Top 10 Grammar Mistakes That Weaken Your Essay
A well-crafted essay is more than just good ideas; it's about presenting those ideas clearly, coherently, and credibly. Unfortunately, even the most brilliant arguments can be undermined by common essay grammar mistakes. These errors can distract your reader, obscure your meaning, and ultimately lead to a lower grade. Understanding and avoiding these pitfalls is crucial for academic success.
At Write My Essay Now, we've seen countless essays, and we know that grammar is a common stumbling block for many students. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the top 10 grammar mistakes that can weaken your essay, providing clear explanations, examples, and actionable tips to help you polish your writing and impress your professors. While these tips are designed to empower you to self-edit, remember that our expert essay writing and proofreading services are always available to ensure your paper is flawless.
Mistake #1: Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental rule of English grammar: a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. While this sounds simple, several situations can make identifying the correct subject and verb pairing tricky, leading to one of the most frequent essay grammar mistakes.
The core principle is that the verb must "agree" in number with its subject. If the subject is one person, place, thing, or idea, the verb form must also be singular. If the subject refers to more than one, the verb must be plural.
Common Pitfalls and Examples
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Intervening Phrases: Phrases or clauses separating the subject from the verb can cause confusion.
- Incorrect: The box of chocolates are on the table. (The subject is "box," not "chocolates.")
- Correct: The box of chocolates is on the table.
- Incorrect: The professor, along with her students, were late for the lecture. (The subject is "professor.")
- Correct: The professor, along with her students, was late for the lecture.
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Subjects Joined by "and": Generally, two or more subjects joined by "and" take a plural verb.
- Incorrect: The student and the teacher is collaborating on the project.
- Correct: The student and the teacher are collaborating on the project.
- Exception: If the subjects joined by "and" form a single unit or refer to the same person/thing, use a singular verb (e.g., "Macaroni and cheese is my favorite dish.").
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Subjects Joined by "or" or "nor": When subjects are joined by "or," "nor," "either...or," or "neither...nor," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
- Incorrect: Neither the students nor the instructor are satisfied with the results.
- Correct: Neither the students nor the instructor is satisfied with the results. (Instructor is singular and closest to the verb).
- Incorrect: Either the instructor or the students is responsible for setting up the lab.
- Correct: Either the instructor or the students are responsible for setting up the lab. (Students is plural and closest to the verb).
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Indefinite Pronouns: Some indefinite pronouns are always singular (e.g., anyone, everyone, someone, no one, nobody, each, either, neither, another, much, one). Some are always plural (e.g., both, few, many, several). Some can be singular or plural depending on the noun they refer to (e.g., all, any, more, most, none, some – look at the object of the prepositional phrase that follows).
- Incorrect: Each of the participants receive a certificate.
- Correct: Each of the participants receives a certificate.
- Incorrect: All of the cake are eaten.
- Correct: All of the cake is eaten. (Cake is singular)
- Incorrect: All of the cookies is eaten.
- Correct: All of the cookies are eaten. (Cookies is plural)
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Collective Nouns: Nouns like "team," "family," "committee," "audience," and "class" can be singular or plural depending on whether they are acting as a single unit or as individuals. In academic writing, they are often treated as singular.
- Usually Correct (as a unit): The committee submits its report.
- Contextually Correct (as individuals, less common in formal essays): The committee are arguing among themselves. (To avoid ambiguity, you might rephrase: "The committee members are arguing among themselves.")
How to Avoid and Fix Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
- Identify the True Subject: Don't be fooled by words that come between the subject and the verb.
- Check Pronouns Carefully: Pay special attention to indefinite pronouns.
- Handle Compound Subjects Correctly: Remember the rules for "and," "or," and "nor."
- Read Aloud: Sometimes, your ear can catch an agreement error that your eye misses.
- Proofread Specifically for This: Dedicate one proofreading pass solely to checking subject-verb agreement. Using The Ultimate Essay Proofreading Checklist can be incredibly helpful here.
Fixing these errors makes your writing clearer and more professional, ensuring your arguments are not overshadowed by basic grammatical issues.
Mistake #2: Pronoun Agreement and Vague Pronoun Reference
Understanding Pronoun Agreement
Pronouns replace nouns to avoid repetition, but they must agree with the noun they replace (the antecedent) in number (singular/plural) and gender (masculine/feminine/neuter). A mismatch here can confuse your reader and make your writing seem careless.
