Common Pitfalls in WritingSep 05, 2007 · Use semicolons to separate long or complicated items in a series: The lottery winners included an elderly gentleman who had never before

Common Pitfalls in Common Pitfalls in WritingWritingFall 2007 Transportation SeminarFall 2007 Transportation Seminar

September 5, 2007September 5, 2007

Carol R. WrightCarol R. WrightAssociate Director of Outreach and TrainingAssociate Director of Outreach and TrainingSmall Urban & Rural Transit CenterSmall Urban & Rural Transit CenterUpper Great Plains Transportation InstituteUpper Great Plains Transportation InstituteNorth Dakota State UniversityNorth Dakota State University701701--231231--82318231 [email protected]@ndsu.edu

PunctuationPunctuation

““If you find a sentence particularly hard If you find a sentence particularly hard to punctuate, consider rewriting it; the to punctuate, consider rewriting it; the problem may be one of style rather problem may be one of style rather than punctuation. A wellthan punctuation. A well--written written sentence almost punctuates itself.sentence almost punctuates itself.””

Jan Venolia, Jan Venolia, Write Right!Write Right!

SpacingSpacing

Colons should be followed by two spaces.Colons should be followed by two spaces.

Commas, semicolons, and periods denoting an Commas, semicolons, and periods denoting an abbreviation are followed by one space.abbreviation are followed by one space.

The style manual will dictate whether or not The style manual will dictate whether or not there should be one space or two following there should be one space or two following punctuation which ends a sentence.punctuation which ends a sentence.

ApostropheApostrophe

Not only is an apostrophe sometimes omitted Not only is an apostrophe sometimes omitted where it is needed, but even more often it is where it is needed, but even more often it is used where it doesnused where it doesn’’t belong.t belong.

WhoWho’’s book is this?s book is this?Whose book is this?Whose book is this?

Remember: The apostrophe takes the place Remember: The apostrophe takes the place of of ““isis”” when you say Whowhen you say Who’’ss……


With plural words that end in s, add only an With plural words that end in s, add only an apostrophe.apostrophe.

employeesemployees’’ union studentsunion students’’ gradesgrades

With plural words that do not end in s, With plural words that do not end in s, add add ’’ss

childrenchildren’’s storys story womenwomen’’s issuess issues


Never use an apostrophe with Never use an apostrophe with possessive pronouns.possessive pronouns.

yours yours not not youryour’’ssitsits not itnot it’’s s –– it isit istheirstheirs not not theirtheir’’ss

ApostropheApostropheApostrophes are not used with simple plurals:Apostrophes are not used with simple plurals:

Wrong: Wrong: ““In the 1990In the 1990’’s, s, TMATMA’’ss became became increasingly common.increasingly common.””

Correct:Correct: ““In the 1990s, In the 1990s, TMAsTMAs became became increasingly commonincreasingly common..””

Use an apostrophe to form certain plurals in Use an apostrophe to form certain plurals in abbreviations that have periods: abbreviations that have periods: M.D.M.D.’’ssPh.D.Ph.D.’’ss

ColonColon

Use a colon to introduce a list, summary, or Use a colon to introduce a list, summary, or long quotation.long quotation.

Capitalize the first letter following the colon Capitalize the first letter following the colon only if it begins a complete statement or only if it begins a complete statement or quotation. quotation.

The company has a new policy: Every The company has a new policy: Every employee will earn two weeks of paid employee will earn two weeks of paid vacation.vacation.

ColonColon

Do not place a colon immediately after a verb.Do not place a colon immediately after a verb.

Wrong: The prerequisites for the course are: Wrong: The prerequisites for the course are: two years of history, Sociology 101, and two years of history, Sociology 101, and fluency in Spanish.fluency in Spanish.

Right: The prerequisites for the course are Right: The prerequisites for the course are two years of history, Sociology 101, and two years of history, Sociology 101, and fluency in Spanish.fluency in Spanish.

CommaCommaWhen you have two complete statements joined When you have two complete statements joined

by by and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so you should you should use a comma. use a comma.

The results of the study are not definitive, The results of the study are not definitive, so so additional work is needed.additional work is needed.

The samples are all very similar, The samples are all very similar, yetyet differences differences remain.remain.

You are a valued member of the association, You are a valued member of the association, andandyour input on the committee is important.your input on the committee is important.

CommaCommaUse commas to separate three or more Use commas to separate three or more

items in a series.items in a series.

