Common+Writing+Errors

=... and how to fix them.=

**//These common problems are in no particular order. They are errors I see over and over again in student writing and all of them have a very easy fix.//**
=__You__= Avoid this word in writing because when **__you__** use it, __**you**__ are speaking directly to the reader. For example, "When **you** are in Toronto **you** will love the stores and the shopping" or "If **you** want to read a great murder story, try Agatha Christie."


 * Write from your own point of view. Instead of using "you", use "I" or "our" or "me". For example"**

"When I am in Toronto, I love the stores and shopping" or "I love reading a great murder story and recommend Agatha Christie."

=//"The topic I am writing my paragraph on is ... "//=

This is not a good start to any writing assignment. In fact, it is off-topic. Every sentence in your paragraph or essay should be about the **topic** you have chosen; this sentence is about your paragraph.

=There and Their= Find out which is which. Your teachers have told you for years, now it's your turn to figure it out.

=A sentence has one major idea.= A comma cannot end a sentence; use a period (.), a question mark (?) or an exclaimation mark (!).

=: ( a colon)=

Introduces a list of items or a punchy answer. For example:

"While we were in Toronto we went to several stores: the DollarRama, Pico's and RubieTwoShoes.

"There is only one reason my sisters and I would go to Toronto: the shopping."

=; (a semi-colon)=

Can seperate two, tightly connected sentences, like this:

"Toronto is one of my favorite cities; the shopping is awesome."

It can also be used in a list, like this:

"Travelling to any major city is fun. I enjoy shopping at stores we don't have here; taking bus tours to see famous or interesting places; and visiting with family members who live there.

=Numbers:=


 * __Write out numbers under 100:__**

"I was __fifteen__ when we went to Europe." "The __seventh__ hole had the hardest sand-trap."


 * unless ...**

"I was in Grade 7 when we went to Europe." "I live at 27 Pius Lane." "The math department is in Room 14."