Common Errors

The following materials are intended to provide extra practice on some of the more common errors encountered in student writing. The error codes provided match up with those used in returned work. If you notice a recurring error code in your writing, check here for tips and tricks to eliminating that error from future work.

Comma Splices (cs)

Error Explanation: Two independent clauses (full thoughts) joined improperly with a comma.

Support Materials: Videos (3), Exercises (2)

Sentence Fragments (sf)

Error Explanation: A phrase or dependent clause used in place of a full sentence; a dependent clause causing incomplete thought expression.

Support Materials: Videos (2), Exercises (2)

Run-On Sentences (ros)

Error Explanation: Two independent clauses (full thoughts) joined improperly due to missing punctuation.

Support Materials: Videos (2), Exercises (2)

Improper Punctuation (p)

Error Explanation: Using a variety of punctuation marks improperly, or missing necessary punctuation marks.

Support Materials: Videos (6), Exercises (7)

Pronoun Agreement (pn)

Error Explanation: Using the wrong pronoun for the original word (the antecedent), or causing reader confusion by using a pronoun that could refer to multiple antecedents in a sentence.

Support Materials: Videos (2), Exercises (2)

Verb Tense Agreement (≠VT)

Error Explanation: Lacking consistency in verb tense (past, present, future, etc.) across a sentence or sentences. The writing shifts between tenses incorrectly.

Support Materials: Videos (2), Exercises (4)

Redundant Language (RED)

Error Explanation: Including information in your writing that is already implied or understood to be true, or which has been previously introduced and is being repeated unnecessarily.

Support Materials: Videos (2), Exercises (1)

Confused Words

Error Explanation: Several homophones (words that sound the same, but have different spellings and meanings) can cause confusion when they are improperly deployed in sentences.

Under Construction: Currently only "their," "there," and "they're" is complete.

Support Materials: Videos (2), Exercises (1)

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