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Category Archives: Common Grammar Errors
Tips Library
On the right you have access to close to 150 brief posts from my blogging phase. They reflect my desire to clear up many of the common misunderstandings and commonly missed opportunities I see in workplace writing—without making you feel … Continue reading
Grab Your Red Pen
Okay try and read my mind. Why did the following headline aggravate me? Fathers’ Day is Fast Approaching. Now decide how many changes you would make to improve all three sentences above. My edits 1. We need a comma after the … Continue reading
Not So Fast
Feeling cocky because you’ve haven’t needed to slow down to get there, they’re, and their right since third grade? Good for you, but there’s more to that story. 1. You’d never write this, correct? There’s four all-stars on our team. Of course not, … Continue reading
Keys to Success II
Last week we looked at a few virtues of the colon: its ability to lend clarity or emphasis to a sentence and, on occasion, act as a substitute for the unexciting verb “to be.” Today we’ll round out our look … Continue reading
Togetherness
In recognition of the lack of cohesion in our country right now – and in recognition of Black History Month – the above photo seemed apt. Now, on to business. How would you refine the following sentence? Our Department and … Continue reading
Fine Points
See if you can make a slight refinement in each of these sentences from the Bridge Bulletin, the monthly magazine enjoyed by members of the American Contract Bridge League. 1. Masterpoints, as they are presently constituted are meaningless. 2. Watch … Continue reading
Softballs
To get in the swing of the season, I’m extending five gifts – five errors that should be a cinch to spot. Identify them all to bat 1.000. 1. I could of hitched a ride with Carrie, but I decided … Continue reading
The Full Course
Among the points covered in last week’s post was the difference between outside and outside of. That brief explanation was your appetizer. Now let’s see how you handle the full course by making nine choices involving prepositions followed by of. 1. … Continue reading
Who?
Take a look at this sentence from an article that appeared shortly before the election: You could do a survey, which is merely a collection of answers from whomever cares enough to answer the survey. Did the author and editor get everything … Continue reading
Major League Mistakes
With the Cleveland Indians playing in the 2016 World Series, a local theater showed the cult classic, Major League. Do you spot any errors in this sentence from an announcement of the special showings? Lead by veteran player, Jake Taylor … Continue reading