Common Pronoun Agreement Issues
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Number Agreement: Singular antecedents require singular pronouns; plural antecedents require plural pronouns.
- Incorrect: Each student must submit their assignment by Friday. ("Student" is singular, "their" is plural).
- Correct (Option 1 - Rephrase to Plural): All students must submit their assignments by Friday.
- Correct (Option 2 - Use Singular Possessive): Each student must submit his or her assignment by Friday. (Can be clunky).
- Correct (Option 3 - Rewrite the sentence): Each student's assignment is due Friday.
- Note on Singular "They": While increasingly accepted in informal contexts and for gender neutrality, some academic style guides still prefer "his or her" or rephrasing. Check your institution's or professor's preference.
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Gender Agreement: While less common as an error, ensure pronouns match the gender of the antecedent if known. For generic singular antecedents where gender is unknown or irrelevant, "his or her" was traditional, but rephrasing or using a plural antecedent is often smoother.
Vague Pronoun Reference
This occurs when a pronoun (especially "it," "this," "that," "which," and "they") does not clearly refer to a specific antecedent. The reader is left wondering what the pronoun means.
- Vague: The experiment was successful, but it was challenging. (What does "it" refer to? The experiment? The success? The process?)
- Clearer: The experiment was successful, but the process itself was challenging.
- Vague: The council debated the new policy, and this caused a lot of disagreement. (What does "this" refer to? The debate? The policy?)
- Clearer: The council debated the new policy, and the debate itself caused a lot of disagreement. OR The council debated the new policy, and the policy's content caused a lot of disagreement.
- Vague: In the article, they say that climate change is a major issue. (Who are "they"? The authors? Experts?)
- Clearer: In the article, the authors say that climate change is a major issue.
How to Avoid and Fix Pronoun Errors
- Identify the Antecedent: Every time you use a pronoun, make sure you know which noun it's replacing.
- Check for Agreement: Ensure the pronoun matches its antecedent in number and gender.
- Clarify Vague References: If a pronoun could refer to more than one noun, or if its antecedent is unclear, replace the pronoun with the specific noun or rephrase the sentence.
- Limit "This," "That," "Which," "It": When using these words as pronouns, ensure their reference is immediately clear. Often, adding a noun after "this" or "that" (e.g., "this problem," "that solution") can clarify meaning.
- Be Cautious with "They": While singular "they" is gaining acceptance, ensure its use is clear and aligns with any specific style guide requirements for your essay. When referring to a specific group, ensure "they" clearly points to that group.
Clear pronoun usage is vital for coherent writing. Avoiding these essay grammar mistakes ensures your reader can follow your line of reasoning without confusion.
Mistake #3: Comma Splices and Run-On Sentences
Defining Comma Splices and Run-On Sentences
These two errors involve incorrectly joining independent clauses (clauses that could stand alone as complete sentences). They are among the most common essay grammar mistakes and can severely impact the readability and professionalism of your work.
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Comma Splice: Occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma.
- Example: The research was extensive, the findings were inconclusive.
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Run-On Sentence (Fused Sentence): Occurs when two independent clauses are joined with no punctuation or conjunction at all.
- Example: The research was extensive the findings were inconclusive.
Both errors create confusion and make sentences difficult to parse. They suggest a lack of control over sentence structure, which can undermine your credibility.
How to Identify Them
To spot these errors, look for sentences that seem to contain two or more complete thoughts joined improperly. Ask yourself: "Could I put a period here and have two separate, grammatically correct sentences?" If the answer is yes, and you've only used a comma or no punctuation, you likely have a comma splice or run-on.
Correcting Comma Splices and Run-On Sentences
There are several ways to fix these errors:
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Use a Period: Separate the independent clauses into two distinct sentences. This is often the simplest solution.
- Comma Splice: The results were promising, further testing is needed.
- Corrected: The results were promising. Further testing is needed.
- Run-On: The economy is improving unemployment rates are still high.
- Corrected: The economy is improving. Unemployment rates are still high.
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Use a Semicolon: A semicolon can join two closely related independent clauses.
- Comma Splice: The novel explores themes of identity, its protagonist struggles with self-discovery.
- Corrected: The novel explores themes of identity; its protagonist struggles with self-discovery.
