W2E

Guide to Better English Writing

Index
Section 1.......................................................................................................... 4 Sentence structure........................................................................................ 4 Run-on/ Long Sentences .......................................................................... 4 Long Sentences ........................................................................................ 4 Word Order: ............................................................................................. 6 Parallel Structure...................................................................................... 6 Dangling Modifier ................................................................................... 7 Misplaced Modifier.................................................................................. 8 Sentence Fragments ................................................................................. 8 Section 2.......................................................................................................... 9 Verb Usage .................................................................................................. 9 Use of the Simple Present tense............................................................... 9 Use of the Present Continuous (progressive) tense ............................... 10 Use of the Simple Past tense.................................................................. 10 Controlling Shifts in Verb Tense ........................................................... 11 Subject-Verb Agreement ....................................................................... 12 Section 3........................................................................................................ 14 Linkers / Transitions.................................................................................. 14 Section 4........................................................................................................ 17 Pronoun Usage .......................................................................................... 17 Pronoun Case ......................................................................................... 17 Pronoun / Reference Agreement............................................................ 18 Pronoun Shift ......................................................................................... 18 Section 5........................................................................................................ 19 Word Choice.............................................................................................. 19 Use of Appropriate Word....................................................................... 19 Correct Use of Word Form .................................................................... 20 Use of Correct Word.............................................................................. 20 Section 6 .. 21 Prepositions . 21

The objective of this handy grammar guide is to help familiarize you with common English writing errors made by students and early learners. The guide has been organized as per sections covering a specific error type, so as to facilitate easy understanding by the students. Of course, learning never comes to an end, and so it is with this guide. The grammar guides objective is to provide you a starting point to identifying your own errors and rectifying them. At places, you may feel a need to refer to more elaborate sources to clarify your doubts, which you must seek out and consult as needed.

Section 1
Sentence structure
Some of the common sentence structure errors made by students in their English essays are discussed below.

Run-on/ Long Sentences

If you find that you have more than one and in a sentence, please look at it again to see if you can break it up into 2 or more sentences of shorter length. This will help your writing to be understood easily, and you will find that you will make fewer grammatical mistakes. Example 1: Incorrect: Security guards go on patrol and ensure the safety of residents since it is a part of their duties and the residents in the apartment have paid money for their services. Correct: Since it is a part of their duty, security guards go on patrol to ensure the safety of residents. Besides, the residents of the apartment have paid money for their services.

Example 2: Incorrect: People who have the money to buy an apartment to live in can buy it and have no problems and those who cannot afford it are going to be homeless. Correct: People who have the money to buy an apartment to live in can buy it and have no problems. However, those who cannot afford it are going to be homeless.

Long Sentences
Sometimes, run-on sentences contain too many ideas, linked incorrectly by commas. Here too you can improve the sentence by sorting out the ideas and forming shorter, grammatically correct sentences. These sentences then could be linked through linkers /transitional words.

Example 1 Some people, who like to play badminton, basketball, swim and go to gym, will definitely feel bored during holidays and weekends if such facilities are not available, for the only one thing they can do then is watching television.

Take a look at the following example. It is very confusing because it contains 3 ideas: The ideas expressed in the sentence are: Some people like to play badminton, basketball, swim and go to gym If such facilities are not available they will definitely feel bored on holidays and weekends The only thing they can do then is to watch television

Instead of expressing all these ideas in one sentence you could sort them out and form separate sentences. Then you can then link the ideas in this way: Some people like to play badminton, basketball, swim or exercise in a gym. Therefore, if such facilities are not available they will definitely feel bored on holidays and weekends. Because the only thing they can do then is to watch television. Example 2 However, as time went on women's rights were formulated, things began to change and at present women are able to work side by side with men. The ideas expressed in the sentence are: - As time went on women's rights were formulated - Things began to change - Women at present are able to work side by side with men You can then link the ideas in this way:

However, as time went on women's rights were formulated. Thereafter things began to change. At present, women are able to work side by side with men

Word Order:
When you begin to put down an idea in the form of a sentence make sure that you write it in the form of a simple sentence In English, a simple sentence follows a Subject-Verb-Object structure. For example, The cat ate a rat. The Subject (The cat) precedes the Verb (ate) and is followed by the Object (a rat). A simple sentence form often conveys meaning in a clear manner. Please note how the meaning changes, if the prescribed order of words is not followed: The cat a rat ate. Or A rat ate the cat.

