*_mei ni_*
Monday, September 15, 2008
Portfolio Task 2: Common Grammatical Mistakes
One of the grammatical errors that is commonly being observed throughout the writing process is on the usage of tenses and pronoun references. Many may question on the importance of the consistency in tenses. However, any unnecessary shifting in the use of tenses will add on confusion to the readers. The change in tenses is only exceptional in a few cases. One scenario where the change is applicable is when we are switching from direct to indirect speech. This means that we are trying to report on something that someone has already mentioned earlier on. For example, she said, “I will bring the kids to the park tomorrow” will become she said that she would bring the kids to the park the next day. From the two statements, we are able to distinguish the differences in the timing words as well as the pronouns which will be discussed in the next section. As for the usage of pronoun references, the consistency is pivotal such that to ensure that the sentence is concise and clear. The pronoun basically refers to as a noun while the antecedent is the noun which takes its reference from the pronoun. Understanding the co-relation between the pronoun and antecedent serves as a preliminary check to see if we are applying the correct pronouns at the prominent locations. For instance, ‘one should play your part in keeping the environment clean’ should be corrected to ‘one should play one’s part in keeping the environment clean’ or ‘every individual should play his or her part in keeping the environment clean’. Through written language, we are able to discover ideas and define thoughts. However, in order to ensure that readers are able to comprehend and communicate with the writer, the source must be written effectively, that is adopting the correct grammatical structure. Thus, it is undeniable that writing and reading skills are complements of each other.
References
State of Florida, Department of Education, Division of Workforce Development. (n.d.). Developing Appropriate Tense Use Throughout a Multiple Paragraph Text. Retrieved from 12 September, 2008 from http://literacy.owc.edu/abe/Language-D/ABE_L-25-02.htm
Handley, E; Oaks, S. (1995-96). Bottom-Line, Low-Anxiety Grammar & Sentence Structure. Retrieved from 9 September, 2008 from Empire State College, State University of New York Web Site http://www.esc.edu/esconline/across_esc/writerscomplex.nsf/wholeshortlinks2/Grammar+Wo
Kilborn, J. (1999, March 26).
Editing & Proofreading Strategies for Specific Sentence-Level Errors. Retrieved from 9 September, 2008 from The Write Place, St Cloud State University Web Site http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/editing.html#PROAGREE
Lunsford, A. (2005).
The Everyday Writer. 20 Most Common Errors. Retrieved from 10 September, 2008 from http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/everyday_writer3e/20errors/16.html
Beare, K (2008).
English as 2nd Language. Reported Speech – Indirect Speech. Retrieved from 8 September, 2008 from http://esl.about.com/od/grammarintermediate/a/reported_speech.htm
*Kindly note that the practice exercises are available in the first 4 links =)
References
State of Florida, Department of Education, Division of Workforce Development. (n.d.). Developing Appropriate Tense Use Throughout a Multiple Paragraph Text. Retrieved from 12 September, 2008 from http://literacy.owc.edu/abe/Language-D/ABE_L-25-02.htm
Handley, E; Oaks, S. (1995-96). Bottom-Line, Low-Anxiety Grammar & Sentence Structure. Retrieved from 9 September, 2008 from Empire State College, State University of New York Web Site http://www.esc.edu/esconline/across_esc/writerscomplex.nsf/wholeshortlinks2/Grammar+Wo
Kilborn, J. (1999, March 26).
Editing & Proofreading Strategies for Specific Sentence-Level Errors. Retrieved from 9 September, 2008 from The Write Place, St Cloud State University Web Site http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/editing.html#PROAGREE
Lunsford, A. (2005).
The Everyday Writer. 20 Most Common Errors. Retrieved from 10 September, 2008 from http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/everyday_writer3e/20errors/16.html
Beare, K (2008).
English as 2nd Language. Reported Speech – Indirect Speech. Retrieved from 8 September, 2008 from http://esl.about.com/od/grammarintermediate/a/reported_speech.htm
*Kindly note that the practice exercises are available in the first 4 links =)
posted by *_mei ni_* at 2:55 AM
2 Comments:
Dear Mei Ni
I can see the effort you put into your work including your postings. Don't forget to add the reflections posting and ask for comments from your blogmates.
The common grammar mistakes you list are very helpful to all of us.So you can invite more people to visit your blog.
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