- Note: Do not capitalize the first word after a semicolon unless it's a proper noun.
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Use a Comma and a Coordinating Conjunction: The coordinating conjunctions are "for," "and," "nor," "but," "or," "yet," "so" (FANBOYS).
- Comma Splice: The experiment yielded significant data, the team was pleased.
- Corrected: The experiment yielded significant data, so the team was pleased.
- Run-On: She studied diligently she passed the exam easily.
- Corrected: She studied diligently, and she passed the exam easily.
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Use a Subordinating Conjunction: Turn one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause. Common subordinating conjunctions include "although," "because," "since," "while," "if," "when," "unless," "after," "before."
- Comma Splice: The theory is complex, it offers valuable insights.
- Corrected: Although the theory is complex, it offers valuable insights. (The first clause is now dependent).
- Run-On: He missed the bus he was late for class.
- Corrected: Because he missed the bus, he was late for class.
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Use a Semicolon with a Conjunctive Adverb (and a comma): Conjunctive adverbs include "however," "therefore," "moreover," "consequently," "furthermore," "nevertheless."
- Comma Splice: The evidence seems compelling, some experts remain skeptical.
- Corrected: The evidence seems compelling; however, some experts remain skeptical.
Why It Matters
Correcting comma splices and run-on sentences is crucial for clarity. These errors force the reader to mentally break down and reassemble your sentences, which can be frustrating and may lead them to misinterpret your meaning. Mastering sentence boundaries demonstrates a strong command of grammar, enhancing the overall quality of your essay. Good sentence structure is a key component, and for more on this, consider exploring Mastering Essay Structure: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Mistake #4: Sentence Fragments
What is a Sentence Fragment?
A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence masquerading as a complete one. It lacks one or more essential components of a complete sentence: a subject, a verb, or a complete thought. While fragments are sometimes used intentionally in creative writing for stylistic effect, they are generally considered errors in formal academic essays.
A complete sentence (or independent clause) must:
- Contain a subject (who or what is doing the action or being described).
- Contain a verb (an action or state of being).
- Express a complete thought (it can stand alone and make sense).
Common Types of Sentence Fragments
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Dependent Clause Fragments: These have a subject and a verb, but they begin with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., "although," "because," "since," "if," "when," "while") or a relative pronoun (e.g., "who," "whom," "which," "that") and do not express a complete thought on their own. They need to be attached to an independent clause.
- Fragment: Because the data was incomplete. (What happened because the data was incomplete?)
- Fragment: Which explains the author's main argument. (What explains the argument?)
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Phrase Fragments: These lack a subject, a verb, or both.
- Prepositional Phrase Fragment: Fragment: In the final chapter of the book. (What about it?)
- Infinitive Phrase Fragment: Fragment: To understand the complexities of the issue. (Who needs to understand, and what is the result?)
- Participle Phrase Fragment: Fragment: Analyzing the historical context. (Who is analyzing, and what is the main clause?)
- Appositive Phrase Fragment: Fragment: A theory that challenges conventional wisdom. (What about this theory?)
How to Identify and Fix Sentence Fragments
- Check for a Subject and Verb: Does the purported sentence have a main subject performing an action or existing in a state described by a main verb?
- Check for a Complete Thought: Does the sentence make sense on its own? Or does it leave you asking "So what?" or "What happened?"
- Look for Subordinating Words: If a clause starts with a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun, ensure it's connected to an independent clause.
Fixing Fragments:
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Attach to an Independent Clause: Often, a fragment can be fixed by joining it to a nearby independent clause.
- Fragment: The study had limitations. Because the sample size was too small.
- Corrected: The study had limitations because the sample size was too small.
- Fragment: The author presents a compelling case. Which is supported by numerous examples.
- Corrected: The author presents a compelling case, which is supported by numerous examples.
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Add the Missing Element(s): If the fragment lacks a subject or verb, add them to make it a complete sentence.
- Fragment: Running through the park every morning. (Missing subject and main verb)
- Corrected: He enjoys running through the park every morning.
- Fragment: The main character, a detective haunted by his past. (Missing main verb)
- Corrected: The main character is a detective haunted by his past.
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Remove the Subordinating Word (if appropriate): Sometimes, simply removing the subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun can turn a dependent clause fragment into a complete sentence.
