Common Errors

1. Sentences. A sentence has a subject and a predicate. Do not link two sentences with a comma or run together two sentences with no punctuation. See “Essentials of Writing”.

2. Punctuation. Use commas appropriately. For example, use a comma to separate two independent clauses separated by and, or, but, for, nor. Use a semicolon between two independent clauses not separated by one of these conjunctions.  Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause.  See The Elements of Style, Rules 2-8; "Sentence Revision,"  "Punctuation Patterns" and “Essentials of Writing” .

3. Agreement. Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs. Use a singular pronoun with a singular antecedent and a plural pronoun with a plural antecedent. Some singular words to remember: anyone, each, either, everyone; "Sentence Revision" and “Essentials of Writing”.

4. Parallel construction.  Sentence elements that are connected by idea should be expressed in similar form. See The Elements of Style, Rule 19; "Sentence Revision"  and “Essentials of Writing”.

5. Tense. Use verb tenses correctly and consistently. See The Elements of Style, Rule 21; "Tense" and “Essentials of Writing”.

6. Voice. Normally use the active voice, in which the subject acts, instead of passive voice, in which something is done to your subject. See The Elements of Style, Rule 14;  “Sentence Revision,” “Use Active Voice,” and “Essentials of Writing”.

7. Pronoun reference.  Avoid using unclear pronouns, especially at the beginning of sentences.  Rather than write  "This is" or "It is," use as subject the noun that is the actual subject of your sentence. See “Sentence Revision".

8. Misplaced modifier.  Place modifying phrase next to the word it modifies. See “Sentence Revision” and “Essentials of Writing".

9. Other errors. “X” marks the spot for other errors, such as the dreaded “its/it’s” confusion. Ask your professor what’s wrong, or do the detective work. yourself.

10. Citation. Use citations in the proper form to document your use of other writers’ words and ideas. Plagiarism is a violation of the Hamilton College Honor Code. See “MLA Documentation,” “Avoiding Plagiarism,” and “Essentials of Writing".

HOURS:
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Fri.: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sun.: 1 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Open additional hours for computer use.


TO SCHEDULE, CANCEL, OR INQUIRE ABOUT A WRITING CONFERENCE:
Call (315) 859-4363 or stop by the Writing Center
(K-J 209).

• To email your draft: wcpapers@hamilton.edu
• Drafts longer than six pages should be submitted 24 hours in advance.