Common Errors in Writing. Spelling Be especially careful of words that are typical spelling nightmares, like "ei / ie" words: relieve piece field deceive

Common Errors in Writing Common Errors in Writing

Spelling Spelling

Be especially careful of words Be especially careful of words that are typical spelling that are typical spelling nightmares, like "nightmares, like "eiei / / ieie" words:" words:

relrelieieveve

ppieiecece

ffieieldld

decdeceieiveve

recreceieiptpt

concconceieiveve

Words with ie ie and eiei

When the sound is ‘e’e’ write ‘‘ie’ie’

except after ‘c’c’

relieve, priest, relief, chief, grievous, field, belief, yield, thief, besiege, piece, cashier, brief

Words after cc: conceive, ceiling, deceive, perceive, receipt, deceit,

When the sound is other than ‘e’e’,,

usually write ‘ei’‘ei’

eight, rein, veil, heir, weight, their, sleigh, vein, neighbor, reign, freight, weigh

Exceptions Exceptions

friend, mischief, seize, sheik, weird, either, neither, financier, leisure, species,

Be careful of words and Be careful of words and

homonyms like homonyms like

your your // you'reyou're

to to // too / twotoo / two

there there // their / they’retheir / they’re

Fragment Sentences Fragment Sentences

Make sure each sentence has a subject.

ItIt snows in Canada every year.


Make sure each sentence has a complete verb.

They were tryingwere trying to improve

their writing skills.


See that each sentence has an independent clause; remember that a dependent clause cannot stand on its own.


The following sentence is a dependent clause that would qualify as a fragment sentence:

Which is why the students read all of the handouts carefully.

Run-on Sentences Run-on Sentences

Run-on sentences are two independent clauses which are joined together with no connecting word or punctuation to separate the clauses.

Run-on Sentences Run-on Sentences

Join the two independent clauses with one of the coordinating conjunctions (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet), and use a comma before the connecting word.

_____________________, and _________________________.

He enjoys walking through the country, and he often goes backpacking on his vacations.

Example run-on:Example run-on:

I have to write a research paper for my class about extreme sports all I know about the subject is that I'm interested in it.

Edited version:Edited version:

I have to write a research paper for my class about extreme sports, and all I know about the subject is that I'm interested in it.

Comma Splices Comma Splices

If there are two main clauses, they should be connected with a comma and a conjunction like andand, butbut, forfor, oror, soso, yetyet.

Another option is to take out the comma and insert a semicolon instead.

When you do not have a connecting word (or when you use a connecting word other than andand, butbut, forfor, oror, soso, nor nor or yet yet between the two independent clauses) use a semicolon (;;).

_____________________; _______________________.

He often watched TV when there were only reruns; she preferred to read instead.

_____________________; _______________________.

He often watched TV when there were only reruns; she preferred to read instead.or

_________________; however, __________________________.

He often watched TV when there were only reruns; howver, she preferred to read instead.

Example:Example:

I would like to write my paper about basketball, it's a topic I can talk about at length.


I would like to write my paper about basketball, because it's a topic I can talk about at length.

Edited version using Edited version using semicolon:semicolon:

I would like to write my paper about basketball; it's a topic I can talk about at length.

Incorrect:Incorrect:

They weren't dangerous criminals they were detectives in disguise.

Correct:Correct:

They weren't dangerous criminals; they were detectives in disguise.

Incorrect:Incorrect:

I didn't know which job I wanted I was too confused to decide.

Correct:Correct:

I didn't know which job I wanted, and I was too confused to decide.

Subject-Verb AgreementSubject-Verb Agreement

Find the subject of each sentence.

Find the verb that goes with the subject.

The subject and verb should match in number, meaning that if the subject is plural, the verb should be as well and vice versa.

Example:Example:

Students at the university level is usually very busy. Edited version:Edited version:

Students at the university level are usually very busy.

Mixed ConstructionsMixed Constructions

Read through your sentences carefully to make sure that they do not start with one sentence structure and shift to another. A sentence that does this is called a mixed construction.

Example:Example:

Since I have a lot of work to do is why I can't go out tonight.


Since I have a lot of work to do, I can't go out tonight.

ParallelismParallelism

Look through your paper for series of items and make sure these items are in parallel form.

Example:Example:

Being a good friend involves good listening skills, to be considerate, and that you know how to have fun. Edited version:Edited version:

Being a good friend involves knowing how to listen, being considerate, and having fun.

Pronoun Reference AgreementPronoun Reference Agreement

Skim your paper, stopping at each pronoun.