- Fragment: Although the results were unexpected.
- Corrected: The results were unexpected. (This works if it stands alone contextually).
Impact on Your Essay
Sentence fragments make your writing choppy and can signal a lack of understanding of basic sentence structure. They interrupt the flow of your arguments and can make your essay appear unprofessional. Eliminating these essay grammar mistakes leads to smoother, more coherent, and more persuasive writing.
Mistake #5: Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers
Understanding Modifiers
Modifiers are words, phrases, or clauses that provide additional information about another word or group of words (the headword). Adjectives modify nouns and pronouns; adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. When modifiers are not clearly connected to the word they are intended to describe, they can create confusion or even unintended humor.
Misplaced Modifiers
A misplaced modifier is a modifier that is positioned incorrectly in the sentence, so it appears to modify the wrong word or phrase.
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Problem: The modifier is too far from the word it should describe, or it's placed near another word it could logically but incorrectly modify.
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Examples of Misplaced Modifiers:
- Misplaced: The patient was referred to a psychologist with several emotional problems. (Does the psychologist have emotional problems?)
- Clearer: The patient with several emotional problems was referred to a psychologist.
- Misplaced: She served sandwiches to the children on paper plates. (Are the children on paper plates?)
- Clearer: She served sandwiches on paper plates to the children. OR She served the children sandwiches on paper plates.
- Misplaced (Limiting Modifiers like "only," "just," "nearly," "almost"): He only ate the apple. (Meaning he did nothing else with it, like peel or core it).
- Clearer (if he ate nothing but the apple): He ate only the apple.
- Clearer (if he was the only one who ate): Only he ate the apple.
Dangling Modifiers
A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that modifies a word not clearly stated in the sentence. The "dangler" is often an introductory phrase (participle, gerund, infinitive, or elliptical clause) that doesn't logically connect to the subject of the main clause.
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Problem: The word the modifier should describe is missing from the sentence, or the sentence's subject is not what the modifier intends to describe.
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Examples of Dangling Modifiers:
- Dangling: Having finished the assignment, the TV was turned on. (Did the TV finish the assignment?)
- Clearer (Option 1 - Add the logical subject to the main clause): Having finished the assignment, Sarah turned on the TV.
- Clearer (Option 2 - Make the modifier part of the main clause by adding a subject to it): After Sarah finished the assignment, she turned on the TV.
- Dangling: To improve his essay, the tutor's advice was implemented. (Did the advice want to improve the essay?)
- Clearer: To improve his essay, he implemented the tutor's advice.
- Dangling: Walking through the forest, the trees looked majestic. (Were the trees walking?)
- Clearer: As I was walking through the forest, the trees looked majestic. OR Walking through the forest, I thought the trees looked majestic.
How to Avoid and Fix Modifier Errors
- Place Modifiers Close to What They Modify: Ensure descriptive words and phrases are right next to (or as close as possible to) the words they logically describe. This is especially true for single-word modifiers like "only" or "just."
- Check Introductory Phrases: When a sentence begins with a descriptive phrase (especially one ending in -ing, -ed, or starting with "to"), make sure the subject of the main clause immediately following is the person or thing doing the action or being described by that introductory phrase.
- Name the Actor: If an introductory phrase dangles, you can often fix it by naming the actor in the main clause or by incorporating the actor into the introductory phrase itself, turning it into a full clause.
- Read Sentences Carefully: Ask yourself: "What does this modifier actually describe in this sentence?" and "Is that what I intended?"
Correctly placed modifiers are essential for clarity. These types of essay grammar mistakes can make your writing ambiguous or, worse, unintentionally comical, detracting from the serious academic tone you aim for.
Mistake #6: Apostrophe Errors
The Dual Role of Apostrophes
Apostrophes (') have two primary functions in English: to indicate possession and to show contractions (omitted letters). Misusing them is a very common essay grammar mistake that can make writing look sloppy.
Apostrophes for Possession
Apostrophes show that something belongs to someone or something.
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Singular Nouns: Add 's.
- Example: The student's book. (The book belonging to the student).
- Example: James's car. (Even if the singular noun ends in "s," it's common, especially in academic styles like APA and MLA, to add 's. Some styles allow just an apostrophe: James' car. Consistency is key).
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Plural Nouns Ending in "s": Add only an apostrophe.
