Common Grammatical Errors

Want to improve your writing? Well, there are some common errors that you might want to look for as your revise and edit your writing. Here's the first one:  

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, or.
• 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, for 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.

Read more at 18 Most Common Grammar Mistakes 

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