Good writing helps readers understand ideas clearly. However, many people make some common mistakes that make writing confusing or difficult to read. By avoiding these mistakes, writers can communicate their ideas more effectively.
- Spelling Mistakes
Spelling errors make writing look careless and may confuse the reader. Writers should always check spelling before submitting their work.
Example
Incorrect:
She recieved the letter yesterday.
Correct:
She received the letter yesterday.
- Grammatical Errors
Grammar mistakes affect the structure of sentences and may change the meaning of a sentence.
Example
Incorrect:
She go to office every day.
Correct:
She goes to the office every day.
- Sentence Fragments
A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence that does not express a complete idea.
Example
Incorrect:
Because he was tired.
Correct:
He went to bed early because he was tired.
- Run-on Sentences
A run-on sentence occurs when two or more sentences are joined incorrectly without proper punctuation.
Example
Incorrect:
I finished my work I went home.
Correct:
I finished my work, and I went home.
- Repetition of Words or Ideas
Repeating the same word or idea many times makes writing dull and unnecessary.
Example
Incorrect:
The movie was very interesting. It was an interesting movie for everyone.
Correct:
The movie was very engaging and enjoyable for everyone.
- Incorrect Punctuation
Wrong punctuation can change the meaning of a sentence.
Example
Incorrect:
Lets eat children.
Correct:
Let’s eat, children.
- Using Very Long Sentences
Very long sentences make writing difficult to understand.
Example
Incorrect:
The meeting which was scheduled yesterday but was postponed because the manager was absent finally happened today and everyone attended it.
Correct:
The meeting was postponed yesterday because the manager was absent. It finally happened today, and everyone attended.
- Informal Language in Formal Writing
Using slang or very casual language is not suitable in academic or professional writing.
Example
Incorrect:
The project was kinda difficult.
Correct:
The project was somewhat difficult.
Avoiding common writing mistakes improves clarity and readability. Careful proofreading, correct grammar, and clear sentence structure help writers communicate their ideas effectively.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID IN WRITING – MCQ’S
WORKS CITED
Nordquist, Richard. “Common Errors in English.” ThoughtCo., Dotdash Meredith, 27 Aug. 2020, https://www.thoughtco.com/common-errors-in-english-1692648.
Strunk, William Jr., and E. B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed., Pearson, 2000.
Oshima, Alice, and Ann Hogue. Writing Academic English. 4th ed., Pearson Longman, 2006.
Purdue Online Writing Lab. “Proofreading.” Purdue OWL, Purdue University, https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/proofreading/index.html.
Dr Aswathy Aravindakshan is a teacher, bilingual writer and artist with over two decades of experience in teaching English language and literature. She currently serves as Assistant Professor of English at NSS College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Her blog, ashlit.in brings together academic resources, creative writing in Malayalam and English, and visual art. The platform features lecture notes, study materials, poems, reflections, short prose, and a curated collection of her paintings. Through this space, she seeks to foster learning, creativity, and meaningful engagement with literature and the arts.
Discover more from ashlit.in
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Comments on “COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID IN WRITING”