The research looked at age, gender, The research looked at age, gender, and ethnicity.and ethnicity.

CommaComma

Although journalists tend to omit the final Although journalists tend to omit the final comma to save space, technical writing comma to save space, technical writing recommends retaining the final comma to recommends retaining the final comma to avoid confusion. Note the problem with this avoid confusion. Note the problem with this sentence:sentence:

The 15The 15--member marching band, a drum major member marching band, a drum major carrying the flag and 20 gymnasts were in carrying the flag and 20 gymnasts were in the parade.the parade.

CommaComma

The elements in a series separated by The elements in a series separated by commas may be short, independent commas may be short, independent clauses:clauses:

““The only way to keep your health is to The only way to keep your health is to eat what you doneat what you don’’t want, drink what t want, drink what you donyou don’’t like, and do what yout like, and do what you’’d d rather not.rather not.””

Mark TwainMark Twain

CommaComma

Use a comma between adjectives if you Use a comma between adjectives if you could add the word could add the word andand between them between them and the sentence would still make and the sentence would still make sense.sense.

……a young, energetic student (young a young, energetic student (young and energetic)and energetic)

……white tennis shoes (You would not say white tennis shoes (You would not say white and tennis shoes.)white and tennis shoes.)

CommaCommaCommas are needed after an introductory Commas are needed after an introductory

phrase (many of which begin with a phrase (many of which begin with a preposition).preposition).

In the case of two competing theories, choose In the case of two competing theories, choose one that you seek to prove or to disprove one that you seek to prove or to disprove through your research.through your research.

Through our analysis, weThrough our analysis, we……

In conclusion,In conclusion,

CommaCommaPut a comma after introductory words:Put a comma after introductory words:However,However, Thus,Thus,Therefore,Therefore, Consequently,Consequently,

This is also the case when a semiThis is also the case when a semi--colon colon precedes the introductory word:precedes the introductory word:

A shortage of materials has currently halted A shortage of materials has currently halted the construction; however, we plan to the construction; however, we plan to resume as soon as possible once our resume as soon as possible once our shipment arrives.shipment arrives.

SemicolonSemicolonSemicolons are useful between independent Semicolons are useful between independent

clauses that contain commas.clauses that contain commas.

The coach, a man of few words, led his team by The coach, a man of few words, led his team by example; however, the words he used were example; however, the words he used were chosen carefully.chosen carefully.

If you rephrase the sentence or create two If you rephrase the sentence or create two separate sentences and avoid semicolons, separate sentences and avoid semicolons, your document may be easier to read. your document may be easier to read.

SemicolonSemicolon

Use semicolons to separate long or Use semicolons to separate long or complicated items in a series:complicated items in a series:

The lottery winners included an elderly The lottery winners included an elderly gentleman who had never before gentleman who had never before bought a lottery ticket; a high school bought a lottery ticket; a high school student hoping to use the winnings for student hoping to use the winnings for college; and a reporter who bought college; and a reporter who bought her ticket while writing a story about her ticket while writing a story about corruption in the lottery system.corruption in the lottery system.

SemicolonSemicolon

Use a semicolon to separate many items Use a semicolon to separate many items in a series:in a series:

The following items must be tracked The following items must be tracked monthly: gallons of fuel; vehicle monthly: gallons of fuel; vehicle mileage; driver hours; passenger onemileage; driver hours; passenger one--way trips; passenger fares; contract way trips; passenger fares; contract income; supply costs; personnel income; supply costs; personnel wages; and maintenance costs. wages; and maintenance costs.

Hyphen or DashHyphen or Dash

Use a single hyphen or dash between inclusive Use a single hyphen or dash between inclusive numbers or dates.numbers or dates.

19901990--20002000 pp. 111pp. 111--136136

Use a single hyphen or dash between a Use a single hyphen or dash between a compound of two or more words or within a compound of two or more words or within a hyphenated word.hyphenated word.

MinneapolisMinneapolis--St. Paul areaSt. Paul area wellwell--balancedbalancedpostpost--World War IWorld War I quasiquasi--judicialjudicial

Hyphen or DashHyphen or DashUse two hyphens or dashes for Use two hyphens or dashes for

emphasis, to indicate an abrupt emphasis, to indicate an abrupt change, or with explanatory words or change, or with explanatory words or phrases.phrases.