Think carefully about the structure of your sentences to make sure that meaning is conveyed to the reader clearly. These are some of the common errors students commit: Example 1 Incorrect: Water and air in the locality will pollute the factory. Correct: The factory will pollute water and air in the locality.

Example 2 Incorrect: The security guards in the parking lot the cars watch. Correct: The security guards watch the cars in the parking lot.

Parallel Structure
Look through your paper for a series of items and make sure these items are in parallel form.

Example 1 Incorrect: As a result, people will face many health problems after drinking or to use the water to bathe. Correct: As a result, people will face many health problems after drinking or using the water to bathe.

Example 2 Incorrect: The residents who like swimming, going to gym, to play badminton or basketball, will definitely feel bored during holidays and weekends.

Correct: The residents who like to swim, to go to the gym, and to play badminton or basketball will definitely feel bored during holidays and weekends.

Dangling Modifier
A modifier describes, clarifies, or gives more detail about a concept. A dangling modifier is a word or phrase that modifies a word that is not clearly stated/or is missing in the sentence. Example 1 Incorrect: To define a good mother, * whether the mother works or not; it is the relationship she establishes with her children that matters.

Correct: To define a good mother, one should not base his or her judgement on whether the mother works or not. It is the relationship she establishes with her children that matters.

Example 2 Incorrect: Furthermore, the second advantage * is it creates more job opportunities for our community. Correct: Furthermore, the second advantage of having a factory in our locality is that it creates more job opportunities for our community.

Misplaced Modifier
We say that a modifier is misplaced if it appears to modify the wrong part of the sentence or if we cannot be certain what part of the sentence the writer intended to modify. Misplaced modifiers can be awkward, unintentionally amusing or genuinely confusing. Example 1 Incorrect: Young people may disturb their neighbours when they play very loud music down below. Correct: Young people may disturb their neighbours down below when they play very loud music. Example 2 Incorrect: To compensate for lack of personal attention, working mothers buy a lot of toys for their children with high price tags. Correct: To compensate for lack of personal attention, working mothers buy a lot of toys with high price tags for their children.

Sentence Fragments
A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence. Some fragments are incomplete because they lack either a subject or a verb, or both. Look at the following examples of sentence fragments: Because his car was in the shop. After the rain stops. When you finally take the test. Since you asked. If you want to go with me. Look for sentence fragments that stop short of giving the reader complete information and rewrite them so that they read as complete sentences.

Example 1 Incorrect: Since our homework was done as soon as we got home from school.

Correct: Since our homework was done as soon as we got home from school we had plenty of time to play outdoors.

Example 2 Incorrect: Because this is a rural area. Correct: Because this is a rural area we have no high rise apartments there.

Section 2
Verb Usage
In this section, we will provide an introduction to the usage of tenses in English writing.

Use of the Simple Present tense

Use the present tense to state facts, to refer to perpetual or habitual actions, and to discuss your own ideas or those expressed by an author in a particular work. Also use the present tense to describe action in a literary work, movie, or any other fictional narrative. Example 1 Incorrect: Tragedies happening very often in apartments. Therefore parents need to pay careful attention to their young ones. Correct: Tragedies happen very often in apartments. Therefore parents need to pay careful attention to their young ones.

Example 2 Incorrect: In many apartments, vehicles are parked on the roadside. This proved that parking slots are insufficient. Correct: In many apartments, vehicles are parked on the roadside. This proves that parking slots are insufficient.

Use of the Present Continuous (progressive) tense

Use the Present Continuous to express the idea that something is happening now, at this very moment. It can also be used to show that something is not happening now. Example 1 Incorrect: Today is Sunday, and most of the residents swim in the pool. Correct: Today is Sunday, and most of the residents are swimming in the pool.

