Common Grammar and Punctuation Mistakes in Academic Writing
When it comes to academic writing, the stakes are high. With rejection rates in some international journals at 97%1, authors should aim for a manuscript free of grammar errors to have the best chance of publication. These mistakes range from the misuse of punctuation marks to omitting proper documentation.
While some errors may be more severe than others, all mistakes can affect an article's overall clarity and readability. Some mistakes are more common in specific contexts than others. Still, most can be avoided by following some basic grammatical rules, using
paper writing services to order a well-written essay or dissertation, or proofreading help.
Comma
Using a comma is a vital punctuation mark, but novice writers often misunderstand its role. Commas are used to separate introductory words and phrases from the rest of the sentence, but there are many different rules regarding the placement and usage of commas. Misuse of a comma can lead to a confusing or unclear sentence, and it can even cause the reader to misinterpret the writer's intended meaning.
It is also important to avoid overusing a comma in an academic paper. In addition to creating a cluttered and disjointed sentence, overusing commas can distract the reader. The best way to avoid this mistake is to ensure you have a clear and direct purpose for the comma in your sentence.
Apostrophe
Another standard error in academic writing is the misuse of the apostrophe. The apostrophe can be used in two ways in English: to show possession (it's her house) and to stand in for missing letters in contractions (have not = haven't). Knowing when to use a comma or apostrophe and how to use them correctly is essential.
Capitalization
Inaccurate capitalization can also be a big problem in academic writing. While it is generally accepted that words should be capitalized in titles, the specific style guidelines for a particular discipline should always be followed.
Other common errors in academic writing include:
Subject/pronoun disagreements.
Shifting of tense within the same clause.
The overuse of unspecific determinates.
Subject/pronoun disagreements occur when the pronoun shifts in number or gender, and tense shifts are when the verb tense changes between sentences or clauses.
Summary
All budding academics and researchers with English as their second language should avoid these common errors in academic writing. By avoiding these grammatical mistakes, they can ensure their papers are accurate and easily understood. This will increase the likelihood of their manuscript being published in a reputable journal and help advance research and understanding of global issues.