Search for the noun that the pronoun replaces.

If you can't find any noun, insert one beforehand or change the pronoun to a noun.

If you can find a noun, be sure it agrees in number and person with your pronoun.

Pronoun Reference AgreementPronoun Reference Agreement

Example:Example:

John has known Helen for ages. They work at the same company and actually she is a good friend of him. Edited version:Edited version:

John has known Helen for ages. They work at the same company and actually she is a good friend of his.

Commas vs. Semicolons Commas vs. Semicolons in Compound Sentences in Compound Sentences

Comma (,)Comma (,)

Use a comma after the first independent clause when you link two independent clauses with one of the following coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.

I am going home, and I intend to stay there.

It rained heavily during the afternoon, but we managed to have our picnic anyway.They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark, so they decided to camp for the night.

Semicolon (;)Semicolon (;)

Use a semicolon when you link two independent clauses with no connecting words.

I am going home; I intend to stay there.

It rained heavily during the afternoon; we managed to have our picnic anyway.

They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark; they decided to camp for the night.

Semicolon (;)Semicolon (;)

You can also use a semicolon when you join two independent clauses together with one of the following conjunctive adverbs (adverbs that join independent clauses): howeverhowever, moreovermoreover, thereforetherefore, otherwiseotherwise, consequentlyconsequently, otherwiseotherwise, neverthelessnevertheless, thusthus, etc.

I am going home; moreover, I intend to stay there.

It rained heavily during the afternoon; however, we managed to have our picnic anyway.

They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark; therefore, they decided to camp for the night.

Commas with Commas with Nonessential ElementsNonessential Elements

Use commas before and after nonessential words, phrases, and clauses, that is, elements embedded in the sentence that interrupt it without changing the essential meaning.

Company managers, seeking higher profits, hired temporary workers to replace full-time staff.

Nonessential:Nonessential:

Company managers, seeking higher profits, hired temporary workers to replace full-time staff.

Essential:Essential:

The person checking tickets at the counter asked for a form of identification.

Nonessential:Nonessential:

My uncle, who is eighty years old, walks three miles every day. Essential:Essential:

The woman who interviewed you is my sister.

Commas After IntroductionsCommas After Introductions

Introductory clauses are dependent clauses that provide background information or "set the stage" for the main part of the sentence, the independent clause.

If they want to win, athletes must exercise every day.

Introductory clauses start with adverbs like after, although, as, because, before, if, since, though, until, when, etc.’

Because he kept barking insistently, we threw the ball for Smokey.

Commas After Commas After Introductory PhrasesIntroductory Phrases

Introductory phrases also set the stage for the main action of the sentence, but they are not complete clauses. Phrases don't have both a subject and a verb that are separate from the subject and verb in the main clause of the sentence. Common introductory phrases include prepositional phrasesprepositional phrases, appositiveappositive phrasesphrases, participial phrasesparticipial phrases, infinitive infinitive phrasesphrases, and absolute phrasesphrases.

Introductory infinitive Introductory infinitive phrase:phrase:

To stay in shape for competition, athletes must exercise every day. Introductory participial Introductory participial phrase:phrase:

Barking insistently, Smokey got us to throw his ball for him.

Introductory oppositive Introductory oppositive phrase:phrase:

A popular and well respected mayor, Bailey was the clear favorite in the campaign for governor. Introductory absolute Introductory absolute phrase:phrase:

The wind blowing violently, the townspeople began to seek shelter.

Introductory prepositional Introductory prepositional phrase:phrase:

After the adjustment for inflation, real wages have decreased while corporate profits have grown.

Introductory WordsIntroductory Words

Introductory words like howeverhowever, stillstill, furthermorefurthermore, and meanwhilemeanwhile create continuity from one sentence to the next.

The coaches reviewed the game strategy. Meanwhile, the athletes trained on the Nautilus equipment.Most of the evidence seemed convincing. Still, the credibility of some witnesses was in question.

When not to Use a CommaWhen not to Use a CommaEach of the following sentences may look like it requires a comma after the opening segment, but the opening segment is really the subject. It's sometimes easy to confuse gerund- or infinitive-phrase subjects like the following with nonessential introductory phrases, so be careful.

Preparing and submitting his report to the committee for evaluation and possible publication was one of the most difficult tasks Bill had ever attempted.

To start a new business without doing market research and long-term planning in advance would be foolish.

Extracting the most profit for the least expenditure on labor and materials is the primary goal of a capitalist.

