1. Parallel constructions
Main issue: Items in a list or series should follow the same grammatical pattern
Example 1:
Incorrect: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.
Correct: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bicycle.
Example 2:
Incorrect: The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately and in a detailed manner.
Correct: The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately and thoroughly.
2. Sentence fragments
Main issue: Incomplete sentences missing essential parts or complete thoughts
The essential components: Subject (who/what) + Verb (action/state) + Object (when needed).
Example: Students (subject) complete (verb) assignments (object).
How can we fix this?
Missing a verb:
Incorrect: Studying late into the night.
Adding a VERB makes this correct: Studying late into the night helps students prepare for exams. OR The students are studying late into the night.
Missing a subject:
Incorrect: Improves academic performance significantly.
Adding a SUBJECT makes this correct: Adequate sleep improves academic performance significantly.
Incomplete thought (starts with connecting word):
Incorrect: Although the research methodology was comprehensive and included both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods.
Complete the thought: Although the research methodology was comprehensive and included both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, the sample size remained too small for generalisable conclusions.
OR
Remove the connecting word: The research methodology was comprehensive.
3. Unclear pronoun references
The problem: Reader can’t tell what the pronoun refers to. Pronouns are words that replace nouns (e.g., they, these, this, it).
Example 1:
Incorrect: Teachers and students discussed the policy changes. They were concerned about implementation.
Correct: Teachers and students discussed the policy changes. The teachers were concerned about implementation.
Example 2:
Incorrect: The university introduced new assessment methods and grading criteria. These caused confusion among staff.
Correct: The university introduced new assessment methods and grading criteria. The new grading criteria caused confusion among staff.
Example 3:
Incorrect: When students submit their essays late, lecturers often refuse to mark them. This frustrates everyone involved.
Correct: When students submit their essays late, lecturers often refuse to mark them. This refusal to mark late work frustrates everyone involved.
