1. Most Common Writing Mistakes
Tips for basic formal essay writing

2. Formal vs. Informal Writing
In writing a formal, academic essay, avoid: So
First of all I We
You (replace with one, people, a person, etc.)
our (“our country, idea, goals, etc.”)
Also avoid contractions:
we’re
I’m
they’re
it’s unprofessional sounding

3. Other Language Tips: Avoid the following simplistic words/phrases:
good, bad, amazing, great, any form of shows (this shows that, showing, etc.), means, sort of, kind of, maybe
Avoid any form of ‘says.’ Replacements:
Argues, points out, concludes, comments, maintains, suggests, insists, observes, notes, states, claims, demonstrates, explains, counters, asserts, reveals, writes

4. Proper Word Usage
The error: using words that sound the same but can have different parts of speech and/or a very different meaning
For example:
its vs. it’s accept vs. except
affect vs. effect then vs. than
their vs. there vs. they’re to vs. two vs. too
whose vs. who’s here vs. hear
allusion vs. illusion your vs. you’re
further vs. farther lay vs. lie*
who vs. whom* *more on these later
By Irania Lopez

5. Vague Language: don’t assume the reader knows what you know; be specific
“She began publishing them in large numbers”
“Slavery impacted American society”
“Angela Alvarez began publishing editorials in large numbers”
“Slavery negatively impacted American society”
YES
Now I understand how it has impacted the American society!
Yeiii! I know who they are talking about and what she was publishing!

6. Passive vs. Active Voice
Active voice: Getting straight to the point in a clear and concise manner
Passive voice: Saying the same thing, but adding unnecessary words (such as being/been)
Passive Voice is often used colloquially, but Active Voice should be used for formal writing.
Examples:
Passive Voice: The song was sung by the girl.
Active Voice: The girl sang the song.
Source:

7. Correcting Run-Ons: Commas
Use a comma to combine two independent clauses with a conjunction
Example:
I did my homework, but I left it at home.
I did my homework but left it at home.
Both examples are correct.
Conjunctions: FANBOYS
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
Correcting Run-Ons: Commas

8. Correcting Run-Ons: Semi-Colons
Semi-colons function the same as a period: they combine two independent clauses WITHOUT a conjunction
Remember you can also do a semi-colon + transitional phrase + comma
You do this for variation and to emphasis a closer relationship between the clauses you’re combining
Ex’s. All correct…
-My house is really messy; it looks like a hovel.
-My house is really messy. It looks like a hovel.
-I don’t like Glee; however, I do like musicals.
-I don’t like Glee, but I do like musicals.

9. Transitions in an Out of Quotes
Remember, when using direct quotation, include the following:
Context - Set up the quote first. Make sure the reader knows who is speaking and why.
Quote - w/ properly cited page number “like this” (4).
Explanation/Analysis – Make sure your reader knows what this quote means and why it is important. What does it prove or support?
You must weave the quote in with your own writing. You should never have a sentence that’s just quoted material.