Overview
Mastery of Standard Written English is essential for clear, effective academic writing. This topic focuses on the grammatical rules, sentence structures, and stylistic choices that form the foundation of college-level essays. Whether you're editing a draft or constructing a new argument, understanding these conventions will ensure that your writing is precise and professional.
Key Areas of Focus
- Sentence Structure: Avoid sentence fragments, run-ons, and comma splices. Every sentence needs a subject and verb, and ideas should be clearly connected.
- Subject-Verb Agreement: Make sure singular subjects have singular verbs and plural subjects have plural verbs.
- Pronoun Clarity: Ensure pronouns clearly refer to a specific noun (antecedent) and agree in number and gender.
- Verb Tense Consistency: Maintain consistent tense unless a shift is necessary for clarity or context.
- Modifiers: Place modifiers next to the words they modify to avoid confusion (e.g., "She almost failed every class" vs. "She failed almost every class").
- Punctuation: Use commas, semicolons, colons, and dashes accurately to structure your writing and prevent ambiguity.
- Diction and Idiom: Use words correctly and naturally. Avoid confusing idiomatic expressions or misused words.
Common Errors and Fixes
- Incorrect: Everyone need to submit their essay by Friday.
Correct: Everyone needs to submit his or her essay by Friday. (or: their, if accepted in your academic setting)
- Incorrect: The dog barked loudly it scared the baby.
Correct: The dog barked loudly, and it scared the baby.
- Incorrect: She gave the book to Tom and I.
Correct: She gave the book to Tom and me.
Tip: Read your writing aloud. If something sounds awkward or confusing, there's a good chance it needs revision for clarity, grammar, or structure.
Practice Prompt
Identify and correct all errors in the following paragraph:
The professor told the class to write their papers and hand it in on time. Many students, not understanding the assignment turned in drafts that was incomplete. This cause the professor to deduct points from everyone's grade. If students had of asked for help, they might of done better.
Try correcting the paragraph before checking your answer in the review section.