Commas: Quick RulesCommas: Quick Rules

1. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions:

and, but, for, or, nor, so, yetand, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.

The game was over, butbut the crowd refused to leave.

The student explained her question, yetyet the instructor still didn't seem to understand.



Yesterday was her brother's birthday, soso she took him out to dinner.



2. Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words

that come before the main clause.

a. Common starter words for introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma include

afterafter, althoughalthough, asas, becausebecause, ifif, sincesince, whenwhen, whilewhile.

WhileWhile I was eating, the cat scratched at the door.

a. Common starter words for introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma include afterafter, althoughalthough, asas, becausebecause, ifif, sincesince, whenwhen, whilewhile.

BecauseBecause her alarm clock was broken, she was late for class.


IfIf you are ill, you ought to see a doctor.


WhenWhen the snow stops falling, we'll shovel the driveway.


However, don't put a comma after the main clause when a dependent (subordinate) clause follows it (except for cases of extreme contrast).

Incorrect: She was late for class, because her alarm clock was broken.


Incorrect: The cat scratched at the door, while I was eating.


Correct: She was still quite upset, although she had won the Oscar.

This comma use is correct because it is an example of extreme contrast.




b. Common introductory phrases that should be followed by a comma include participial and participial and infinitive phrasesinfinitive phrases, absolute absolute phrasesphrases, nonessential appositive nonessential appositive phrasesphrases, and long prepositional and long prepositional phrasesphrases (over four words).

Having finished the testHaving finished the test, he left the room.

b. Common introductory phrases that should be followed by a comma

include participial and infinitive phrases, absolute phrases, nonessential appositive phrases, and long prepositional phrases (over four words).

To get a seatTo get a seat, you'd better come early.



After the test but before After the test but before lunchlunch, I went jogging.



The sun radiating intense The sun radiating intense heatheat, we sought shelter in the cafe.





c. Common introductory words that should be followed by a comma include yesyes, howeverhowever, wellwell.

WellWell, perhaps he meant no harm.


YesYes, the package should arrive tomorrow morning.


HoweverHowever, you may not be satisfied with the results.


3. Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses,

phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause.

Here are some clues to help you decide whether the sentence element is essential:

If you leave out the clause, If you leave out the clause, phrase, or word, does the phrase, or word, does the

sentence still make sense? sentence still make sense?




Does the clause, phrase, or Does the clause, phrase, or word interrupt the flow of word interrupt the flow of

words in the original words in the original sentence? sentence?




If you move the element to If you move the element to a different position in the a different position in the

sentence, does the sentence sentence, does the sentence still make sense? still make sense?




If you answer "yes" to one or If you answer "yes" to one or more of these questions, more of these questions,

then the element in question is then the element in question is nonessential and should be set nonessential and should be set

off with commas. Here are off with commas. Here are some example sentences with some example sentences with

nonessential elements:nonessential elements:

Clause: That Tuesday, which which happens to be my birthdayhappens to be my birthday, is the only day when I am available to meet.

3. Use a pair of commas in the middleof a sentence to set off clausesclauses, phrasesphrases, and words that are not essential to thewords that are not essential to the meaning of the sentencemeaning of the sentence. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause.

Phrase: This restaurant has an exciting atmosphere. The food, on the other handon the other hand, is rather bland.

3. Use a pair of commas in the middleof a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are notnot essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause.

Word: I appreciate your hard work. In this case, howeverhowever, you seem to have over-exerted yourself.

3. Use a pair of commas in the middleof a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are notnot essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause.

ThatThat clauses after nouns:

4. Do not use commas to set off essential elements of the sentence, such as clauses beginning with that (relative clauses). That clauses after nouns are always essential. That clauses following a verb expressing mental action are always essential.

The book that I that I borrowed from youborrowed from you is excellent.

ThatThat clauses after nouns:


The apples that fell out that fell out of the basketof the basket are bruised.

ThatThat clauses following a verb expressing mental action:She believes that she that she will be able to earn an will be able to earn an AA.


ThatThat clauses following a verb expressing mental action:He is dreaming that he can that he can flyfly.


ThatThat clauses following a verb expressing mental action:I contend that it was wrong that it was wrong to mislead herto mislead her.


ThatThat clauses following a verb expressing mental action:They wished that warm that warm weather would finally arriveweather would finally arrive.


Examples of other essential elements (no commas):Students who cheatwho cheat only harm themselves.


Examples of other essential elements (no commas):The baby wearing a yellow wearing a yellow jumpsuitjumpsuit is my niece.


