Common Writing Errors

Grammar and Usage Red Flags

Nov 15, 2009 Sharon Chapman

Writing errors cause readers to lose focus on the topic of the document, knowing common writing errors and how to avoid them helps readers understand the subject.

In today’s technological world of instant messaging and online chatting, grammar and usage errors run rampant. These errors often spill over into written documents, making the author appear to be either careless or unconcerned about the content of their writing.

Many of the mistakes made are common writing errors that can be avoided if writers understand simple writing concepts and know the red flags to look for in order to avoid those errors. If these errors are not addressed readers will be distracted from the content of the writing and have a difficult time following the content.

Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

Often, errors are made in word usage due to words sounding alike. This mistake can easily be made by even the most polished writer. Some common word choice errors include the following:

• Adverse or averse: These two words sound very similar yet have distinctly different meanings. Adverse is defined as unfavorable or harmful and averse is defined as reluctant or opposed.
• Affect or effect: These two words are among the most commonly confused and misused words in the English vocabulary and these are not picked up by grammar or spell checkers. An easy way to remember which word to use is that affect is an action and effect is the end result. There are a few exceptions, such as in very informal writing and medical terminology.
• Composed of and comprise: Compose is defined as ‘to create or produce by putting something together. Comprise is defined as ‘to consist of’. Writers often inadvertently use the wrong one in their documents.
• Hopefully: Another of the most misused words in the English language, hopefully is mistakenly used to mean ‘with hopeful feelings’; however, it is often used in such a manner that an inanimate object is being designated as having feelings. For example, “hopefully, my project will not fail.” In this sentence, the project is hoping not to fail. What the writer intended was, “I hope my project will not fail.”
• Irregardless or regardless: Regardless is always the correct choice in writing irregardless is nonstandard usage and should be avoided, particularly in business writing.

These are just a few of the most common grammar and usage errors. There are many more errors that writers should know and learn to recognize.

All people should be conscientious of their writing skills in order to keep their readers engaged in what they are reading. Instant messaging and chatting online have an entirely different set of grammar rules, or lack thereof, and should not be used in writing.

Learning to recognize these and other common grammar errors will enhance writing skills and keep readers focused on the subject at hand.

The copyright of the article Common Writing Errors in Editing is owned by Sharon Chapman. Permission to republish Common Writing Errors in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Keep a Dictionary Nearby When Writing.