5 Common Mistakes in Writing

1. Run-on sentences (no comma before a coordinating conjunction)

A coordinating conjunction connects two clauses that could be independent sentences. In order to escape this type of mistake use the acronym FANBOYS to remember most coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but,or, yet, and so. Unless the clauses are short and closely related, you would have to put a comma. Without a comma, the sentence becomes a run-on.   

2. No comma after an introductory phrase

An introductory phrase bestows some background information and is usually followed by a comma. Note: the comma is optional when the phrase is very short.

In the morning, I have tea.
I have tea in the morning.

3. Wordiness 

A sentence can be considered wordy if it uses more words than necessary to present meaning. It makes writing unclear and confusing.

Solution: Spot long phrases and replace them with a single word. Exclude the words that have the same meaning, weak words(such as, basically) and get rid of nonessential information.

Sarah walked to school because she missed the last train.

4. No commas around interrupters   

Interrupters are phrases that break the flow of a sentence to provide additional information. Don’t forget to PUT the commas around interrupters 

It is unfortunately the end of summer vacation.

It is, unfortunately, the end of summer vacation.

5. Sentence fragments

A sentence fragment is a sentence that’s missing a subject or a verb.

A wonderful flashlight!

Solution: Add a subject or verb to the fragment appropriately 

I pulled out a wonderful flashlight!

________________________________________________________________

I hope you found this tips helpful and improved your writing and grades.               Thank you for visiting my blog :)