““People want to know why IPeople want to know why I……write such write such gross stuff. I like to tell them I have gross stuff. I like to tell them I have the heart of a small boythe heart of a small boy——and I keep it and I keep it in a jar on my desk.in a jar on my desk.””

Stephen KingStephen King

HyphenHyphenOne of the most common spelling One of the most common spelling

questions for writers and editors questions for writers and editors concerns compound terms concerns compound terms –– whether whether to use two words, hyphenate, or omit to use two words, hyphenate, or omit a space and write a single word. a space and write a single word.

on lineon line onon--lineline onlineonlineWhen in doubt, check the dictionary. In When in doubt, check the dictionary. In

general, if the term is not listed, general, if the term is not listed, hyphenate it. hyphenate it.

HyphenHyphen

The Chicago Manual of StyleThe Chicago Manual of Style gives some gives some latitude in using hyphens and urges latitude in using hyphens and urges that readability should be the final that readability should be the final guide. If the writing is clearer and guide. If the writing is clearer and easier to read without the hyphens, easier to read without the hyphens, leave them off. leave them off.

Tom JirikTom Jirik

HyphenHyphenUse a hyphen with certain prefixes:Use a hyphen with certain prefixes:selfself-- exex-- vicevice-- wellwell--

Use a hyphen to avoid doubling a letter:Use a hyphen to avoid doubling a letter:semisemi--independent shellindependent shell--like partlike part--timetime

Use a hyphen if the root word begins with a Use a hyphen if the root word begins with a capital letter:capital letter:

prepre--ColumbianColumbian subsub--SaharanSaharan nonnon--English English

HyphenHyphenUse a hyphen to form certain compound words:Use a hyphen to form certain compound words:

rightright--ofof--way editorway editor--inin--chief presidentchief president--electelect

Use a hyphen to promote clarity:Use a hyphen to promote clarity:

coco--workerworker rere--readread caffeinecaffeine--freefree

rere--creation (vs. recreation)creation (vs. recreation)

unun--ionized (vs. unionized)ionized (vs. unionized)

HyphenHyphen

Use a hyphen to clarify suspended Use a hyphen to clarify suspended compounds:compounds:

fullfull-- and partand part--time workerstime workers

firstfirst--, second, second--, and third, and third--quarter quarter earningsearnings

HyphenHyphenUse a hyphen to combine numeral unit Use a hyphen to combine numeral unit

adjectives:adjectives:

1212--inch ruler inch ruler 100100--year lifespan year lifespan

250250--page bookpage book

Use hyphens within age terms: Use hyphens within age terms:

threethree--yearyear--oldold 5555--yearyear--oldold

Hyphen Hyphen

Use a hyphen in titles that describe a dual Use a hyphen in titles that describe a dual function:function:

SecretarySecretary--TreasurerTreasurer ChairmanChairman--CEOCEO

Do not use a hyphen in a job title that describes Do not use a hyphen in a job title that describes a single function:a single function:

Attorney General Chief Executive OfficerAttorney General Chief Executive Officer

Hyphen Hyphen

For the sake of consistency, when the For the sake of consistency, when the word word fromfrom is used, you should use the is used, you should use the word word toto instead of a hyphen.instead of a hyphen.

Sarah attended NDSU from 2001 to 2005.Sarah attended NDSU from 2001 to 2005.

HyphenHyphen

When the word When the word betweenbetween is used, you is used, you should use the word should use the word andand instead of a instead of a hyphen.hyphen.

She published her articles between 2001 She published her articles between 2001 and 2005. and 2005.

HyphenHyphen

Do not use a hyphen when you have an Do not use a hyphen when you have an adverb ending in adverb ending in --lyly combined with an combined with an adjective:adjective:

Wrong: Wrong: widelywidely--held beliefheld beliefhighlyhighly--regarded individualregarded individual

Correct:Correct: widely held beliefwidely held beliefhighly regarded individualhighly regarded individual

Ellipsis PointsEllipsis Points

Ellipsis points are three equally spaced Ellipsis points are three equally spaced periods that indicate omission of periods that indicate omission of words in quoted material. When used words in quoted material. When used in the middle of a sentence, use three in the middle of a sentence, use three periods.periods.

““The collision between two The collision between two purposespurposes……shows by the uniformity of shows by the uniformity of its solution.its solution.””


Between sentences, retain the period or Between sentences, retain the period or other punctuation mark that ends the other punctuation mark that ends the sentence before the omission. Use sentence before the omission. Use four equally spaced periods followed four equally spaced periods followed by a capital letter.by a capital letter.

