20 Errors Flashcards
What is a Sentence Fragment?
A fragment or a piece of a sentence that does not form a complete sentence on its own.
What is a Fused Sentence?
Two sentences that are incorrectly joined together.
What is a comma splice?
A form of fused sentence, where the writer tries to connect two independent clauses solely with a comma.
What is a Dangling Participle?
A participle that does not match the noun it is supposed to describe, or when it is placed so far away from the noun that the reader struggles to connect them
What is a Misplaced Modifier?
When a modifier is placed near an incorrect noun or verb (not the noun it is describing)
What is Verb Tense Error?
When multiple tenses are being used in the same sentence.
was + is bad
was + was good
What is Subject-Verb Agreement Error?
When subjects and verbs are not the same number (plural versus singular)
ie: the study…. are scheduled to begin
What is Pronoun Agreement Error?
When singular and plural pronouns are mixed, or used incorrectly.
The board revised their policy (there is only one board) > the board revised its policy
What is Pronoun Agreement Error?
When singular and plural pronouns are mixed, or used incorrectly.
The board revised their policy (there is only one board) > the board revised its policy
Should gender neutral pronouns be used?
When possible, rewrite sentences to avoid pronouns all together
What is Pronoun Reference Error?
the use of pronouns to replace specific words. Specific words should be used for clarity to the reader.
What is Pronoun Case Error?
The placement and use of pronouns in incorrect cases.
Kal and Me > Kal and I
Her and Sam > She and Sam
What is a Misused Colon?
When a colon is misplaced.
Most common: when it is placed midway through an independent clause.
Ie: I need to buy: cake, candles and decor.
vs: I need to buy the following items: cakez, candles, decor.
The words before a colon must make a full sentence
What is a misused Semicolon?
When there is not independent clauses on both sides of the semicolon.
ie: Jon stayed in toronto; but sam and jo moved to ny
vs: jon stayed in toronto; Sam and Ko moved to newyork.
When should a comma be used?
• After an introductory word, phrase or clause
• Between two independent clauses joined by conjugation (for, and, nor or, yet, so)
• Encloseing a parenthetical or interrupting expression
When should a comma NOT be used?
• Between a subject and its verb (Moni and her cat and dog[, ✖️] travelled to NY.
• Between a verb and its object. (Jon likes to play baseball[,✖️] and soccer.
When to use apostrophes?
For a singular noun: Before the s eg: The Student’s
For a plural noun: after the s eg: All of the students’
Do not use them to make a noun plural
What is Parallelism
When you are presenting ideas that are parallel ensuring to use parallel forms.
Passionate, dedicated, inspires her
> passionate, dedicated, inspiring
