Find guidance on a few grammar rules that are often a source of confusion.
Nouns Denoting Group
Nouns such as
family, faculty, jury, class, staff, committee, etc., that denote a group can take either a singular or plural verb. The choice depends on whether one is referring to individuals of the group or to the group as a whole.
The faculty is represented by two unions.
The faculty have divided opinions on that issue.
Parallel Structure
A frequent problem in writing is shifts in tense and voice, especially in sentences introducing a series of phrases.
For example: Underachieving students are: distractible, anxious, unable to schedule and
have poor test strategies.
The writer has forgotten the verb is already stated before the colon.
System-level activities could facilitate the process through the dissemination of information, sponsorship of symposia and
develop new textbooks.
Here the writer shifts from nouns to verb form.
A Noun Is a Noun Is a Noun
Use nouns as nouns and verbs as verbs.
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|
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Instead of: |
Use: |
The book impacted me.
| The book had an impact on me. |
| Let's get together and dialogue. | Can we have a dialogue about that? |
| The program transitioned. | The program changed. |
Verbs ending in ing that are used as nouns (gerunds) are preceded by possessive nouns or pronouns.
(Do you mind my asking? I hate John's taking that attitude.)
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Active and Passive Voice When a verb is in the active voice, the subject acts; in the passive voice, the subject is acted upon. It is easy to fall into the habit of using the passive voice. Obviously, there are times when it is necessary (performer of the action is unknown) or preferable, but, in general, use the active voice. It gives writing more clarity and force. |
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Passive |
Active |
| The award was presented by Dick Jones. | Dick Jones presented the award. |
| It was reported by the director… | The director reported…
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Excessive Wordiness
Some phrases to avoid: | |
|
Instead of: |
Try: |
at this point in time
| now
|
due to the fact that
| because |
| during the time that | while |
| have the ability to | can |
| in order to | to |
| in the event that | if |
| at the conclusion of | after |
| in the course of | during |
| deadline date | deadline |
| viable alternative | alternative |
| important essentials | essentials |
| in the state of California | in California |
| all of the | all (or every)
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