Common Errors (2) / "Acceptable Errors"

Common Errors (2) / Acceptable Errors (25:00)

When should the red pen be wielded to the hilt, and when should writers and readers simply agree to disagree? Part one of this program deals with three unequivocal errors—sentence fragments, comma splices, and run-on sentences—and three major enemies of clarity—tense shifts, vague pronoun references, and faulty parallels. Contraction/possessive pronoun confusion is also sorted out. In part two, syntactical errors that many no longer consider unacceptable are examined: contractions, split infinitives, and dangling prepositions. (25 minutes)

Introduction to the Film (00:46)
A list of the topics to be discussed is given. These topics include common errors, tense shift, vague pronoun references, faulty parallels, contractions, split infinitives and dangling prepositions.

Sentence Fragments (02:26)
A phrase that can not stand alone as sentence is a sentence fragment. Methods of avoiding and fixing fragments are given. Emphatic fragments are usually only acceptable in advertising.

Comma Splices (02:39)
Comma splices consist of two independent clauses put together with a comma. Options to fix this include using two separate sentences or combining them into a compound sentence.

Run-on Sentences (01:43)
Run-on sentences is putting together two sentences into one with no punctuation between them. The structure, not the length, makes a run-on sentence incorrect.

Verb Tense Shifts (01:53)
To have clean, clear, and lucid writing, avoid the common grammatical traps. Consistency in verb tense eliminates the trap of tense shifts.

Vague Pronoun References (02:59)
Vague pronoun reference is another common grammatical trap. To eliminate this problem avoid using too many pronouns. Avoid the confusing pronouns "this" and "which."

Faulty Parallels (02:53)
Faulty parallels is the third grammatical trap that prevents clear writing. Parallels are elements in a sentence that should function the same way.

Contractions (03:34)
Contractions may be acceptable in some circumstances but not in formal writing. Confusing contractions with possessive pronouns, such as "it's" and "its," is common but not acceptable.

Two Flexible Rules (02:44)
Sticking an adverb between "to" and the verb in an infinitive causes a split infinitive. Ending sentences with a preposition is a dangling preposition. These two rules may be broken at certain times.

Review (01:35)
This segment reviews fragments, comma splices, run-on sentences, tense shifts, vague pronoun references, faulty parallels, contractions, split infinitives, and dangling prepositions.