Common Grammatical Errors

No matter how properly educated or effectively study we are, most writers make grammatical blunders from time to time. Ordinarily such mistakes are the outcome of rushing to meet deadlines, as opposed to ignorance. But, what ever the explanation, we appear terrible and are embarrassed whilst our blunders show up in print!

One particular popular error includes topic-verb disagreement, which can take place though prepositional phrases come involving the topic and the verb in the sentence. Instance: "The letter written by quite a few of the victim's relatives clarify the motive for the crime." (news syndicate writer) Of course, the topic of the sentence is the word "letter" and not the word "relatives," which is the object of the proposition. Tip: Disregard the propositional phrases whilst proofreading for topic-verb agreement.

Misplaced modifiers as well rank higher on the list of widespread grammatical mistakes. These happen though phrases or clauses look also far from the words they are supposed to modify. Instance: "A wreck occurred this morning on Orange Avenue among a Rural Metro ambulance and a county fire truck." (network affiliate news reader) Tip: Normally location modifying phrases and clauses as close to as probable to the words they modify.

The verbs "lie" and "lay" confound each speakers and writers. "Lie" suggests to recline (lie, lying, lay, have lain) and does not take an object. Instance: "She lay out beside the pool yesterday." The word "lay" implies to place or location (lay, laying, laid, have laid) and does take an object. Instance: "He laid the hammer down someplace." Tip: Memorize the darn points!

If your grammar is shaky in some regions, obtain a excellent reference book such as the Connected Press Stylebook or the Chicago Manual of Style to preserve on your desk.

Derry Sampey was very first published although she was in college. She taught English and journalism for 11 years, in the course of which time she continued to write and sell articles in a wide assortment of markets. Though operating as a newspaper reporter and editor and later as an ad agency editorial director, she continued to freelance newspaper and magazine articles, edit books and enter brief fiction contests. In addition, she has worked as a writing coach and performed writing seminars. She is at present the senior editor for [http://NewBookPublishing.com]