Example 2 Incorrect: The residents have to respect each others rights since they share the facilities. Correct: The residents have to respect each others rights since they are sharing the facilities.

Use of the Simple Past tense

Use the Simple Past to express the idea that an action started and finished at a specific time in the past. Sometimes, the speaker may not actually mention the specific time, but he does have some specific time in mind.

Example 1 Incorrect: Yesterday I go to see the apartments. Correct: Yesterday I went to see the apartments.

Example 2 Incorrect: In olden days mothers stay at home and watch their children all the time. Correct: In olden days mothers stayed at home and watched their children all the time.

Simple Past vs. Past Perfect The Simple Past can be used with a duration which starts and stops in the past. A duration is often a longer action, indicated (though not necessarily) by expressions such as: for two years, for five minutes, all day, all year, etc. Please note that in such cases there is no need to use Past Perfect, the Simple Past is all you need.

Example 1 Incorrect: Last year my family had moved into a new apartment. Correct: Last year my family moved into a new apartment.

Example 2 Incorrect: In the past mothers had spent more time with their children. Correct: In the past mothers spent more time with their children.

Controlling Shifts in Verb Tense

Unnecessary or inconsistent shifts in tense can cause confusion. Generally, writers maintain one tense for the main discourse, which is usually either simple past or simple present. For example, Incorrect: If a child has other activities after school, the time left to do chores is somewhat short. Hence, giving him or her more chores may make the child feel resentment or even rebel. Therefore, one should consider the amount of workload the child already does and assign chores accordingly. At times, all the family helped clean up the place. It is fine if one family member did a little extra compared to the others. Correct: If a child has other activities after school, the time left to do chores is somewhat short. Hence, giving him or her more chores may make the child feel resentment or even rebel. Therefore, one should consider the amount of workload the child already does and assign

chores accordingly. At times, all the family helps clean up the place. It is fine if one family member does a little extra compared to the others.

Subject-Verb Agreement
The verb must agree in number with the noun. If the noun is singular, the verb must be in the singular form; if the noun is plural, the verb must be in the plural form.

Example 1 Incorrect: Yes, it is true that mothers who give up their jobs and devote all their time to caring for their children creates a better bond with them. Correct: Yes, it is true that mothers who give up their jobs and devote all their time to caring for their children create a better bond with them.

Example 2 Incorrect: The living standards of human beings is improving. Correct: The living standards of human beings are improving.

A verb agrees with the subject regardless of the location of the subject: Example 1 Incorrect: One of the advantages of living in an apartment are that one feels safe and secure. Correct: One of the advantages of living in an apartment is that one feels safe and secure.

Example 2 Incorrect: A woman who works often lose her status or suffer prejudice. Correct: A woman who works often loses her status or suffers prejudice.

Collective Nouns When the subject is a number: The collective noun number may be singular or plural. Preceded by a it is plural. Preceded by the it is singular. Example Incorrect: Statistics prove that the number of cars on the roads increase year after year. Correct: Statistics prove that the number of cars on the roads increases year after year.

When the subject is a group: When referring to a group as one unit, use a singular verb. Example 1 Correct: It is somewhat troublesome to have a party in your apartment because it gets a little crowded when a group of friends visits you at the same time.

When referring to the groups members as individuals who act separately, use the plural form of the verb. Example Correct: The group of friends have returned to their homes.

When the subject is furniture, luggage, equipment: The collective nouns furniture, luggage and equipment are treated as singular nouns (in spite of the act that they contain several pieces or items).

Example 1 Incorrect: Your luggage fit in a container.

Correct: Your luggage fits in a container.

Example 2 Incorrect: Bulky furniture in a small apartment occupy a lot of space. Correct: Bulky furniture in a small apartment occupies a lot of space.

However, if you refer to the number of pieces, use the plural form of the word.

