《A Helpful Resource》Common Grammar Errors
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Error #1: Run-on Sentence or Comma Splice
A run-on sentence is a sentence that joins two independent clauses without punctuation or the appropriate conjunction. A comma splice is similar to a run-on sentence, but it uses a comma to join two clauses that have no appropriate conjunction.
Fixing a run-on sentence or a comma splice can be accomplished in one of five different ways
Separate the clauses into two sentences.Replace the comma with a semi-colon.Replace the comma with a coordinating conjunction--and, but, for, yet, nor, so.Replace the comma with a subordinating conjunction--after, although, before, unless, as, because, even though, if, since, until, when, while.Replace the comma with a semi-colon and transitional word--however, moreover, on the other hand, nevertheless, instead, also, therefore, consequently, otherwise, as a result.
For example:
Incorrect: Rachel is very smart, she began reading when she was three years old.
Correct: Rachel is very smart. She began reading when she was three years old.
Correct: Rachel is very smart; she began reading when she was three years old.
Correct: Rachel is very smart, and she began reading when she was three years old.
Correct: Because Rachel is very smart, she began reading when she was three years old.
Correct: Rachel is very smart; as a result, she began reading when she was three years old.
Error #2: Pronoun Errors
Pronoun errors occur when pronouns do not agree in number with the nouns to which they refer. If the noun is singular, the pronoun must be singular. If the noun is plural, however, the pronoun must be plural as well.
For example:
Incorrect: Everybody must bring their own lunch.
Correct: Everybody must bring his or her own lunch.Many people believe that pronoun errors are the result of writers who are trying to avoid the implication of sexist language. Although this is an admirable goal, correct grammar is still important.
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Error #3: Mistakes in Apostrophe Usage
Apostrophes are used to show possession. However, you do not use an apostrophe after a possessive pronoun such as my, mine, our, ours, his, hers, its, their, or theirs.
Incorrect: My mothers cabin is next to his' cabin.
Correct: My mother's cabin is next to his cabin.
In the case of it's, the apostrophe is used to indicate a contraction for it is.
For example:
Incorrect: Its a cold day in October.
Correct: It's a cold day in October.
Error #4: Lack of Subject/Verb Agreement
When speaking or writing in the present tense, a sentence must have subjects and verbs that agree in number. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural as well.
For example:
Incorrect:The recipes is good for beginning chefs.
Correct:The recipes are good for beginning chefs.
Error #5: Misplaced Modifiers
To communicate your ideas clearly, you must place a modifier directly next to the word it is supposed to modify. The modifier should clearly refer to a specific word in the sentence.
For example:
Incorrect:Incorrect: At eight years old, my father gave me a pony for Christmas.
Correct:When I was eight years old, my father gave me a pony for Christmas.
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A TOURNAMENT OF SORCERERS… AND THE MISFIT WHO ENTERED IT. Ever since she was a little girl, Lucy Hardtvelt has wanted to attend the same academy of magic her mother had graduated from, as well as compete in the same, famous Sorcerers Tournament hosted there every year. And finally, after having her application accepted, Lucy is jubilant to begin her first year at the prestigious Greidwhen Academy for Mages. Unfortunately, Lucy soon finds that, unlike her mother, she herself has little to no aptitude in the magical arts—struggling to keep even the most basic of spells from blowing up in her face. Now, having been given a harsh dose of reality, Lucy must find out if she has what it takes not only to survive at Greidwhen, but also the Sorcerer’s Tournament and its one-thousand contestants where the winner will be given the title of Champion Sorcerer, as well as the right to challenge the Celestial Mages—who are known to have been defeated only a handful of times…
8 221High Crew
High Crew is a finished story, the sequel is in the works. You can follow my Instagram for progress updates and other exclusive content. Sea Betwixt is a world full of gruesome battles, plundering raids, political intrigue, struggle for success and recognition. Only blade and wit will allow one man to rise above others here. But make few steps away from civilization and you will face evil spirits, eldritch beings, enchanted places, monsters from beneath the sea and giants from the uncharted East. A young warrior named Ymdaton will cross this boundary between gritty warfare and mystical encounters many times, as he follows his lord on a quest for dominance. Follow him on a journey to the land of Drevlyani, a small stubborn nation struggling for survival in the unforgiving primeval forest. Will our hero claim his place in legends despite the terrible price it could cost him? Read High Crew and find out! Cover art by Alexandra Roslik.
8 357World Purgatory
What would you do when the world you know of ceased to exist?What would you do when your home and your loved ones threatened? I'll tell you what I'd do.I wouldn't accept this fate.I would fight to my bitter end.I'd stake everything. What would you do if your God forsake you? I'll tell you what I'd do.I'd abandon God if I have to.I would fight God to my bitter end.
8 131Sovereign of Divinity
Shima Akio is mysteriously reborn in the game world of Divinity, only, it is no longer a game. Watch as Akio, now called Jon in the new world, grows stronger to be able to face stronger foes and protect his new family, while uncovering the mysteries behind his reincarnation, and thus finding the truth about this world...
8 141Battle for the Photon Core [Inter-Universal Protectors: Book 1]
The time has come. The story begins again Five thousand years ago, Amneris Topanga sealed Enliatu in the Void, a place where no one has ever returned from. Ten items holding the power of her spell were hidden across Creation in the hope they would never be found nor needed again. A new threat has risen to the Dark Throne of Terpola. The hunt for the ten items has begun. The stakes: Enliatu's freedom and the destruction of Creation as he brings in the Age of Darkness - the mission he failed five thousand years ago. Amneris and her Court must retrieve the items before the Terpolites can free their old Ruler. If only things were ever that simple when it comes to keeping Balance. The items aren't the only thing the Terpolites are after this time. Will our heroes put a stop to this new threat? Fireworks Award: Fantasy 3rd Place Creative Cappuccino Award: Action/Adventure 1st Place [This is my original work and I have made it available on Wattpad, Inkitt, Royal Road, and ScribbleHub]
8 206The Forgotten Light
After hearing about a legend a girl goes on an adventure to find out if the legend is true or not. She runs into a man who shows her a future that she never knew existed. With this new information she must choose whether or not she wants follow this future, or go home and pretend she learnt nothing on her journey.
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