1. Overusing of Adverbs

Adverbs are mainly the words that often end with “ly” verbs. Excessive use of these adverbs indicates a weak verb choice. Therefore, an essay writer should use it once in a while.

2. Excessive Prepositional Phrases

Prepositions are the words that come before nouns and pronouns to show direction, time and location. Excessive prepositional phrases made your writing wordy.

3. Ambiguous Modifiers

An ambiguous modifier is often misplaced because of its location in a sentence. Move its position in the sentence to make it clear to the reader.

4. Misusing of Lie/Lay

Misusing of verbs such as lie and lay is very common. For example, if you want to place an object somewhere, you should use the word “lay.” On the other hand, if you want to take a nap, you should use “lie”.

The verb “lie” is an intransitive verb that does not need an object. However, a transitive verb “lay” does require an object.

5. Vague Pronoun References

A pronoun without a clear antecedent is vague and ambiguous. Therefore, an essay writer should use pronouns like “his” and “her” so that the readers know whom those pronouns refer to. For instance, in some sentences, the reader is unsure who the second “he” is. Thus, make sure that the pronouns refer to a specific antecedent.

6. Joining Commas and Semicolons

Commas are used to connect or join the sentences. Therefore, a writer should use commas and semicolons to joins two independent sentences. However, it can also be used to separate the two lengthy sentences. Similarly, semicolons can take the place of coordinating conjunction such as and, so or but.

7. Fused Sentences

Fused sentences occur when two different statements are combined together without a conjunction or punctuation. They can be short or long.

Avoid them by noticing if there is anyone idea communicated by two or more independent clauses. Moreover, you can also use a semicolon or period to indicate the two separate independent sentences.

8. Inflated Sentences

Inflated sentences have unnecessary words and pointless fillers that can sometimes frustrate the college essay readers. Hence, it is important for readers to get straight to the point. Organize your sentences by using strong verbs and nouns instead of adjectives and adverbs. Also, do not overuse words like that, just and very.

Proofreading and revising is a beneficial process to avoid such mistakes.

9. Use “Could have” Instead of “Could of”

Sentences using “could have” are always correct instead of the ones with “could of”. Many writers often make such grammar mistakes.

10. Tautologies

Tautologies refer to indicate the same thing twice in different words. Have a look at the below example to understand the concept.

John made a water pail with his own hands for Jack.

John made a water pail for Jack.

This prepositional phrase “with his own hands” creates a redundancy.

These ten common mistakes need to avoid by the essay writers.

10 Mistakes Professional Essay Writers Should Avoid