- Example: The students' books. (The books belonging to the students).
- Example: The joneses' house. (The house belonging to the Jones family).
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Plural Nouns Not Ending in "s": Add 's.
- Example: The children's toys.
- Example: The men's department.
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Joint Possession: If two or more nouns share possession, add the apostrophe only to the last noun.
- Example: John and Mary's research paper. (They co-authored it).
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Separate Possession: If two or more nouns possess items individually, each noun gets an apostrophe.
- Example: John's and Mary's research papers. (They each wrote their own paper).
Apostrophes for Contractions
Apostrophes indicate where letters have been omitted in a contraction (a shortened form of a word or group of words).
- Examples:
- it's (it is or it has)
- don't (do not)
- can't (cannot)
- you're (you are)
- they're (they are)
- who's (who is or who has)
- isn't (is not)
- o'clock (of the clock)
Important Note: Contractions are generally avoided in formal academic writing. It's usually better to write out the full words (e.g., "it is" instead of "it's"). However, understanding their correct formation is still crucial for general grammar proficiency.
Common Apostrophe Errors
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Its vs. It's: This is one of the most frequent errors.
- Its: Possessive pronoun (like "his" or "her"). It never takes an apostrophe.
- Correct: The dog wagged its tail.
- It's: Contraction for "it is" or "it has."
- Correct: It's a beautiful day. (It is a beautiful day).
- Correct: It's been a long time. (It has been a long time).
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Your vs. You're:
- Your: Possessive pronoun.
- Correct: Is this your pen?
- You're: Contraction for "you are."
- Correct: You're going to do well. (You are going to do well).
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Their vs. There vs. They're:
- Their: Possessive pronoun.
- Correct: The students left their books.
- There: Adverb of place, or used to start a sentence (expletive).
- Correct: The books are over there.
- Correct: There are many reasons for this.
- They're: Contraction for "they are."
- Correct: They're studying for the exam. (They are studying).
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Who's vs. Whose:
- Who's: Contraction for "who is" or "who has."
- Correct: Who's responsible for this? (Who is responsible?)
- Whose: Possessive pronoun.
- Correct: Whose backpack is this?
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Apostrophes in Plurals (The "Greengrocer's Apostrophe"): A very common mistake is adding an apostrophe to make a regular noun plural. Do not do this. Apostrophes are not used for simple plurals.
- Incorrect: Apple's for sale. Student's need to register. The 1990's.
- Correct: Apples for sale. Students need to register. The 1990s. (For decades, no apostrophe is standard unless showing possession, e.g., "the 1990s' culture").
How to Avoid Apostrophe Errors
- Determine the Purpose: Ask yourself if you need to show possession or a contraction. If neither, you probably don't need an apostrophe.
- Memorize "Its/It's": This is critical. If you can substitute "it is" or "it has," use "it's." Otherwise, use "its."
- Double-Check Plurals: Most plurals just add "s" or "es." No apostrophe needed.
- Proofread Specifically for Apostrophes: Go through your essay looking only for apostrophes and verify each one.
Correct apostrophe use is a hallmark of careful writing. Avoiding these simple yet pervasive essay grammar mistakes significantly boosts your credibility.
Mistake #7: Incorrect Word Usage (Homophones and Commonly Confused Words)
The Challenge of Similar-Sounding Words
English is rich with words that sound alike (homophones) or look alike but have different meanings. Using the wrong word can drastically alter your intended meaning, confuse the reader, and make your essay appear unpolished. These are subtle but significant essay grammar mistakes.
Common Pairs and Groups of Confused Words
Here's a list of frequently misused words, along with their correct meanings and examples:
How to Avoid Incorrect Word Usage
- Understand the Meanings: If you're unsure about a word, look it up in a dictionary. Pay attention to the part of speech.
- Context is Key: Think about what you're trying to say. Does the word fit the context?
- Create Mnemonics: For tricky pairs (like affect/effect – RAVEN: Remember Affect Verb, Effect Noun), create memory aids.
- Proofread Carefully: Read your essay specifically looking for these commonly confused words. Sometimes, reading aloud helps catch them.
- Use a Thesaurus Wisely: While a thesaurus can provide synonyms, ensure the synonym fits the precise meaning and connotation you intend. Don't just pick a word because it sounds more "academic."
