Archive:Docs Project Style Guide - Common Mistakes
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Revision as of 16:36, 24 May 2008
Writers, even experienced ones, frequently make some simple mistakes. Once writers develop correct usage into habits, they can avoid these mistakes.
The following words appear in texts frequently and are often spelled incorrectly. This list does not include locale-specific differences in spelling.
INCORRECT: dependant, dependancies CORRECT: dependent, dependencies INCORRECT: kernal CORRECT: kernel INCORRECT: seperate CORRECT: separate
Sentences using "which" or "that" to separate statements frequently contain mistakes in the usage of commas. An instance of "which" is preceded by a comma, which is often forgotten. Instances of "that" are often incorrectly preceded by a comma that should not be present. When in doubt, trust your ear. "Which" wants a pause before it and "that" does not.
Use a comma for serial lists before the last item, that is:
"Foo, bar, and baz."
... not ...
"Foo, bar and baz."
Without the final comma, it is hard to tell if the final item is a "bar" or a "bar and baz". (Writers and editors sometimes refer to this punctuation as a "Harvard comma" or "serial comma.")
Avoid contractions in professional writing. They are rarely needed or desired, and they are a common source of errors. When using them, writers often make errors that include spelling, placement of apostrophes, and improper usage within a sentence. The first rule to remember about contractions is that the apostrophe should be placed where the last omission of letters occurs.