““The spirit of our American radicalism is The spirit of our American radicalism is destructive and aimlessdestructive and aimless…….On the other .On the other side, the conservative partyside, the conservative party……is timid is timid and merely defensive of property.and merely defensive of property.””


Note: Note: You have a duty not to You have a duty not to misrepresent the original work through misrepresent the original work through the use of ellipsis. Accuracy of intent the use of ellipsis. Accuracy of intent is critical.is critical.

Quotation MarksQuotation MarksPeriods and commas are always placed inside Periods and commas are always placed inside

the closing quotation marks. the closing quotation marks.

Colons, semicolons, question marks and Colons, semicolons, question marks and exclamation points all follow closing exclamation points all follow closing quotation marks unless a question mark or quotation marks unless a question mark or exclamation point belongs to the quoted exclamation point belongs to the quoted material.material.

Which of ShakespeareWhich of Shakespeare’’s characters said, s characters said, ““All All the worldthe world’’s a stages a stage……..””??

CapitalizationCapitalization

Capitalize prepositions in titles if they consist of Capitalize prepositions in titles if they consist of four or more letters:four or more letters:

SinceSince ThroughThrough UnderUnder

AroundAround During During Toward Toward

Above Above BetweenBetween Until Until

AgainstAgainst……


Do not capitalize words such as Do not capitalize words such as government, federal, state, administration government, federal, state, administration unless they are part of the title of a unless they are part of the title of a specific entity. specific entity.

U.S. Government vs. federal governmentU.S. Government vs. federal government


Do not capitalize seasons Do not capitalize seasons (fall, winter, spring,(fall, winter, spring,summer) summer) except when used to denote an except when used to denote an issue of a journal issue of a journal (Summer 2005)(Summer 2005)..


Do not capitalize terms when they Do not capitalize terms when they suggest direction suggest direction (western provinces, (western provinces, eastern Australia, central states) eastern Australia, central states) unless they refer to a compass point unless they refer to a compass point or specific location or specific location (Middle East, North (Middle East, North Pole, the Left Bank)Pole, the Left Bank)..

CapitalizationCapitalizationCapitalize Capitalize African American, Caucasian, African American, Caucasian,

Hispanic, Native American, Asian Hispanic, Native American, Asian but do not but do not capitalize generic terms such as black(s) or capitalize generic terms such as black(s) or white(s). white(s).

Capitalize personal titles only if they precede the Capitalize personal titles only if they precede the name and are not separated by a comma:name and are not separated by a comma:

President George BushPresident George Bush Professor JohnsonProfessor Johnsonthe treasurer, Bill Olson board chair, Al Jonesthe treasurer, Bill Olson board chair, Al Jones

Words Often ConfusedWords Often ConfusedAccept/ExceptAccept/ExceptAdverse/AverseAdverse/AverseAdvice/AdviseAdvice/AdviseAffect/EffectAffect/EffectAllude/Elude/ReferAllude/Elude/ReferAlternate/AlternativeAlternate/AlternativeApt/Liable/Likely/ProneApt/Liable/Likely/ProneBecause/SinceBecause/SinceBiannual/BiennialBiannual/BiennialComplement/ComplimentComplement/ComplimentComprise/Composed ofComprise/Composed of

Words Often ConfusedWords Often Confused

Due to/Because ofDue to/Because ofFewer/LessFewer/LessFurther/FartherFurther/FartherImply/InferImply/InferIn/Into/In toIn/Into/In toInsure/Ensure/AssureInsure/Ensure/AssureLay/LieLay/LieLike/AsLike/As

When in doubt, When in doubt, look it up!look it up!

Words Often ConfusedWords Often Confused

Loose/LoseLoose/LosePredominant/PredominatePredominant/PredominatePrincipal/PrinciplePrincipal/PrincipleProved/ProvenProved/ProvenRare/ScarceRare/ScarceThat/WhichThat/WhichTo/TooTo/Too

Helpful HintsHelpful Hints

BiBi-- vs. Semivs. Semi--bibi-- means means ““twotwo””

SemiSemi-- means means ““halfhalf””

If you want to avoid confusion when referring If you want to avoid confusion when referring to a period of time, abandon the use of the to a period of time, abandon the use of the prefixesprefixes bibi-- and semiand semi--, and instead say, and instead sayevery two weeks, every two months, twice a every two weeks, every two months, twice a year year or whatever interval you are or whatever interval you are describing. describing.