Examples of other essential elements (no commas):The candidate who had the who had the least moneyleast money lost the election.


Examples of nonessential elements (set off by commas):Fred, who often cheatswho often cheats, is just harming himself.


Examples of nonessential elements (set off by commas):My niece, wearing a wearing a yellow jumpsuityellow jumpsuit, is playing tennis.


Examples of nonessential elements (set off by commas):The candidate, who had the who had the least moneyleast money, lost the election.

4. Do not use commas to set off essential elements of the sentence, such as

clauses beginning with that (relative clauses). That clauses after nouns are always essential. That clauses following a verb expressing mental action are always essential.

Examples of nonessential elements (set off by commas):Apples, which are my which are my favorite fruitfavorite fruit, are good for health.



Examples of nonessential elements (set off by commas):John, grinning from ear to eargrinning from ear to ear, announced the exam tomorrow.



Examples of nonessential elements (set off by commas):Tom, the captain of the the captain of the teamteam, was injured in the game.


Examples of nonessential elements (set off by commas):She was, howeverhowever, too tired to make the trip.


Examples of nonessential elements (set off by commas):Two hundred dollars, I thinkI think, is sufficient.


The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.

5. Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.

The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime, and end unemployment.


The prosecutor argued that the defendant, who was at the scene of the crime, who had a strong revenge motive, and who had access to the murder weapon, was guilty of homicide.


6. Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun. Be sure never to add an extra comma

between the final adjective and the noun itself or to use commas with non-coordinate adjectives.

Coordinate adjectives are adjectives with equal ("co"-ordinate) status in describing the noun; neither adjective is subordinate to the other. You can decide if two adjectives in a row are coordinate by asking the following questions:

Does the sentence make Does the sentence make sense if the adjectives are sense if the adjectives are written in reverse order? written in reverse order?

Coordinate adjectives are adjectives with equal ("co"-ordinate) status in describing the noun; neither adjective is subordinate to the other. You can decide if two adjectives in a row are coordinate by asking the following questions:

Does the sentence make Does the sentence make sense if the adjectives sense if the adjectives

are written with are written with andand between them? between them?

If you answer yes to these questions, then the adjectives are coordinate and should be separated by a comma. Here are some examples of coordinate and non-coordinate adjectives:

He was a difficult, stubborn child.

(coordinate)(coordinate)

Here are some examples of coordinate and non-coordinate adjectives:

They lived in a white frame house.

(non-coordinate)(non-coordinate)


She often wore a gray wool shawl.

(non-coordinate)(non-coordinate)


Your cousin has an easy, happy smile.

(coordinate)(coordinate)

The 1) relentless, 2) powerful 3) summer sun beat down on them.

(1-2 are coordinate; (1-2 are coordinate; 2-3 are non-2-3 are non-coordinate.)coordinate.)

The 1) relentless, 2) powerful, 3) oppressive sun beat down on them.

(Both 1-2 and 2-3 are coordinate)(Both 1-2 and 2-3 are coordinate)

He was merely ignorant, not stupid.

7. Use a comma near the end of a sentence to separate contrasted coordinate elements or to indicate a distinct pause or shift.

The chimpanzee seemed reflective, almost human.


You're one of the senator's close friends, aren't you?


The speaker seemed innocent, even gullible.


8. Use commas to set off phrases at the end of the sentence that refer back to the beginning or middle of the sentence. Such phrases are free modifiers that can be placed anywhere in the sentence without causing confusion. (If the placement of the modifier causes confusion, then it is not "free" and must remain "bound" to the word it modifies.)

Nancy waved enthusiastically at the docking ship, laughing joyously. (correct)(correct)

Lisa waved at Nancy, laughing joyously.

(Incorrect)(Incorrect)

(Who is laughing,

Lisa or Nancy?)

Laughing joyously, Lisa waved at Nancy.

(correct)(correct)

Lisa waved at Nancy, who was laughing joyously.

(correct)(correct)

Birmingham,Alabama, gets its name from Birmingham, England.

9. Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day),

addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names.

July 22, 1959, was a momentous day in his life.



Who lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC?



Rachel B. Lake, MD, will be the principal speaker.



When you use just the month and the year, no comma is necessary after the month or year:

The average temperatures for July 1998 July 1998 are the highest on record for that month.

John said without emotion, "I'll see you tomorrow."

10. Use a comma to shift between the main discourse and a

quotation.

I was able," she answered, "to complete the assignment."


quotation.

In 1848, Marx wrote, "Workers of the world, unite!"


quotation.

