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4 Common Writing Errors

Are you making these?

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Missing Commas

Commas are used to break up a list. In addition, commas are used when beginning a sentence with a linking word or phrase. Moreover, practitioners need ... to. For example, active ... . Commas also separate groups of words in a sentence. When a therapeutic relationship is formed, the boundaries of the relationship must be clarified. Commas also precede 'which' in most cases. The ‘ethics of care’, which was developed by Carol Gillian, considers whether women and men have different ways of engaging in ethical reasoning.

Misplaced Apostrophes

Apostrophes are used to show possession. If the owner is plural, put the apostrophe after the ‘s’. The client’s safety is a priority. (singular) The clients’ safety is a priority. (plural)  Apostrophes should not be used for plurals: the two practitioners who attended... . (not practitioner's) Several key theories... . (not theory's)

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Run on Sentences

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more sentences are brought together with no punctuation in between or incorrect punctuation. Mental health consumers can face stigma and discrimination, this can lead to self-stigma and stress. Eliminate run on sentences by separating the sentences with a full stop or semi-colon. Alternatively, use a comma followed by a conjunction. Here are some examples: a) Mental health consumers can face stigma and discrimination. This can lead to self-stigma and stress. b) Mental health consumers can face stigma and discrimination; this can lead to self-stigma and stress.  c) Mental health consumers can face stigma and discrimination, which can lead to self-stigma and stress.  

Confused Words

Words that sound alike or nearly alike but have different meanings often cause writers trouble, such as; affect/effect, apart/a part and then/than. This website can help you determine which is the correct word to use and provide strategies for remembering the differences.

1. Commonly confused words with definitions and examples 

Spelling and grammar checkers, such as Grammarly and the one found in Microsoft Word, can help you identify these kind of errors, so always be sure to run a spelling and grammar check on your work before submitting it.

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https://www.americansforthearts.org/by-program/reports-and-data/legislation-policy/naappd/top-10-reasons-to-support-the-arts-infographic