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Writing Center

Common Errors

 
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Sentences
A sentence has a subject and a predicate. Do not link two sentences with a comma or run together two sentences with no punctuation.
  • See Essentials of Writing on fragment (26) and run-on (41).

Punctuation
Use a comma to separate two independent clauses separated by and, but, for, nor, or, so, and yet. Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause. Use a semicolon between two independent clauses not separated by one of these conjunctions.

Agreement
A singular subject takes a singular verb; a plural subject takes a plural verb. Use a singular pronoun with a singular antecedent and a plural pronoun with a plural antecedent. Some singular pronouns to remember: anyone, each, either, everyone.

Parallel Construction
Sentence elements connected by idea should be expressed in similar form.
  • See The Elements of Style, Rule 19; Essentials of Writing (30); the Writing Center handout "Sentence Revision."

Tense
Use verb tenses correctly and consistently.
  • See The Elements of Style, Rule 21; Essentials of Writing (49); the Writing Center handout "Tense."

Voice
Use the active voice, in which the subject acts, unless you have a good reason to use the passive voice.
  • See The Elements of Style, Rule 14; Essentials of Writing (31); the Writing Center handouts "Sentence Revision" and "Use Active Voice."

Pronoun Reference
Avoid the vagueness of pronouns, especially at the beginning of sentences and paragraphs. Rather than write "This is" or "It is," use as subject the noun that is the actual subject of your sentence.

Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers
Misplaced modifiers are words or phrases that, due to incorrect placement, refer to the wrong word in the sentence. Dangling modifiers do not refer to any word in the sentence.
  • See Essentials of Writing (23, 28); the Writing Center handout "Sentence Revision."

Citation
Use citations in the proper form to document your use of other writers' words and ideas. Plagiarism is a violation of the Hamilton College Honor Code.

Other Errors
"X" marks the spot for other errors. Ask your professor what's wrong, or do the detective work yourself.

HOURS:
Mon.-Thurs.: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Fri.: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sun.: Noon - 11 p.m.
Open additional hours for computer use.


TO SCHEDULE, CANCEL, OR INQUIRE ABOUT A WRITING CONFERENCE:
Call (315) 859-4363 or stop by the Writing Center
(K-J 209).

  • To email your draft: wcpapers@hamilton.edu
  • Drafts longer than six pages should be submitted 24 hours in advance.