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Grammar/Mechanics Review. Common writing errors in v erb conjugation and the application of punctuation.
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Grammar/Mechanics Review Common writing errors in verb conjugation and the application of punctuation
Yes! It is important to be able to write correctly for academic purposes. We make all kinds of acceptable grammatical errors in speech, but those same errors are not acceptable in formal writing. • The errors we’re covering today are simple but can be difficult to spot, even for native speakers. Being aware of these kinds of mistakes will help you to avoid them in your paper. What? Grammar/Mechanics?
Verb tense problems can occur between verbs in the same AND separate sentences. • My cat licked his back all the time. Mom says he won’t have hair soon if he keeps that up! • We buy him some special shampoo, but he didn’t like it. Verb-Tense & Subject-Verb Agreement
Verb-tense problems can also arise between the subject and the verb. This happens when the verb is incorrectly conjugated. • The dog like to play with tennis balls. He are a very energetic dog. • I brews a cup of tea every night before I go to bed. Subject-Verb Agreement
Sentence fragments are dependent/subordinate clauses or phrases treated like full sentences/independent clauses. We use sentence fragments in our speech all the time, and it’s okay. Sometimes, they are used in writing for dramatic effect. However, for the time being, it’s not okay to use them in our academic writing. • Although I’ve heard the game’s pretty revolutionary. The developers created a brand new engine just for it. • I already told you why I have to go. Because my mom called. • Correcting fragments is very easy once you’ve managed to identify them. You simply have to find a way to connect the dependent clause with an independent one to fix the error. Sentence Fragments.
Run-on sentences occur when two independent clauses are put together as a single sentence with no coordinating conjunctions or punctuation to join them. • I went to see my nephew the other day he’s getting so big! • Can you lend me a dollar for lunch I left my wallet at home. • It’s the best movie I’ve ever seen you have to go see it! • There are three ways to correct a run-on sentence. First, identify the two independent clauses, then connect them using a coordinating conjunction or semicolon, or separate them into two separate sentences with a period (or exclamation point). Run-on Sentences
Comma splices occur when two independent clauses are held together with only a comma and no coordinating conjunction. • Josh carried my books yesterday, it was so sweet of him! • My feet are killing me, I’ve hardly sat down all day! • Sometimes comma splices can be used in writing, such as when you need to connect three or more short sentences; it’s almost like making a list, only using independent clauses instead of nouns: “I went to the store at three, I got home at four, I had dinner on the table by five-thirty. It was such a crazy afternoon!” • Correcting Comma Splices: once again, comma splices are corrected in the same ways that run-on sentences and fragments are. Add coordinating conjunctions, replace the comma with a semicolon, or separate the two clauses with a period or exclamation point, if appropriate. Comma Splice