Writing is a craft that requires practice and dedication to perfect. While it is impossible to avoid all mistakes, there are certain common errors that writers should strive to avoid. This article will outline 13 common writing mistakes and provide tips on how to avoid them.
The first mistake to avoid is incorrect subject/verb agreement. This occurs when the subject and verb of a sentence do not match. For example, “The cat are sleeping.” This sentence should be written as “The cat is sleeping.” To avoid this mistake, make sure that the subject and verb of each sentence agree in number.
Another mistake to avoid is long or confusing run-on sentences or sentence fragments. Run-on sentences are two or more sentences that are joined together without proper punctuation. Sentence fragments are incomplete sentences that lack a subject or verb. To avoid these mistakes, make sure each sentence is complete and that proper punctuation is used.
Incorrect use of commas is another common mistake. Commas should be used to separate items in a list, to separate two independent clauses, and to set off introductory phrases. To avoid incorrect use of commas, make sure to use them only when necessary.
The overuse of pronouns or incorrect pronouns is another mistake to avoid. Pronouns should only be used when the antecedent (the noun the pronoun is referring to) is clear. To avoid this mistake, make sure to use pronouns correctly and only when necessary.
Finally, writers should avoid splitting infinitives. An infinitive is a verb form that starts with “to” and is usually followed by a verb. Splitting an infinitive occurs when an adverb is placed between the “to” and the verb. To avoid this mistake, make sure to keep the “to” and the verb together.
In conclusion, there are many common writing mistakes that writers should strive to avoid. By following the tips outlined in this article, writers can ensure that their writing is free of errors.