Grammar is the backbone of effective communication in writing. By understanding and applying basic grammar rules, you can significantly enhance the readability and professionalism of your manuscript, making the editing process much smoother.
1. Subject-Verb Agreement:
This rule requires the verb to agree in number with its subject. If the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular; if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.
“The list of items are on the desk.” (Correct: “The list of items is on the desk.”)
Tip: To ensure correct subject-verb agreement, identify the main subject of the sentence and ensure the verb matches in number. Ignore intervening phrases that do not affect the main subject.
2. Misplaced Modifiers:
A modifier (a word, phrase, or clause that describes something else) should be placed directly next to the word it modifies to avoid confusing the reader.
“She almost drove her kids to school every day.” (Correct: “She drove her kids to school almost every day.”)
Tip: Re-read sentences to ensure that modifiers clearly point to the words they are supposed to modify, avoiding ambiguity.
3. Comma Splices:
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses (each with its own subject and verb) are joined with just a comma.
“He loves coffee, he drinks it every morning.” (Correct: “He loves coffee, and he drinks it every morning.”)
Tip: Use a conjunction (like “and,” “but,” or “or”), a semicolon, or break into two separate sentences to correct comma splices.
4. Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement:
Pronouns must agree in number and gender with their antecedents, the nouns to which they refer.
“Each of the students must submit their homework on time.” (Correct: “Each of the students must submit his or her homework on time.”)
Tip: Carefully match singular pronouns with singular antecedents and plural pronouns with plural antecedents to maintain clarity and correctness.
5. Incorrect Use of Apostrophes:
Apostrophes are used to indicate possession or to form contractions, not to form plurals.
“The cat’s are playing in the yard.” (Correct: “The cats are playing in the yard.”)
Tip: Review and memorize the rules for using apostrophes correctly to avoid common mistakes in possession and contraction.
6. Dangling Participles:
A dangling participle occurs when the participle (a verbal that acts as an adjective) does not logically modify the noun or noun phrase it intends to describe.
“Walking down the street, the trees were beautiful.” (Correct: “Walking down the street, she found the trees beautiful.”)
Tip: Make sure the noun immediately following the participle is the thing performing the action described by the participle.
7. Confusing ‘Its’ and ‘It’s’:
“Its” is the possessive form of “it,” while “it’s” is a contraction for “it is” or “it has.”
“Its a beautiful day.” (Correct: “It’s a beautiful day.”)
Tip: Substitute “it is” or “it has” in the sentence to check if it still makes sense; this helps determine the correct form.
8. Improper Use of ‘Who’ and ‘Whom’:
“Who” is used as a subject or subject complement, while “whom” is used as an object of a verb or preposition.
“Whom is calling?” (Correct: “Who is calling?”)
Tip: Replace “who” or “whom” with “he” or “him” (respectively) to see which fits, aiding in correct usage.
9. Tense Switches:
Tense consistency within a sentence or paragraph is crucial to maintaining clarity and flow in writing.
“She walks to the store and bought some milk.” (Correct: “She walked to the store and bought some milk.”)
Tip: Read through sentences and ensure all verbs reflect the same time period, adjusting as necessary.
10. Head-Hopping:
Head-hopping refers to shifts in point of view within a single scene, which can confuse readers.
“Jane felt happy. Mark couldn’t understand why she was so cheerful.”
Tip: Maintain a consistent point of view within each scene or clearly indicate when a change in perspective occurs.
11. Ending Sentences with Prepositions:
While often acceptable in informal speech, ending sentences with prepositions in formal writing can create weak sentence structures.
“Where is the book at?” (Correct: “Where is the book?”)
Tip: Restructure sentences to place prepositions more naturally within the sentence, enhancing strength and formality.
