Difference between revisions of "Common Writing Mistakes"
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− | {{3040Topic |Chapter_TOC=[[ | + | {{3040Topic |Chapter_TOC=[[Resources|Resources]] '''> Common Writing Mistakes''' | |
Introduction= | Introduction= | ||
Everyone has read articles, papers or instructions littered with errors which can be either humourous or frustrating. With technical writing, you don't want either of these scenarios. Your writing should be clear and concise because the goal of what you are writing is to explain a topic. Having the errors in your writing appear either humourous or frustrating to the reader is the last thing you want the reader to experience. The reader should be able to clearly understand the concepts of what is being explained to them. | Everyone has read articles, papers or instructions littered with errors which can be either humourous or frustrating. With technical writing, you don't want either of these scenarios. Your writing should be clear and concise because the goal of what you are writing is to explain a topic. Having the errors in your writing appear either humourous or frustrating to the reader is the last thing you want the reader to experience. The reader should be able to clearly understand the concepts of what is being explained to them. | ||
− | |...by students= Writing this section has probably got to be the most difficult to write. | + | |...by students= |
+ | ''Writing About Errors'' | ||
+ | Writing this section has probably got to be the most difficult to write. What could be worse than making spelling, grammar, or syntax mistakes when writing about common errors in writing? I just hope I didn't make any blatantly obvious errors which destroy the credibility of this section. | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | + | Eliminating the common mistakes is the best way to ensure that the reader easily understands our writing. Some common errors are hard to catch because of the word's spelling or pronunciation. Lets take a look at some of these errors so that they can be fixed. Many of us are guilty of committing these errors, so lets try and reduce them. | |
== Common Errors == | == Common Errors == | ||
+ | [[Image:5yearstomany.jpg|thumb|A poorly written protest sign is always a good way to get your point across.]] | ||
It can't be stressed enough: if you are guilty of these mistakes often use the search function in your word processor to find these words to double check your usage of them. When in doubt, try using another word. A thesaurus is good for looking up similar meaning words. | It can't be stressed enough: if you are guilty of these mistakes often use the search function in your word processor to find these words to double check your usage of them. When in doubt, try using another word. A thesaurus is good for looking up similar meaning words. | ||
=== Word Phrases === | === Word Phrases === | ||
− | Avoid using obscure technical terms or buzz words. When using technical terms, make sure | + | Avoid using obscure technical terms or buzz words. When using technical terms, make sure they are clearly defined in your document. Using terms the audience may not know will only lead to feelings that the document is unnecessarily wordy or above their grasp. Reading academic papers is often difficult for this reason. Remember that you are better off writing something that everyone understands<ref name="errors">[http://www.docsymmetry.com/mistakes-technical-writers-make.html Common Errors in Technical Writing]</ref>. |
*'''Wordy Sentence'''<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nautical_terms Nautical Terms]</ref> | *'''Wordy Sentence'''<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nautical_terms Nautical Terms]</ref> |
Latest revision as of 13:43, 11 April 2008
COMP3040 > Resources > Common Writing Mistakes
Introduction
Everyone has read articles, papers or instructions littered with errors which can be either humourous or frustrating. With technical writing, you don't want either of these scenarios. Your writing should be clear and concise because the goal of what you are writing is to explain a topic. Having the errors in your writing appear either humourous or frustrating to the reader is the last thing you want the reader to experience. The reader should be able to clearly understand the concepts of what is being explained to them.
Contents
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...by studentsWriting About Errors Writing this section has probably got to be the most difficult to write. What could be worse than making spelling, grammar, or syntax mistakes when writing about common errors in writing? I just hope I didn't make any blatantly obvious errors which destroy the credibility of this section. Eliminating the common mistakes is the best way to ensure that the reader easily understands our writing. Some common errors are hard to catch because of the word's spelling or pronunciation. Lets take a look at some of these errors so that they can be fixed. Many of us are guilty of committing these errors, so lets try and reduce them.
Common ErrorsIt can't be stressed enough: if you are guilty of these mistakes often use the search function in your word processor to find these words to double check your usage of them. When in doubt, try using another word. A thesaurus is good for looking up similar meaning words. Word PhrasesAvoid using obscure technical terms or buzz words. When using technical terms, make sure they are clearly defined in your document. Using terms the audience may not know will only lead to feelings that the document is unnecessarily wordy or above their grasp. Reading academic papers is often difficult for this reason. Remember that you are better off writing something that everyone understands[1].
As for buzz words, nothing says you're B.S.ing like buzz words.
TensesMaintaining a consistent tense throughout a sentence or paragraph can be difficult. Sentences can sound perfectly correct even when the sentences switch from present tense to past tense. Tense allow a reader to understand the time frame in which events occur [4]. Mastering the use of tenses will allow your writing to be understood clearly.
When writing technical documents or instructions it is best to use the present tense. With instructions, the user will be performs the step in the present, not in the future[1]. Also, avoid the use of conditional phrases because conditionals make instructions lack clarity.
The outcome from the above example is not clear. The conditional only confuses the reader where proper instructions lead to a clear outcome.
Improper UsagesHere are a few of the more commonly misused words.[5] [6] See here for a much larger list of errors.
References
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