Choosing the correct word is fundamental to clear communication. These types of essay grammar mistakes, while sometimes small, can accumulate and significantly detract from the quality and credibility of your academic work.
Mistake #8: Overuse or Misuse of Passive Voice
Understanding Active vs. Passive Voice
Voice refers to the relationship between the subject of a sentence and the action of the verb.
- Active Voice: The subject performs the action. The sentence structure is typically: Subject - Verb - Object.
- Example: The researcher conducted the experiment. (The researcher is doing the conducting).
- Passive Voice: The subject receives the action. The sentence structure often involves a form of "to be" + past participle, and may include a "by" phrase indicating who performed the action.
- Example: The experiment was conducted by the researcher. (The experiment is receiving the action of being conducted).
Why Active Voice is Generally Preferred in Essays
In most academic writing, active voice is preferred for several reasons:
- Clarity and Directness: Active voice is usually more direct, concise, and easier to understand.
- Stronger Verbs: It tends to use stronger, more impactful verbs.
- Clear Responsibility: It clearly identifies the "doer" of the action. This is often important in academic arguments where agency and responsibility matter.
- Conciseness: Active sentences are often shorter than their passive counterparts.
When Passive Voice is Appropriate or Even Necessary
Passive voice is not inherently "wrong," and there are situations where it is useful or even preferable:
- When the Actor is Unknown or Unimportant:
- Example: The samples were collected over a period of three weeks. (Who collected them may not be relevant).
- Example: Mistakes were made. (If you don't want to assign blame or don't know who made them).
- When the Recipient of the Action is More Important than the Actor: This is common in scientific writing where the process or result is the focus.
- Example: The solution was heated to 100°C. (The solution and the heating process are key, not necessarily who did the heating).
- To Create an Objective or Impersonal Tone: Sometimes used in scientific reports or formal documents.
- Example: It is believed that... (Instead of "I believe that...").
- For Sentence Variety or to Shift Emphasis: Occasionally, passive voice can help vary sentence structure or emphasize a particular part of the sentence.
The Problem: Overuse or Unnecessary Use of Passive Voice
The main issue arises when passive voice is overused, or used when active voice would be clearer and more direct. This can make writing seem:
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Vague or Evasive: Especially if the "by..." phrase is omitted, it can obscure who is responsible for an action.
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Wordy and Awkward: Passive constructions are often longer and more convoluted.
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Less Engaging: Overuse can make prose feel flat or lifeless.
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Passive (Weak): An increase in student engagement was observed by the teachers after the new curriculum was implemented.
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Active (Stronger): The teachers observed an increase in student engagement after they implemented the new curriculum.
How to Identify and Revise Passive Voice
- Look for "to be" Verbs + Past Participle: Scan your sentences for forms of "to be" (is, am, are, was, were, be, being, been) followed by a past participle (a verb usually ending in -ed, -en, -t, -d, -n).
- Look for "by" Phrases: If you see "by [the doer]," it's often a passive construction.
- Ask "Who is doing what?": If the subject is receiving the action, it's passive.
- Convert to Active Voice (When Appropriate):
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Identify the true actor (who or what is performing the action). Make this the subject.
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Change the verb to its active form.
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Make the original subject (the recipient of the action) the object of the verb.
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Passive: The decision was made by the committee.
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Active: The committee made the decision.
While not strictly a "grammar mistake" in the same way as a subject-verb error, the ineffective use of passive voice can significantly weaken an essay. Striving for active voice where appropriate will make your arguments more forceful and your writing more engaging.
Mistake #9: Inconsistent Verb Tense
The Importance of Consistent Tense
Verb tense indicates the time of an action or state of being (past, present, future). Maintaining consistent verb tense throughout your essay, or within specific sections, is crucial for clarity and coherence. Unnecessary shifts in tense can confuse the reader and disrupt the flow of your narrative or argument. This is a common type of essay grammar mistake that can be easily overlooked.
Establishing a Primary Tense
For most academic essays, you will establish a primary tense and stick to it unless there's a logical reason to change.
- Past Tense: Often used for discussing historical events, reporting on completed research (e.g., "The study found that..."), or narrating past occurrences.
- Example: The revolution began in 1789 and had profound consequences for European society.
- Present Tense (Literary Present): Commonly used when discussing literature, art, film, or theoretical works. You treat the work as if it is always existing and its actions are always happening.