Hints!Hints!

Between vs. AmongBetween vs. AmongUse between for two items; among for three Use between for two items; among for three

or more.or more.

Never use Never use irregardlessirregardless –– Use regardlessUse regardless

ItIt’’s vs. Itss vs. Its

ItIt’’s = It iss = It is Its = Its = ““belongs tobelongs to””

More Hints!!More Hints!!

DataDataWhile acceptance of the word While acceptance of the word datadata as a as a

singular has become common, in singular has become common, in scientific and formal writing, the plural scientific and formal writing, the plural form is still preferred.form is still preferred.

Data areData are…… not Data isnot Data is……

Still More Hints!!!Still More Hints!!!

People vs. PersonsPeople vs. PersonsUse Use people people for larger groups; for larger groups; persons persons for an for an

exact or small number.exact or small number.

Never use Never use and etc. and etc. Use etc.Use etc.

et cetera et cetera means means ““and other unspecified things and other unspecified things of the same class.of the same class.””

Make Sure Your Make Sure Your Meaning is ClearMeaning is Clear

Rephrase to eliminate misplaced modifiers:Rephrase to eliminate misplaced modifiers:

People with deficient metabolizing systems or People with deficient metabolizing systems or children may be unjustly burdened by children may be unjustly burdened by genetically engineered food.genetically engineered food.

ItIt’’s a 30s a 30--minute documentary on the Bay Areaminute documentary on the Bay Area’’s s housing and growth crisis produced by the housing and growth crisis produced by the Association of Bay Area Governments.Association of Bay Area Governments.

Using Numbers in TextUsing Numbers in Text

Numbers Numbers less than 10 less than 10 should be spelled should be spelled out.out.

Numbers Numbers 10 or greater 10 or greater should be written should be written as numerals.as numerals.

This rule applies for rankings also: This rule applies for rankings also: first, first, second and third but 12second and third but 12thth, 20, 20thth, and , and 2525thth..

Using Numbers in TextUsing Numbers in Text

Avoid starting a sentence with a Avoid starting a sentence with a numeral. Rewrite the sentence to numeral. Rewrite the sentence to start with a word.start with a word.

Percentages are always given in Percentages are always given in numerals. (No space appears between numerals. (No space appears between the numeral and the symbol (15%).the numeral and the symbol (15%).

Parallel ConstructionParallel Construction

Be consistent when you create lists, Be consistent when you create lists, outlines or headings. If a list begins outlines or headings. If a list begins with a verb, make the entire list with a verb, make the entire list begin with verbs:begin with verbs:

1.1. Provide operating fundsProvide operating funds……2.2. Work with all state agenciesWork with all state agencies……3.3. Coordinate effortsCoordinate efforts……

Consistency in HeadingsConsistency in Headings

Check your document for consistency in:Check your document for consistency in:spacing before and after headings spacing before and after headings underlining underlining indenting indenting the use of bold type the use of bold type numbering systems numbering systems capitalization capitalization

RepetitionRepetition

Avoid repeating the same word or Avoid repeating the same word or variations of the word too close variations of the word too close together. Use a thesaurus to help you together. Use a thesaurus to help you find alternative words and rephrase find alternative words and rephrase your sentences.your sentences.

Rephrasing Rephrasing ClumsyClumsy: All programs except one are mainstay : All programs except one are mainstay

programs for this state. That one program is Section programs for this state. That one program is Section 5309. This program has provided additional support 5309. This program has provided additional support but is not necessarily a funded program every year.but is not necessarily a funded program every year.

ImprovedImproved: The 5310 and 5311 programs are : The 5310 and 5311 programs are mainstays in funding for this state. The exception is mainstays in funding for this state. The exception is Section 5309, which has provided additional support Section 5309, which has provided additional support but is not necessarily funded every year.but is not necessarily funded every year.””

Things to Watch forThings to Watch for……DonDon’’t use plural pronouns t use plural pronouns theythey or or theirtheir to refer to refer

to a singular noun. to a singular noun. ““Each person interviewed believed that they Each person interviewed believed that they

should have taken more time to develop their should have taken more time to develop their particular center.particular center.””

Instead, the sentence should read:Instead, the sentence should read:““Each person interviewed believed that more Each person interviewed believed that more

time was needed to develop that particular time was needed to develop that particular center.center.””

