Common Grammatical errors

Common Grammatical Issues

You might see these terms listed in my comments on your essay. Take a look at this sheet to figure out the problem. A handbook or a search online can help you make corrections.

It’s a good idea to develop good grammar habits. No one appreciates sloppy writing. But some grammar problems are more significant than others. I’ve used an asterisk to indicate those problems.

1. Affect vs. Effect
1. Affect is usually the verb and effect the noun. The except is when we are talking about someone’s mood or “affect”. Then it’s used like a noun.
2. It’s and its
1. It’s is a contraction of it is and NOT a possessive
2. its is the possessive and indicates ownership
3. Independent and dependent clauses and commas. If I have circled a comma on your essay, one of the below is usually the problem:
1. Two independent clauses really want to be alone. That’s why we call them “independent”. In order to put them together in a sentence you need a really strong connector. A comma alone won’t do. To connect two independent clauses, you need either a “;” or a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, for, nor, so, yet) and a comma. You can also use a “;” with a conjunctive adverb or transition word like consequently, however, in addition, in fact, instead, etc.
2. A dependent clause and an independent clause are connected by a comma when
1. you start the sentence with a subordinating conjunction (as, when, after, before)
2. when you interrupt an independent clause with a dependent clause in the middle of a sentence, if the dependent clause is not necessary for the meaning.
3. when a dependent clause follows an independent clause and the dependent clause starts with “which” or “that” and is not vital to the meaning
4. when you start a sentence with a realllllyyyy long dependent clause
5. when you start the sentence with a dependent clause beginning with an “ing” word
4. Run-ons
1. Run on sentences are simply sentences with more than one independent clause without the proper punctuation. (see #3a above for how to correct them)
5. ****Fragments are one of the big problems in grammar.
1. A complete sentence MUST contain an independent clause AND must be a complete thought.
6. ****Subject verb agreement
1. subject and verbs must agree. Singular subjects belong with singular verbs. Plural subjects with plural verbs. We say: I am hungry and they are hungry. I was going and you were going.
7. ESL issues. Definite and indefinite article usage is the most common ESL issue that we see in 117. “The” is a definite article and refers to specific things or people. “A” is an indefinite article and refers to general things or people. Many languages do not use determiners like English does. Most nouns have articles but some don’t, which adds to the confusion.  

Check out https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/1/5/ for excellent grammar advice!