To George, Harrison had been a sort of idol.

11. Use commas wherever necessary to prevent possible confusion or misreading.

Comma AbuseComma Abuse

Commas in the wrong places can break a sentence into illogical segments or confuse readers with unnecessary and unexpected pauses.

An eighteen-year old in California, is now considered an adult.

12. Don't use a comma to separate the subject from the verb.

(incorrect)(incorrect)

The most important attribute of a ball player, is quick reflex actions.

12. Don't use a comma to separate the subject from the verb.


We laid out our music and snacks, and began to study.

13. Don't put a comma between the two verbs or verb phrases in a compound predicate.


I turned the corner, and ran smack into a patrol car.

13. Don't put a comma between the two verbs or verb phrases in a compound predicate.


The music teacher from your high school, and the football coach from mine are married.

14. Don't put a comma between the two nouns, noun phrases, or

noun clauses in a compound subject or compound object.

Incorrect:Incorrect:(compound subject)(compound subject)

Jeff told me that the job was still available, and that the manager wanted to interview me.

14. Don't put a comma between the two nouns, noun phrases, or

noun clauses in a compound subject or compound object.

Incorrect:Incorrect:(compound object)(compound object)

She was late for class, because her alarm clock was broken.

15. Don't put a comma after the main clause when a dependent (subordinate) clause follows it (except for cases of extreme contrast).


The cat scratched at the door, while I was eating.

15. Don't put a comma after the main clause when a dependent (subordinate) clause follows it (except for cases of extreme contrast).


ExercisesExercises

Place commas wherever they Place commas wherever they are needed in the following are needed in the following sentences.sentences.

1. There was no question that John's painting a huge colorful and ugly mural was the worst entry in the art exhibit.

1. There was no question that, 1. There was no question that, John's painting, a huge, John's painting, a huge,

colorful, colorful, and ugly mural, was and ugly mural, was the worst the worst entry in the art entry in the art exhibit. exhibit.

2. Werner von Braun Willy Ley and Edward Teller noted authorities in the field of rocket development have done much to guide the missile program of the United States.

2. Werner von Braun, Willy Ley, and 2. Werner von Braun, Willy Ley, and Edward Teller, noted authorities Edward Teller, noted authorities

in the field of rocket development, in the field of rocket development, have done much to guide the have done much to guide the missile missile program of the United program of the United States.States.

3. Mr. Cready's ability to say the wrong thing at the wrong time is I believe amazing.

3. Mr. Cready's ability to say 3. Mr. Cready's ability to say the the wrong thing at the wrong thing at the wrong time wrong time is, I believe, is, I believe, amazing.amazing.

4. Running around the house the dog was abruptly

stopped by a fence.

4. Running around the 4. Running around the house, house, the dog was the dog was abruptly abruptly stopped by a stopped by a fence.fence.

5. If the opposition should win our candidate would never have any political future.

5. If the opposition should 5. If the opposition should win, our candidate would win, our candidate would never have any political never have any political future.future.

6. Glamour the woman's fashion magazine recently incorporated with Charm another fashion journal.

6. 6. GlamourGlamour, the woman's , the woman's fashion magazine, recently fashion magazine, recently incorporated with incorporated with CharmCharm, , another fashion journal.another fashion journal.

7. Joe was born on May 7 1955 and his best friend was born exactly two months later on July

7 1955.

7. Joe was born on May 7, 7. Joe was born on May 7, 1955, 1955, and his best friend was and his best friend was born born exactly two months exactly two months later on later on July 7, 1955.July 7, 1955.

8. November 11 1918 the armistice ending World War I

was signed.

8. November 11, 1918, the 8. November 11, 1918, the armistice ending World War I armistice ending World War I

was signed.was signed.

9. We went to Bar Harbor but did not take the ferry to

Nova Scotia.

9. We went to Bar Harbor 9. We went to Bar Harbor but but did not take the did not take the ferry to ferry to Nova Scotia.Nova Scotia.

10. The ginkgo tree whose leaves turn bright yellow in the fall came to this country from Asia.

10. 10. The ginkgo tree, whose The ginkgo tree, whose leaves turn bright yellow in leaves turn bright yellow in the the fall, came to this country fall, came to this country from Asia.from Asia.

11. The address for the governor's mansion is 391 West Ferry Road Atlanta Georgia.

11. The address for the 11. The address for the governor's mansion is 391 governor's mansion is 391

West Ferry Road, West Ferry Road, Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia.Georgia.