Example 1 Incorrect: Several pieces of the equipment was carried upstairs. Correct: Several pieces of the equipment were carried upstairs. . Example 2 Incorrect: All the items of the furniture is well-designed. Correct: All the items of the furniture are well-designed.

Section 3
Linkers / Transitions
Transitions are usually one or several words that enable "transition" from one idea to the next. Good transitions can connect paragraphs/sentences and turn disconnected writing into a unified whole. The key to producing good transitions is highlighting connections between corresponding paragraphs/sentences.

Look at the following example: Indeed, there are several good reasons why children should be allowed to enjoy their childhood. First of all, stressful life is not what the innocent children deserve. Moreover, the children often feel stressed when they are given household tasks by their parents. Besides, parents who are strict will punish their children if they are unable to complete the tasks. In addition, when a task is too long and monotonous, the children will feel bored and tired. Try to use transitional expressions between sentences and paragraphs so that your thoughts flow smoothly from one idea to the next. Given below is the table listing the most common Transitional Expressions and explaining when they may be used. LOGICAL RELATIONSHIP Similarity Exception/Contrast TRANSITIONAL EXPRESSION also, in the same way, just as ... so too, likewise, similarly but, however, in spite of, on the one hand ... on the other hand, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, in contrast, on the contrary, still, yet first, second, third, ... next, then, finally after, afterwards, at last, before, currently, during, earlier, immediately, later, meanwhile, now, recently, simultaneously, subsequently, then for example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate even, indeed, in fact, of course, truly above, adjacent, below, beyond, here, in front, in back, nearby, there accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, thus additionally, again, also, and, as well, besides, equally important, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover, then finally, in a word, in brief, in conclusion, in the end, in the final analysis, on the whole, thus, to conclude, to summarize, in sum, in summary

Sequence/Order Time

Example Emphasis Place/Position Cause and Effect Additional Support or Evidence Conclusion/Summary

Some common errors students commit:

1. An absent Linker / Transition
Example 1 Incorrect: Some people believe that a woman gives birth to her children, * she should give up her job and devote all her time to them. Correct: Some people believe that because a woman gives birth to her children, she should give up her job and devote all her time to them. Example 2 Incorrect: Living in an independent house, one can have some extra space outside,* one can maintain a small garden. Correct: Living in an independent house, one can have some extra space outside, thus one can maintain a small garden.

2. An incorrect Linker / Transition

Example 1 Incorrect: Assigning children household chores is one of the effective ways to teach them discipline, unity and cooperation. However, it also helps to maintain a tidy home. Correct: Assigning children household chores is one of the effective ways to teach them discipline, unity and cooperation. Moreover, it also helps to maintain a tidy home.

Example 2 Incorrect: When an apartment is on fire, the electricity is shut down, because the lift will not work. Correct: When an apartment is on fire, the electricity is shut down, therefore the lift will not work.

3. Correct but not very appropriate Linker / Transition

Example Incorrect: Due to scarcity of land in the cities, most city dwellers are forced to live in apartment buildings. And, most of them are quite happy living in apartments. Correct: Due to scarcity of land in the cities, most city dwellers are forced to live in apartment buildings. Fortunately, most of them are quite happy living in apartments.

Section 4
Pronoun Usage

Pronoun Case
There are two pronoun cases: subjective and objective. When the pronoun is the subject of a clause, we use the subjective case; otherwise, we use the objective case. Subjective I you he, she, it we they Objective me you him, her, it us them

Most of the time, choosing the correct pronoun case is simple. For example, you wouldn't write "Me went to the store" or "Give the ball to they" because it sounds wrong. Clearly, it should be "I went to the store" and "Give the ball to them." Yet for some reason, when the pronoun is paired with a noun, the correct choice becomes harder to distinguish. Examples: She/Her and Joe went to the prom. We decided to throw a party for Sue and he/him. The easiest way to decide which pronoun to use is to pretend that the other person is not there. Example: If Joe was not there, the choice would be simple: "She went to the prom." Thus the correct answer is "She and Joe went to the prom." Likewise, because we would always say "We decided to throw a party for him," we should also say "We decided to throw a party for Sue and him."

