Common Writing Errors

ERROR # 1

Incomplete sentences

Incorrect: The two extractions were combined. Then dried for five hours.

Correct: The two extractions were combined and then dried for five hours.

More correct: The two extracts were pooled and dried by evaporation on a rotary evaporator.

ERROR # 2 Subject-verb agreementIf the subject is singular (or plural) the verb

must match appropriately. In the following defective sentence, the noun is

plural while its verb is singular.

Incorrect: Our results indicates the significance of intracellular signaling systems.

Correct: Our results indicate the significance

of intracellular signaling systems.

ERROR # 3 Misspelled words

This requires no explanation, other than to say the professional price paid for chronic misspellings can be very embarrassing (or worse).

ERROR # 4 Passive V/s Active VoiceThe active tends to make the writing tighter, more

personal, and introduces action early in the sentence.Passive: The theory is supported by the results.Active : The results support the theory.

Passive: Attempts were made by the researchers to assess the project.Active: The researchers attempted to assess the project.

ERROR # 5 When to use "et al.“The phrase "et al." is used when citing a

technical reference of three or more authors. Examples: Smith et al. (1983) found that... (indicates that

this reference had at least three authors, the first of whom was Smith).

Smith and Jones (1999) found that... (indicates that this reference had two authors).

ERROR # 6 Affect vs. effect "Affect" is a verb, "effect" is a noun.

Remember "NEVA" (noun effect verb affect)

Examples: The effect of the medication was noticeable. Medication rates affect the level of

hypertension.

ERROR # 7 Use of contractions (its vs. it's or weren’t vs.

were not)

"It's" is the contraction of "it is". In general, avoid using any contractions in scientific writing.

Incorrect: Results didn't differ among treatment groups. Correct: Results did not differ among treatment groups.

ERROR # 8 Data vs. Datum "Data" is plural, "datum" is singular.

Examples: The data are .... The datum is...

ERROR # 9 Significant "Significant" is a key word in science and is usually

reserved for discussion of statistical results. When statistical analyses are not being discussed, use

a synonym such as "substantially". Not good: Increases in cancer rates in Gage County

may be especially significant. Better: Increases in cancer rates in Gage County

were substantial. Differences in the treatment means were significant

(p < 0.5). 

ERROR # 10 Writing numbers less than 1.0 (.78

vs. 0.78)

When writing a number that is less than 1.0, always place a zero to the left of the decimal.

Incorrect: .454, .8, etc. Correct: 0.454,  0.8, etc.

ERROR # 12 Writing numbers (5 vs. five , Fifteen rupees vs. 15

rupees)

Use words for numbers less than ten or if starting a sentence.

Chickens have two legs. Fifteen chickens crossed the road There are 16 balls in the box. Use numerals when with a unit of measurement. Most tissue samples weighed less than 15 grams. Several tissue samples weighed less than 4 grams. The audience included 3 students, 8 instructors, and 13 parents.

ERROR # 13 Since vs. Because"Since" should be restricted to making time

comparisons.

Incorrect: Since they have rich soil, tallgrass prairies were rapidly converted to row crop agriculture. 

Correct: Because of its rich soil, tallgrass prairies were

rapidly converted to row crop agriculture.  Since settlement by Europeans, tallgrass

prairies have largely disappeared.

ERROR # 14 e.g. vs. i.e.

"e.g." means "for example", and "i.e." means "in other words".

Organisms living in water (e.g., fish and alligators) often perish (i.e., die) when exposed to air for significant periods of time.

ERROR # 15 Misplaced modifiers Be cautious about the use of "with", "using",

and other modifiers. Note problems with the following example:

Not good: Using ANOVA, animals were ..... (This implies that the animals were somehow

able to perform a statistical analysis!) Better: Statistical analysis showed that

animal groups ...

ERROR # 16 Very In general, avoid using the word "very" anywhere

in your manuscript. Rather, be precise and exact. Not good: Individuals from seacoast populations

consumed very high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids compared to individuals from inland populations.

Better: Individuals from seacoast populations consumed 3.2 times more omega-3 fatty acids than individuals from inland populations.

ERROR # 17 That vs. which The pasta sauce, which came from KFC, was a

crowd favorite.

The pasta sauce that came from KFC was a crowd favorite.

The traditional approach is to use "that" with restrictive clauses

and "which" with nonrestrictive clauses

Contd…

The birds, which were singing, had arrived earlier in the spring.

Only birds that were singing were considered to be reproductively active.

She had a dog, which was incredibly smart, that she brought to the competition.

ERROR # 18 Among vs. between"Among" refers to three or more objects or groups. "Between" refers to exactly two objects or groups.

Not good: There were no significant differences between the five treatment groups. 

Better: There were no significant differences among the five treatment groups. 

ERROR # 19 Use of spell checkers

Blind use of spell checkers does not identify correctly spelled words that are used incorrectly.

Incorrect: Students chose there own seating arrangements.

Correct: Students chose their own seating arrangements.

Wrapping the Package Request guidelines before submitting work (review

author guidelines of a journal) Submit your work in the standard manuscript format,

unless otherwise directed by the editor Cover letter that explains why the journal should

consider your manuscript and declares any competing interest.

Be patient with the editor in waiting for a response (If after four weeks you hear nothing, drop a friendly little mail and ask about the status of your work)

Edited Version If the editor accepts your manuscript for

publication, return any information they give you as soon as possible

If you receive any comments from Editor, Revise your manuscript accordingly.

Keep a copy of the work you submit

Take Home Message

If you’re truly a writer, rejection won’t stop you, for if you want success badly enough, you’ll persist and, ultimately,

you’ll succeed.

(Barbara Bretton,1996)