12. The villagers enjoyed fairs festivals and good conversation.

12. The villagers enjoyed fairs 12. The villagers enjoyed fairs festivals, and good festivals, and good conversation.conversation.

13. Below the fields stretched out in a hundred shades of green.

13. Below, the fields 13. Below, the fields stretched out in a stretched out in a hundred shades of green.hundred shades of green.

14. To understand the purpose of the course the student needs to read the syllabus.

14. To understand the 14. To understand the purpose of the purpose of the course, course,

the student needs to the student needs to read read the syllabus.the syllabus.

15. All students are eligible to receive tickets but must go to the athletic office to pick them up.

15. All students are eligible 15. All students are eligible to to receive tickets but must receive tickets but must go go to the athletic office to to the athletic office to pick them up.pick them up.

16. Thomas Paine's pamphlet appeared in Philadelphia Pennsylvania on January

9 1776.

16. 16. Thomas Paine's pamphlet appeared in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January

9, 1776.

17. You don't want any more hamburgers do you?

17. 17. You don't want any more hamburgers, do you?

18. He left the scene of the accident and

tried to forget that it had happened.

18. 18. He left the scene of the accident and

tried to forget that it had happened.

??

19. Oil which is lighter than water rises to the surface.

19. 19. Oil, which is lighter than water, rises to the

surface.

??

20. Madame de Stael was an attractive gracious lady.

20. 20. Madame de Stael was an attractive, gracious lady.

??

21. Nice is a word with many meanings and some of

them are contradictory.

21. 21. Nice is a word with many meanings, and some of them are contradictory.

??

22. The contractor testified that the house was completed and that the work had been done properly.

22. 22. The contractor testified that the house was

completed and that the work had been done properly. ??

23. Taxicabs that are dirty are illegal in some cities.

23. 23. Taxicabs that are dirty are illegal in some

cities.

??

24. The closet contained worn clothes old shoes and a

dirty hat.

24. 24. The closet contained worn clothes, old

shoes, and a dirty hat.

??

25. December 7 1941 will never be forgotten.

25. 25. December 7, 1941, will never be forgotten.

??

26. He replied "I have no idea what you mean."

26. 26. He replied, "I have no idea what you mean."

??

27. If the opposition should win our candidate would never have any political future.

27. 27. If the opposition should win, our candidate would never

have any political future.

??

28. The problems involved in this operation are I think numerous.

28. 28. The problems involved in this operation are, I think, numerous.

??

29. Listening to the radio Jun heard an announcement that Spangler his own

dog was lost.

29. 29. Listening to the radio, Jun heard an announcement that Spangler, his own

dog, was lost.

30. I used to live at 16689 Sutton Avenue Milpitas California, but we have since moved to 1895 Holland Way Dubuque Iowa.

30. 30. I used to live at 16689 Sutton Avenue, Milpitas, California, but we have since moved to 1895 Holland Way, Dubuque, Iowa.

31. I believe therefore that fraternities are good influences on a college campus.

31. 31. I believe, therefore, that fraternities are good influences on a college campus.

32. As he read the Chekhov story he became aware of the

Russian's genius.

32. 32. As he read the Chekhov story, he became aware of the

Russian's genius.

33. She was as a matter of fact mainly interested in showing off her vocabulary.

33. 33. She was, as a matter of fact, mainly interested in showing off her vocabulary.

34. Before reaching the summit the climbers were forced by

a storm to turn back.

34. 34. Before reaching the summit, the climbers were forced by

a storm to turn back.

35. Understanding history increases your understanding of today's

world.

35. 35. Understanding history increases your understanding of today's

world.

36. Meg Fischer my cousin hopes to graduate from law school in two years.

36. 36. Meg Fischer, my cousin, hopes to graduate from law school in two years.

37. The ginkgo tree whose leaves turn bright yellow in the fall

came to this country from Asia.

37. 37. The ginkgo tree, whose leaves turn bright yellow in the fall,

came to this country from Asia.

38. Andy took the elevator to the third floor rushed into the office and asked to see his father.

38. 38. Andy took the elevator to the third floor, rushed into the office, and asked to see his father.

39. She listened to her favorite record with close careful attention.

39. 39. She listened to her favorite record with close, careful attention.

40. Once she has graduated I do not know where she is going or what she is planning to do.

40. 40. Once she has graduated, I do not know where she is going or what she is planning to do.

Documents

Common Errors in Writing. Spelling Be especially careful of words that are typical spelling nightmares, like "ei / ie" words: relieve piece field deceive