Being a good writer involves several key elements, such as expressing ideas in creative and original ways, tailoring your writing style and tone to your intended audience, and possessing a strong vocabulary so that you choose the right words to convey precise meanings. Avoiding writing and grammar mistakes is also important to ensure clear communication and reduce misunderstandings or confusion.

The correct writing skills enhance credibility and professionalism and demonstrate attention to detail and respect for your audience. In addition, clear and grammatically correct writing can make your ideas more persuasive and easier to follow, promoting better engagement and understanding. In this blog, we explore common writing mistakes and how to avoid them to elevate your professional writing.

1. Using passive voice

You are using active voice when the subject of the sentence performs the action, such as “The veterinarian examined the dog.” In contrast, you are using passive voice when the subject is acted on, such as “The dog was examined by the veterinarian.” While both forms are grammatically correct, active voice is generally preferred for its clarity and energy. Active voice creates clear, direct, and engaging sentences, so the writing is more dynamic and easier for readers to follow. Tips to help avoid using the passive voice include:

  • Ensure the sentence subject performs the action.
  • Avoid overusing “to be” verbs, which often lead to passive voice. Replace them with more dynamic action verbs.
  • Begin sentences with the subject performing the action, rather than focusing first on the object or result.
  • If a sentence feels passive, switch the object and subject.

2. Misplacing commas

Commas are commonly used in multiple ways throughout writing and knowing how and when to use them can be extremely confusing. You need to know general comma rules, as well as where to place commas appropriately according to the style book you follow. Common comma mishaps include:

  • Comma splices — A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with a comma without a conjunction. For example, “The dog went outside, he got hot.” To fix this, add a conjunction (“and”) or separate the clauses into two sentences. 
  • Inconsistently using—or not using—the Oxford comma — Commas are required to separate listed items, but the last comma before “and” (i.e., the Oxford comma or serial comma) is optional. Knowing the style your organization prefers and using that method consistently is important to prevent confusion. 
  • Not using commas with serial adjectives — A comma is needed between coordinating adjectives, which independently describe the same noun and could be separated by “and” without changing the meaning. For example, “The dog had a long, exhausting walk.” However, when the adjectives are cumulative or describe different aspects of the noun, no comma is required. For example, “The dog wore a bright, red handkerchief.” “Bright” modifies “red,” so no comma is needed.

3. Misusing modifiers

Misusing modifiers by incorrect placement can cause confusion or change the sentence’s meaning. Here are some common ways modifiers are misused and tips to fix them:

  • Dangling modifiers — A dangling modifier does not clearly refer to a specific word in the sentence, usually leaving the action without a clear subject. For example, “Chasing squirrels in the park, the dog’s leash slipped from my hand.” This implies that the leash is chasing squirrels. To correct a dangling modifier, introduce the subject directly after the modifier or include it in the modifying phrase. 
  • Squinting modifiers — Squinting modifiers are placed in a way that makes the word they modify unclear. For example, “He said after the meeting he would walk the dog.” It’s unclear whether he will walk the dog after the meeting or if he talked about walking the dog after the meeting. To fix this, move the modifier to clarify the meaning: “He said he would walk the dog after the meeting.”

4. Neglecting parallel structure

Parallel structure is using consistent grammatical patterns in a sentence to ensure clarity and balance. When elements in a sentence, such as words, phrases, or clauses, are presented in a series or compared, they need the same grammatical form. For example, “The dog enjoys fetching, hiking, and swimming.” In this sentence, each activity is in the same verb form. Using parallel structure improves readability, enhances rhythm, and helps the writing flow more smoothly. It also prevents awkward or confusing sentences, ensuring that each part of the sentence has equal importance. 

5. Misusing similar words

Many words in the English language are similar and easily confused. Here are some common examples:

  • Its versus it’s — Its is a possessive form of the pronoun it, indicating ownership. For example, “The dog wagged its tail” means the tail belongs to the dog. It’s is a contraction for “it is.” For example, “It’s a beautiful day” means “It is a beautiful day.”
  • Their, there, and they’re — Their is a possessive pronoun used to indicate ownership by a group of people. There refers to a location or place, either physical or abstract. They’re is a contraction for they are.
  • Your versus you’re — Your is a possessive pronoun used to indicate that you own something. You’re is a contraction for you are.

Effective writers refine their writing to eliminate errors, improve structure, and enhance clarity. If writing isn’t your forté—no need to worry. Contact our Rumpus Writing and Editing team for customized B2B or B2C veterinary writing help.