way; that is introduction, the main body and the conclusion. The ideas must be well arranged such that the reader gets the gist of the document through a quick scan of the document. This is done by giving relevant titles and sub-titles to the paragraphs and numbering of ideas that have been listed. This saves the reader a lot of time, and gives the impression of a well organized writer. The ideas should also be in well arranged paragraph with the first sentence giving an idea of what the writer intends to talk about in that paragraph.

When a writer is reporting on a certain phenomenon, the writer should avoid prejudice. This may be achieved through direct speech. The writer should remain to the objective, and keep the writing very precise and maintain relevant facts only. In addition, simple and unambiguous language should be used.

Grammatical and punctuation errors found in writing

1. Uses of Commas- Commas are used to give a reader a break while reading. The incorrect use of this punctuation mark may exhaust the reader as well as denying the essay the flow that comes with correct punctuation. Many writers forget to use commas after the use of conjunctions such as however, consequently, therefore.

The use of commas in my writing shows that as a writer I have a proper grasp of the English language and that I do not exhaust the reader by having long sentences in my work. It also goes to show that I can articulate my ideas in a clear thought process and join them constructively to and for a comprehensive story or essay.

2. Not Capitalizing Proper Nouns– All proper nouns should begin with a capital letter. For example, the Hippocratic Oath, The Thames River, The Louvre. Capital letters should also be used in the beginning of every sentence and after the use of a colon. Correctly punctuating proper nouns avoids embarrassing the reader and myself by adhering to the rules of writing.

3. Use of Colons and Semicolons– Colons (:) are used when one wants to introduce a list while writing or for emphasis of an idea that is grammatically independent from the original clause whereas, a semicolon (;) is used when one wants to join two ideas into one sentence. However, a full stop (.) may be used to separate them.

Use of semi-colons and colons requires a keen mastery of the English language and therefore the correct use of colons goes to distinguish ma as a writer with a command on the English language. In addition, use of this colons adds some color to writing and gives the reader a good read.

4. Repetition– when a writer continuously uses the same words shows a deficiency of proper vocabulary and also a lack of understanding of the topic. Repetitive use of the words may make the reader quickly bored. Continuous use of the joining words ‘and’, ‘then’ and ‘but’ may give a piece a drab effect and cause the reader to lose interest. This may be solved by use of other joining words such as: neither…nor, either…or, as well as, such…that. The use of different vocabulary assists me in eliminating the dreariness and monotony that characterizes pieces that are shallow on vocabulary.

In order to improve readability, the writer should employ the following:

• Always have a title, this is what captures the reader and should therefore be catchy but relevant.
• Avoid being wordy and only include what is relevant to the topic, this can be done by reporting in an active instead of passive voice as including too many words does not mean that the work will be more interesting.
• Use a dictionary to improve on vocabulary as well as correct punctuation so as to use the correct words in the right place to avoid the misunderstanding that may result due to the use of wrong words.
• Arrange his/her work in well defined paragraphs in order to ensure that the ideas are well articulated and create a flow in ideas.
• Read through the work to correct simple typing and grammatical mistakes that computer software may miss in the case of typed work. Ensure the verbs agree with the subjects E.g.  The concept of Euthanasia and assisted suicide is [not are wrong] wrong.
• Use correct referencing so as to avoid plagiarism. It is not always that ideas are copied consciously, they may at times be copied unconsciously therefore it is important to acknowledge other people whose ideas have helped you come up with yours.