Pronoun / Reference Agreement

A pronoun refers to a noun or takes the place of a noun. You have to use the correct pronoun so that your reader clearly understands which noun your pronoun is referring to. Make sure pronouns and their antecedents (the nouns they refer to) agree in person and number. Example 1 Incorrect: The residents can enjoy the facilities and park his cars in the parking lot. Correct: The residents can enjoy the facilities and park their cars in the parking lot.

Example 2

Incorrect: Not every child can live up the dreams and expectations of a person that their mother wants them to be.

Correct: Not every child can live up the dreams and expectations of a person that his or her mother wants him or her to be.

Pronoun Shift
A pronoun shift is a grammatical error in which the writer begins a sentence, paragraph, or section of a paper using one particular type of pronoun and then suddenly shifts to another. Pronoun shift within a sentence & between two sentences

Example 1 Incorrect: Helping with household work also allows children to make mistakes and learn from the mistakes that they have made, so you will always remember not to do so.

Correct: Helping with household work also allows children to make mistakes and learn from the mistakes that they have made, so they will always remember not to do so.

Example 2 Incorrect: Young children are very vulnerable since they do not have the cognitive skills to take on complicated tasks. What if an awful accident happened and you were hurt? Young children could be severely injured or traumatized.

Correct: Young children are very vulnerable since they do not have the cognitive skills to take on complicated tasks. What if an awful accident happened and they were hurt? Young children could be severely injured or traumatized.

Section 5
Word Choice
Use of Appropriate Word
Some words have different meanings in different contexts, so make sure you check the exact meaning of a word before you use it. The best way to improve your vocabulary is to do as much reading as you can, and use new words that you come across in your speech. Try it you will reap the benefits in a month!

Example 1 Incorrect: Children sometimes visit their mothers office where they are treated in a special way by their mothers mates.

Correct: Children sometimes visit their mothers office where they are treated in a special way by their mothers colleagues.

Example 2 Incorrect: A working mother usually treats her children with more harshness. Correct: A working mother usually treats her children with more strictness.

Correct Use of Word Form

Many times, problems of clarity are a matter of choosing the improper word class form. Good word choice means using the right words to say the right thing in just the right way. Make sure you use correct form of the word.

Example 1 Incorrect: Smoke pollution might harmful their healthy. Correct: Smoke pollution might harm their health.

Example 2 Incorrect: The instances of arm robbery in the locality are increasing. Correct: The instances of armed robbery in the locality are increasing.

Use of Correct Word

Sometimes we tend to write a word the way we pronounce it, when we actually mean to use a different word. Proofread your essay thoroughly to avoid such errors. Do check the spelling of words you are not too sure about.

Example 1 Incorrect: As a result of water pollution, people will face problems like skin decease. Correct: As a result of water pollution, people will face problems like skin disease.

Example 2 Incorrect: New tenants need to be more considered towards the other people. Correct: New tenants need to be more considerate towards the other people.

Section 6

Prepositions
A preposition is a word which shows how the other words in the sentence relate to each other. The relationships may indicate direction, place, time, cause, manner and amount. The preposition almost always precedes (comes before) the noun or pronoun. That is why it is called a preposition. At times, however, no preposition may be required before a noun or a pronoun. Example 1: She went to the gym. (to is the preposition which shows direction) She went home. (No preposition is required) Example 2: She commutes to work by the local train. (by is a preposition which shows manner) He was beaten black and blue. (No preposition is required) Example 3: Breakfast is served at eight oclock. (at is a preposition which shows time) I will contact you tomorrow. (No preposition is required) Indeed, it is not easy to figure out which word takes which preposition. Activities like listening to the news in English and reading English newspapers, magazines and novels

will help you improve your English language skills. In the long run, this will help you master preposition usage. Given below are some of the most commonly used prepositions: Prepositions of time: at two o'clock on Wednesday in an hour, in January; in 1992 for a day Prepositions of place: at my house; at the corner in New York; in my hand on the table near the library across the street under the bed between the books