- Example: In Hamlet, Shakespeare explores themes of revenge and madness. The protagonist struggles with his conscience.
- Present Tense (General Truths/Facts): Used for stating facts, general truths, or definitions.
- Example: The Earth revolves around the Sun. Effective communication is essential for leadership.
Common Causes of Inconsistent Tense
- Carelessness: Simply not paying attention while writing or revising.
- Confusion when Discussing Texts: Shifting between discussing the author's act of writing (past) and the content of the text (literary present).
- Narrating Events over Time: Difficulty maintaining a consistent viewpoint when describing a sequence of events that occurred at different times.
Examples of Inconsistent Tense
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Incorrect: The author argued (past) that the main character symbolizes (present) societal decay, but he failed (past) to provide enough evidence.
- Consistent (Literary Present): The author argues that the main character symbolizes societal decay, but he fails to provide enough evidence.
- Consistent (Past, if discussing the act of writing the critique): The author argued that the main character symbolized societal decay, but he failed to provide enough evidence.
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Incorrect: The study began (past) in 2020. Researchers collect (present) data for two years and then analyzed (past) the results.
- Consistent (Past): The study began in 2020. Researchers collected data for two years and then analyzed the results.
When is it Okay to Shift Tense?
Shifting verb tense is permissible and necessary when you are clearly indicating a change in the timeframe of actions.
- Example (Logical Shift): The philosopher wrote (past) extensively on ethics, and his ideas continue (present) to influence contemporary thought. Many scholars will likely debate (future) his theories for years to come.
How to Avoid and Fix Inconsistent Tense
- Establish Your Primary Tense: Decide at the outset what the main tense of your essay (or a particular section) will be, based on your subject matter (e.g., literary analysis often uses present; historical analysis uses past).
- Be Mindful During Writing: Try to maintain consistency as you draft.
- Proofread Specifically for Tense: During revision, dedicate a read-through solely to checking verb tenses.
- Look at each verb and ask: "Does this tense align with the primary tense of this paragraph/section?"
- "If I've shifted tense, is there a clear, logical reason for it?"
- When Discussing Literature: Generally, stick to the literary present when analyzing the text itself. Use past tense when referring to the author's life or historical context outside the text.
- Example: Jane Austen lived (past) in the early 19th century, but in Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet challenges (present) societal expectations.
Consistent verb tense contributes significantly to the readability and professionalism of your essay. Avoiding unnecessary shifts helps your reader follow your arguments smoothly.
Mistake #10: Lack of Parallel Structure
Understanding Parallel Structure (Parallelism)
Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words (nouns, verbs, phrases, or clauses) to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This applies to items in a list, series, comparison, or items joined by coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or) or correlative conjunctions (either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also).
Lack of parallelism can make sentences awkward, unbalanced, and difficult to read. It's an essay grammar mistake that often signals a need for more careful sentence construction.
Why Parallelism Matters
- Clarity: It makes sentences easier to understand by creating a clear, logical rhythm.
- Rhythm and Flow: Parallel sentences sound more graceful and polished.
- Emphasis: It can highlight the relationship between ideas.
- Professionalism: Correct parallelism is a mark of sophisticated writing.
Common Situations Requiring Parallel Structure
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Items in a Series (Lists):
- Not Parallel: The study aimed to identify key factors, analyzing data, and recommendations were made for future research. (Mixture of infinitive, participle, and passive clause).
- Parallel (using infinitives): The study aimed to identify key factors, to analyze data, and to recommend areas for future research.
- Parallel (using gerunds): The study involved identifying key factors, analyzing data, and recommending areas for future research.
- Parallel (using nouns): The study focused on the identification of key factors, the analysis of data, and recommendations for future research.
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With Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so):
- Not Parallel: She enjoys reading novels and to watch movies. (Gerund + infinitive).
- Parallel: She enjoys reading novels and watching movies. (Gerund + gerund).
- Not Parallel: The results were both surprising but also gave us new insights. (Adjective + verb phrase).
- Parallel: The results were both surprising and insightful. (Adjective + adjective). OR The results both surprised us and gave us new insights. (Verb phrase + verb phrase).
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With Correlative Conjunctions (either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also, both/and, whether/or): The grammatical structure following each part of the conjunction should be the same.
