Idioms and Clarity of ExpressionPunctuation Errors

Writing Strategies

Idioms and Clarity of ExpressionIdiom: a fixed distinctive expression whose

meaning cannot be deduced from the combined meanings of its actual words AND the way of using a language that comes naturally to its native speakers

Check for errors: Wrong PrepositionsDictionGerund vs. InfinitiveAmbiguity in ScopeLow-Level Usage

Wrong PrepositionsOnly certain prepositions can be

used with certain verbs. Ex: I asked him repeatedly if he was

from about here, but he never answered me. (correct?)

#60-61

DictionSometimes a word is used incorrectly, which leads

to a construction that is simply not idiomatic or not acceptable according to standard usage.

The techniques of empirical observation in the social sciences are different than those in the physical sciences.

John expressed his intention to make the trip, but if he will actually go is doubtful.

Herbert divided the cake among Mary and Sally.The amount of students in the class declined as the

the semester progressed.SEE p. 318 for list #62-63 p. 597

Gerund vs. InfinitiveInfinitives are to+verbGerunds are –ing forms of verbsBoth can function as nouns; sometimes, either can be

used.

Adding an extra room to the house is the next project.

To add an extra room to the house is the next project.

Some verbs are often followed by infinitives; others are often followed by gerunds. #64-65

Ambiguity in ScopeThis occurs when there is no clear division

between two ideas, so that the ideas seem to merge.

After the arrest, the accused was charged with resisting arrest and criminal fraud.

The recent changes in the tax law will affect primarily workers who wait tables in restaurants, operate concessions in public places, and drive taxis.

*Usually this error is corrected by adding words to clarify the two ideas as distinct. #66

Low Level UsageExpressions that are heard frequently in

conversation that are regarded as low-level usage and are unacceptable in standard written English.

She sure is pretty!#67Ain’t, aren’t I, around (2 P. M.), between you

and I, bunch (of people), different than, equally as good, have got, haning took, in back of, kind of , plan on, on account of, put in, try and, theirselves, should of, same as . . .

Isolated ErrorsSometimes an error can be

analyzed in isolation from the rest of the sentence, making it easier to identify and correct.

#68-69

Punctuation ErrorsCommasSemicolonsColonsEnd-stop punctuationDashesHyphensQuotation marksPunctuating for clarity

Commas

CommasUse a comma to separate quotations and

introductory phrases.If subordinate clause follows main clause, you do

not need to set off by a comma.#76-78

Use pairs of commas to set off appositive, parenthetical, and non-restrictive elements.

Mr. Dias, our lawyer, gave us some great advice.This book, I believe, is the best of its kind.Sam, who is a very well behaved dog, never

strays from the yard. #79-83

Situations in which NOT to use commasTo separate a subject from a verb.To set off restrictive or necessary

clauses of phrases.In place of a conjunction.

#84-87

SemicolonsUse a semicolon to separate two complete ideas

(independent clauses)The setting sun caused the fields to take on a special

glow; all was bathed in a pale light.Use a semicolon to separate independent clauses

NOT connected by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS). ALSO use between independent clauses connected by consequently, however, therefore, moreover, etc. (conjunctive adverbs).

Annie is working the front desk; Ernie will take over at midnight.

She waited for the check to arrive; however, her check never appeared.

SemicolonsUse a semicolon to separate a series of phrases

or clauses, each of which contain commas. The old gentleman’s heirs were Margaret, his

half-sister; James, the butler; William, companion to his late cousin, Robert; and his favorite charity, The Salvation Army.

Use a semicolon to avoid confusion with numbers.

Add the following: $.25; $7.50; and $12.89.#88-91

ColonsAfter the salutation of a business letter.To separate hours from minutes.To precede a list of three or more items or a long

quotation.To introduce a question.Dear Board Member:The eclipse occurred at 10:36 A. M.Many people refer to four branches of government:

the executive, the judicial, the legislative, and the media.

My question is this: Are you willing to punch a time clock?

#92-93 A colon can be used as a “drumroll.” However, don’t use after “like,” “for example,” “such as,” and “that is.” The colon replaces these!

End Stop PunctuationDo not use a period if not a

complete sentence.#94

. ? !

DashesUse a dash for emphasis or to set off an explanatory

group of words.The tools of his trade –probe, mirror, and cotton swabs-

were arranged on the tray.Use a dash before a word or group of words that

indicates a summation or reversal of what preceded it.Patience, sensitivity, understanding, and empathy- these

are the marks of a true friend.Use a dash to mark a sudden break in thought that

leaves a sentence unfinished.He was not pleased with- in fact, he was completely

hostile toward- the takeover.*Unless the material following the dash ends a sentence,

dashes, like parentheses, must be used in pairs. Do not mix dashes and commas.

#95

HyphensUse a hyphen with a compound modifier

that precedes the noun.There was a sit-in demonstration at the

office.Use a hyphen with fractions that serve as

adjectives or adverbs.I purchased a four-cylinder car.

#96

Quotation MarksTo enclose the actual works of the speaker or writer.To emphasize words used in a special or unusual sense.To set off titles of short themes or parts of a larger work.#97

DO NOT USE:For indirect quotations or to justify a poor choice of words.

Periods and commas go inside the quotation marks; colons and semicolons go outside the quotation marks.

My favorite poem is “My Last Duchess,” a monologue by Browning.

My favorite poem is “My Last Duchess”; this poem is a monologue written by Browning.

Punctuating for Clarity#98 Read aloud.

Strategies and ChecklistIdentifying Sentence ErrorsImproving Sentences

Checklist for Identifying Sentence Errors and Improving Sentences

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