Common Problems to Avoid When Writing

Misplaced Modifiers A misplaced modifier is a word or phrase that is not placed next to the word that it modifies. Example: People who go to the beach often wear sunscreen. –Do the people who go often wear sunscreen? –Do all the people who go wear sunscreen often? Correction: Often, people who go to the beach wear sunscreen. OR Correction: People who go to the beach wear sunscreen often.

Dangling Modifiers A dangling modifier is a word or phrase that does not clearly modify any noun or pronoun in a sentence. Example: Sitting under the tree, the apple fell. –Was the apple sitting under the tree? –Who was sitting under the tree? Correction: While sitting under the tree, I noticed that the apple fell. OR While I was sitting under the tree, the apple fell.

Split Infinitives An infinitive is a verb form that begins with to and is followed by a verb. An infinitive can function as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. A split infinitive occurs when a word is placed between to and the verb. Example: Incorrect: I plan to loudly cheer at the big game. Correct: I plan to cheer loudly at the big game.

Pronouns with no Clear Antecedent Confusion occurs when a pronoun has no clear antecedent. Example: Incorrect: Suzanne called Maggie to discuss her upcoming party. –Who’s party is being discussed? Correct: Suzanne called Maggie to discuss Maggie’s upcoming party. Correct: Suzanne called to discuss her party with Maggie.

Double Negatives A double negative occurs when two or more negative modifiers are used to modify one word or phrase. In some languages, using two negatives intensifies the negation; however, in English, two negatives cancel one another. Example: Incorrect: I do not want no ketchup on my hamburger. Correct: I do not want ketchup on my hamburger. Correct: I want no ketchup on my hamburger.

Clichés A cliché is an overused word or phrase that should be avoided. Clichés are used so often that the meaning is diminished. Clichés vary from region to region; therefore, they may be confusing or nonsensical. Example: Incorrect: The bee sting hurt like the dickens. –Consider how confusing this could be to someone unfamiliar to this expression. What is a dickens? Correct: The bee sting hurt very badly. Correct: The bee sting stung fiercely.

Slang Slang is informal language that is not considered Standard American English. Slang may vary by region, by age, by subject, and by other factors. Like clichés, slang can be confusing and nonsensical; therefore, it should be avoided. Example: Incorrect: What up dude? Correct: How are you? Incorrect: That outfit is off the chain. Correct: That outfit is very nice and stylish.