- Not Parallel: The project will not only require significant funding but also it will need skilled personnel.
- Parallel: The project will require not only significant funding but also skilled personnel. (Noun phrase + noun phrase).
- Parallel: The project will not only require significant funding but also need skilled personnel. (Verb + verb).
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In Comparisons (using "than" or "as"):
- Not Parallel: To write clearly is more important than being grammatically perfect if one is flawed. (Infinitive vs. gerund phrase).
- Parallel: Writing clearly is more important than being grammatically perfect if one is flawed. (Gerund vs. gerund).
- Parallel: To write clearly is more important than to be grammatically perfect if one is flawed. (Infinitive vs. infinitive).
How to Achieve Parallel Structure
- Identify Items in a Series or Comparison: Look for lists, or words/phrases joined by conjunctions.
- Check Grammatical Form: Ensure each item in the series or pair has the same grammatical structure (e.g., all nouns, all -ing verbs, all infinitive phrases, all clauses).
- Repeat Key Words (if necessary): Sometimes, repeating an article (a, an, the), a preposition, or the "to" of an infinitive can clarify parallelism.
- Example: He was interested in the history of the region and the culture of its people. (Clearer with repeated "the").
- Example: She decided to research the topic, to interview experts, and to write a comprehensive report. (Repeating "to" emphasizes parallelism).
- Read Aloud: Awkward, unbalanced sentences often signal a parallelism problem.
Mastering parallel structure significantly enhances the sophistication and readability of your essays. It ensures your ideas are presented in a balanced and logical manner, preventing this common essay grammar mistake from weakening your arguments.
Beyond the Top 10: The Importance of Thorough Proofreading
While these ten essay grammar mistakes are among the most common and damaging, they are by no means the only errors that can creep into your writing. Spelling errors, incorrect punctuation (like misuse of semicolons or colons), capitalization mistakes, and awkward phrasing can also detract from your essay's quality.
This is where diligent proofreading and editing become indispensable. After you've drafted your essay, take the time to review it carefully, specifically looking for these and other errors.
- Take a Break: Step away from your essay for a few hours or even a day before proofreading. Fresh eyes are more likely to catch mistakes.
- Read Aloud: Hearing your words can help you identify awkward phrasing, run-on sentences, and other issues that your eyes might skim over.
- Read Backwards: Read sentence by sentence from the end of your essay to the beginning. This helps you focus on individual sentences rather than the overall argument, making it easier to spot grammatical errors.
- Focus on One Type of Error at a Time: Do one pass for subject-verb agreement, another for pronoun issues, another for punctuation, and so on.
- Use Tools Wisely: Grammar checkers and spell checkers can be helpful, but they are not infallible. They can miss context-specific errors (like incorrect word usage) or even suggest incorrect "fixes." Always use your own judgment.
- Utilize a Checklist: A comprehensive guide like The Ultimate Essay Proofreading Checklist can be an invaluable tool to ensure you cover all bases.
When Perfection Matters: Consider Professional Essay Help
Eliminating these 10 essay grammar errors will undoubtedly strengthen your writing and contribute to a flawless paper. However, even with the best self-editing efforts, some mistakes can slip through, especially when you're close to your own work or under pressure with deadlines.
This is where Write My Essay Now can make a significant difference. Our expert guide has helped you spot and fix common grammar blunders, but for guaranteed perfection and top grades without the stress, trust Write My Essay Now for affordable, professional essay assistance. Our team of professional essay writers and editors can:
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Investing in professional editing can be a game-changer. If you're wondering about the impact, learn more about Why Professional Essay Editing Boosts Your Grades. Our services are designed to help you achieve the highest academic standards.
Conclusion: Strong Grammar, Stronger Essays
Grammar is the backbone of clear and effective communication. By understanding and actively working to avoid these top 10 essay grammar mistakes, you can significantly enhance the quality of your academic writing. A grammatically sound essay not only conveys your ideas more effectively but also demonstrates your attention to detail and commitment to academic excellence, ultimately leading to better comprehension by your reader and, often, better grades.
Take these tips to heart, practice diligent proofreading, and remember that mastering grammar is an ongoing process. Should you need an expert eye to ensure your essay is truly flawless, Write My Essay Now is here to help you transform your hard work into a polished, high-scoring paper. Eliminate those grammar errors and let your brilliant ideas shine!