Dr. Pat Dr. Pat MokhtarianMokhtarian

More Hints!More Hints!The phrase The phrase in order toin order to is usually unnecessary.is usually unnecessary.““In order to study the commute mode choice In order to study the commute mode choice

process, a survey was designed and process, a survey was designed and administered to a random sample of 1000 administered to a random sample of 1000 Sacramento residents.Sacramento residents.””

Instead, the sentence should read,Instead, the sentence should read,““To study the commute mode choice process, a To study the commute mode choice process, a

survey was designedsurvey was designed…”…”


More Hints!!More Hints!!DonDon’’t use t use overover when when more thanmore than is appropriate.is appropriate.

““Over 800 respondents completed the survey.Over 800 respondents completed the survey.””

Over designates a place. A better way to Over designates a place. A better way to phrase the sentence is:phrase the sentence is:

““More than 800 respondents completed the More than 800 respondents completed the survey.survey.””


More Hints!!!More Hints!!!i.e. means i.e. means ““that isthat is””

e.g. means e.g. means ““for examplefor example””

Always put a comma after either of them.Always put a comma after either of them.(i.e.,(i.e.,……) or (e.g.,) or (e.g.,……))

Note that Note that e.g.e.g. and and i.e.i.e. are not italicized.are not italicized.

StillStill More Hints!!!More Hints!!!

et al. et al. means means ““and othersand others””

It is always written with a period after the It is always written with a period after the second element only. It is used in second element only. It is used in bibliographies, but as a rule should not be bibliographies, but as a rule should not be used for the words used for the words ““and othersand others”” within the within the text (except in citing references). The text (except in citing references). The abbreviation is applied only to persons, not abbreviation is applied only to persons, not to things.to things.

Limiting Prepositional Limiting Prepositional PhrasesPhrasesPrepositions can easily be overdone. Words Prepositions can easily be overdone. Words

ending in ending in --anceance, , --enceence, , --ityity, , --mentment, , --sionsion, or , or --tiontion are often are often ““buried verbsburied verbs”” and require and require additional prepositional phrases to complete additional prepositional phrases to complete the idea.the idea.

Our efforts toward maximization of profits Our efforts toward maximization of profits failed.failed.

vs. Our efforts to maximize profits failed.vs. Our efforts to maximize profits failed.

ProofreadingProofreading

““Proofread carefully to see if you any Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.words out.””

It is YOUR job to proofread your It is YOUR job to proofread your documents.documents.

Can You Read This?Can You Read This?

AoccdrnigAoccdrnig to to rseaecrhrseaecrh at at HravardHravardUinervtisyUinervtisy, it , it deosndeosn’’tt mattaermattaer wahtwahtoredroredr the the ltteersltteers in a in a wrodwrod are, the are, the olnyolny iprmoatntiprmoatnt tihngtihng is is tahttaht the the fristfristand and lsatlsat ltteerltteer be in the be in the rghitrghit pclaepclae..

TihsTihs is is bcuseaebcuseae the the huamnhuamn mnidmnid deosdeosnot not raedraed erveyervey lteterlteter by by istlefistlef, but the , but the wrodwrod as a as a wlohewlohe..

ReferencesReferencesWrite Right: A Desktop Digest of Write Right: A Desktop Digest of

Punctuation, Grammar and Style (4Punctuation, Grammar and Style (4thth

Edition)Edition) by Jan by Jan VenoliaVenolia

The Chicago Manual of Style (15The Chicago Manual of Style (15thth

Edition)Edition) –– University of Chicago Press University of Chicago Press

Both are available by special order from the Both are available by special order from the NDSU Book Store.NDSU Book Store.

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgementsA special thank you to Dr. Pat A special thank you to Dr. Pat MokhtarianMokhtarian, ,

University of California, Davis, who provided University of California, Davis, who provided several of the examples used in this several of the examples used in this presentation. It was her inspiration that led presentation. It was her inspiration that led to the Document Checklist, which consists of to the Document Checklist, which consists of her original materials with a few minor her original materials with a few minor additions. additions.

Thank you also to Tom Jirik, Upper Great Thank you also to Tom Jirik, Upper Great Plains Transportation, for his contributions Plains Transportation, for his contributions and assistance in identifying common and assistance in identifying common mistakes encountered by editors.mistakes encountered by editors.

Documents

Common Pitfalls in WritingSep 05, 2007 · Use semicolons to separate long or complicated items in a series: The lottery winners included an elderly gentleman who had never before