This document provides guidance on common writing errors such as proper noun vs common noun usage, subject-verb agreement, noun-pronoun agreement, apostrophe usage, comma vs semicolon, prepositions, spelling out acronyms and numbers, tone, sources, plagiarism, paragraph structure, APA format, and reading instructor feedback. The document emphasizes proper grammar, style conventions, and academic integrity in college writing.

1. Common Writing Errors
Professor Tricia Zunker, Esq
Colorado State University-Global
Campus

2. Proper Noun vs Common Noun
 A noun is a person, place, thing or idea. A proper noun is a specific
person, place, thing or idea. A common noun is a general idea.
 Proper nouns are capitalized
 Common nouns are capitalized only if the noun is the first word in
the sentence.
 Example: My Mother said always be kind. Incorrect. This is a
general noun, even though it may be specific to me. Mother is only
capitalized if it is the first word or if it is used in a title (i.e., Mother
Theresa).
 Example: My mother is a great cook. Correct. This is a general
noun, even though it is specific to me.
 Example: The Coach said get back on the field. Incorrect. General
noun.
 Example: I listed to Coach Smith and succeeded. Correct. This is a
clear reference to a specific named individual.

3. Agreement
 Subject-verb agreement
Make sure the subject and verb agree. A singular subject
must agree with a singular verb. A plural subject must
agree with a plural verb.
Example: The baby are crying. Incorrect. This is a singular subject with a
plural verb.
Example: The baby is crying. Correct. This is a singular subject with a
singular verb.
For more information, review this helpful site:
http://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp
 Noun-Pronoun Agreement
Just like subjects and verbs, the noun and pronoun have to agree.
Example: The salesman has to go to their station. Incorrect
Example: The salesman has to go to his station. Corrrect

4. Apostrophe: Possessive
 The apostrophe has several uses. One
use is to indicate a noun is possessive.
Example: Bill’s book is missing. Correct
Example: Bills book is missing. Incorrect

5. Apostrophe: Plural
 Do not use an apostrophe to indicate a singular noun
is plural.
Example: The dogs are barking. Correct
Example: The dog’s are barking. Incorrect.
There is more than one dog, so the noun must be
plural.
 There is no apostrophe in a plural noun unless the
plural noun must also indicate it is possessive.
Example: The dogs’ owner was upset. Correct.
Here, there are several dogs who have the same owner.

6. Apostrophe: Contractions
 Contractions are two words combined.
 Example: they’re = they are
 They’re here = They are here.
 Often, people do not properly indicate a contraction and
omit the apostrophe. Some key contractions to be aware
of include:
 You’re = you are. Do not confuse this with “your” which is a
possessive pronoun.
 They’re = they are. Do not confuse this with “their” which is a
possessive pronoun or “there.”
 It’s = it is. Do not confuse this with “its” which is a possessive
pronoun.

7. Comma vs Semi-Colon
 A semi-colon functions like a period; it does not
function like a comma. This means there must
be a complete sentence on both sides of the
semi-colon—no sentence fragments on either
side.
 Example: He was late for class; he decided to sit
in the back. Correct
 Example: He was in a car accident; very scary.
Incorrect.

8. Prepositions
 Prepositions are words that are followed
by a noun. They are not followed by a
verb.
 For a list of prepositions, click here:
http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/prepositions-list.htm
 Clear rule: Never end a sentence
with a preposition.

9. Spell out each word
 Acronyms: When using acronyms, spell each
word out the first time.
 Numbers: Whole numbers less than ten should
be spelled out rather than writing the numeral.
 For a complete list of number rules, click here:
http://www.grammarbook.com/numbers/numbers.asp

10. Tone
 Keep the tone academic and semi-formal,
at a minimum. This writing should
demonstrate college-level writing.
 Avoid slang and colloquial expressions.
 Support your analysis with clear
discussions of the concepts, specific
examples and credible sources.

11. Don’t write in the second person
 Writing in the second person means you
are addressing “you” or “your” throughout
your paper. That is not appropriate for the
writing in this class.
 Clear rule: Do not refer to “you” or “your”
in your papers. If you find you are inserting
“you,” try replacing with “one” instead.

12. Analysis: Answer Questions
 Sometimes students include questions in
their writing. That is not appropriate for
this course. It is important to consider
those questions, but your writing should
reflect critical thinking and analysis to the
questions.
 Write in statements, not questions.

13. Analysis: Excessive Quoting
 Excessive quoting does not illustrate
analysis. It is also not permitted. Avoid
excessive quoting. If you find something
lengthy you would like to quote directly,
find a way to paraphrase what is being
discussed and add your own thoughts and
reflections to demonstrate increased
analysis.

14. Sources
 Your sources must always be academic.
 Wikipedia is not an academic source.

15. Edit your work
 Make sure to edit your work.
 Be cautious with spellcheck; while you may have
spelled a word correctly, it may not be the
correct word. I have seen many papers
discussing “trails” that meant “trials” for instance.
 Avoid lengthy, run-on sentences and generally
awkward statements. Reading your work aloud
is strongly encouraged as it will help you identify
some problem areas. Clarity is key in your
academic writing.

16. Paragraph Structure
 Proper paragraph structure includes a topic
sentence introducing the concept of the
paragraph, supporting sentences in the body of
the paragraph and a concluding sentence
summarizing the main concept.
 Avoid paragraphs which are too long and which
are too short.
 5-8 sentences is ideal for one paragraph.

17. APA
 APA format must be used for your citing
throughout your papers and for the
references section at the end.

18. Plagiarism
 Plagiarism is submitting someone else’s
thoughts or writing as your own. Plagiarism is
forbidden.
 Cite your sources properly to avoid potential
plagiarism issues.
 Only 15-20% of you paper may be quoted.
 Here is a short video providing a quick overview
of plagiarism and how to avoid it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q0NlWcTq1Y

19. Read your feedback
 Always read instructor feedback to avoid
making the same error in future writing
assignments.

20. Questions?
 Contact:
 Tricia.Zunker@csuglobal.edu