ERRORS STUDENTS FREQUENTLY MAKE IN WRITING
1. Avoid using colloquial terminology in your writing. For example, assume a corporation’s profits fell after a certain event. Rather than saying the profits “took a hit”, use language like “profits declined” or “profits dropped.”
2. The noun and pronoun in a sentence must agree always. In other words, if the subject of your sentence is singular, a singular pronoun must be used when referring to that subject.
Example: “Every plaintiff must file their complaint on time.” This sentence is INCORRECT.
- “Every plaintiff must file his or her complaint on time.” This is correct. The “his or her” can
be awkward. You may find it convenient to use simply “his” or “her;” this is a matter of your personal taste.
3. When referring to a corporation or partnership, the correct pronoun is “it.” “They” is not proper when speaking of one corporation or one partnership.
4. To form the possessive of a noun use an apostrophe (Charley’s book). The plural is constructed by adding an “s.” (The books were dull.) The plural possessive form of a noun is formed by adding “s’.” (The boys’ books were dull.)
5. The pronoun “it” does NOT follow the rule stated in point number 4, above. “It’s” is the contraction of “it is.” “Its,” without the apostrophe, is the possessive form of the pronoun.
6. Use “principle” when you wish to speak about a rule. If you are referring to a person, like a principal in an agency relationship, use “principal.”
7. Avoid long sentences in most cases. Short sentences are easier for the reader to digest and simpler for you to write.
8. Be certain each sentence you write contains a subject and a verb. Constructions which begin with words like “although” frequently are fragments and not complete sentences.
Example: “Although the plaintiff filed the complaint on time.” This is not a sentence. It is simply a clause which introduces a sentence.
- “Although the plaintiff filed the complaint on time, the action was dismissed.” This is correct. The sentence has a subject (“the action”) and a verb (“was dismissed.”)
9. Make sure you have selected the right word for the thought you are expressing. If you are uncertain whether you are using the word correctly, check a dictionary.
10. When writing for business, in general use the third person. In other words, avoid “I” or “you.”