Grammar & MLA Formatting Quick-Reference Notes

Top Ten Editing Errors

  • Comma splice: Two independent clauses joined with a comma.

  • Fragment: A dependent clause or a phrase punctuated as if it were an independent clause; an incomplete sentence.

  • Run-on sentence: Two independent clauses joined with no intervening punctuation.

  • Verb form or verb tense error: A verb that is in the incorrect form or in the wrong tense.

  • Missing comma: No comma after an introductory element; no comma in a compound sentence; no comma after a non-restrictive element/non-essential element; no comma before the last item in a list (the Oxford comma).

  • Wrong preposition: The preposition chosen is incorrect.

  • Misplaced modifier: A modifier placed too far from the word it modifies, seeming to modify another word.

  • Unclear pronoun: Using a pronoun when it’s not clear what noun the pronoun is replacing.

  • Apostrophe error: Using an apostrophe when one isn’t needed or leaving out the apostrophe when it is needed.

  • Misspelled homonym or homophone: Using a word that sounds like the intended word, but spelled differently and with a different meaning.

  • Use a personal editing checklist: create your own list of frequent errors and review them systematically (see Revising/Editing and Proofreading sections).

Editing Checklist for Academic Essays

  • Format
    • All papers are in MLA format; appropriate headings and page numbering; margins: 0.5 inch0.5\ \text{inch} from top to header, 1 inch1\ \text{inch} all around. Spacing: double; no extra line spaces.
    • Within the essay, parenthetical citations are used (Lastname 13).
    • A Works Cited page is included when appropriate, with all necessary information.
  • Mechanics: Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar, Syntax
    • Did I run spell-check?
    • Did I check homonyms? (e.g., to, too, two)
    • Did I look up difficult words?
    • Did I proofread aloud to catch obvious errors?
    • Are all sentences complete (subject & verb, complete thought)?
    • Did I use one verb tense throughout (unless there is a good reason to switch)?
    • Did I use present tense verbs to discuss texts?
    • Have I checked for run-on sentences and comma splices?
    • Does my paper flow when read aloud? Do I vary sentence lengths and styles?
  • Making and Using a Log of Your Mistakes
    • Create four columns: Error Example, Name of Error, Explanation, Correction Example.
    • When you find a mistake, log it in the first column; label the error in the second; provide a reference in the third; write the correction in the fourth.
    • Example entry: "Honesty is it’s own reward." → Apostrophe error → "It’s" means "it is"; use "its" for possessive → "Honesty is its own reward."
  • Tips for Writing Complete Sentences
    • Independent Clause: a unit with a subject and a verb that can stand as a sentence; can be joined with other clauses/phrases.
    • Dependent Clause: cannot stand alone; must be joined to an independent clause.
    • Phrase: group of words forming a unit of meaning without both a subject and a verb; cannot stand alone as a sentence.
    • Subject: a word/phrase that agrees with the main verb; tests for noun-hood include: frame sentence ability, pluralizable, possessive, usable with articles, capable of suffixes, etc.
    • Verb: action/existence/occurrence; tests for tense, person, negation, imperative form, ability to pair with subject.
    • Punctuation: common ways to join clauses:
    • Comma + FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
    • Semicolon
    • Semicolon + adverbial conjunction (however, nonetheless, moreover)
    • Colon
    • Subordinating conjunctions for dependent clauses
    • Choice of joining affects meaning; use intentionally.
  • Comma practice
    • Listing comma: separate items; Oxford comma (before the final item) is usually used in academic writing.
    • Compound sentence comma: join two independent clauses with a comma only if properly connected.
    • Introductory comma: after an introductory word/phrase/clause; optional if very short.
    • Interrupting comma: set off nonessential interruptions within a sentence.
    • Restrictive (essential) element: no commas.
    • Nonrestrictive (nonessential) element: needs commas.
    • Example: "My third sister, who lives in Salem, is the baby of the family." (nonessential clause set off by commas)
  • Best Editing and Grammar Resources (Links List)
    • Grammar Girl: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-girl
    • Purdue OWL: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
    • Grammarly: www.grammarly.com
    • Grammar Monster: http://grammar-monster.com
    • The New Yorker’s Comma Queen: http://video.newyorker.com/series/comma-queen

Resources for Working with MLA (Overview)

  • MLA = Modern Language Association; humanities discipline formatting and source handling; eighth edition (2016) emphasizes universal guidelines for digital publication.
  • Humanities vs empiric disciplines: humanities study culture; empiric disciplines involve data verification and measurement.
  • MLA styling provides consistent formatting and source handling to prevent plagiarism and aid reader navigation.
  • MLA 8 (8th edition) overview: universal guidelines, adaptable to any source type.
  • Four key purposes of MLA formatting:
    • Format documents consistently.
    • Manage sources to avoid plagiarism and aid readers in locating sources.
    • Facilitate cross-field readability.
    • Support evolving digital publication practices.

MLA Formatting: Quick Setup

  • Basic document settings (your word processor will help):
    • Margins: 1 inch1\ \text{inch} on all sides; header/footer: 0.5 inch0.5\ \text{inch}
    • Font: a standard font; 12-point12\text{-point} size throughout.
    • Spacing: double-space throughout; left-aligned with a ragged right edge.
    • Paragraphs: indent frac12frac{1}{2} inch (one tab).
    • Title: center on page 1 in plain 12-point12\text{-point} font (not bold/italic).
    • Heading (page 1 only):
    • Your name, instructor, course, date (MLA format)
    • Header (all pages): last name and automatic page number on the top right.
  • MLA date format: 11 February  201611\ \text{February }\ 2016 (no comma; day-month-year order to avoid international ambiguity).
  • Example starter: look at MLA sample papers at mla.org for a visual.

Four-Step Process for Working with Sources (MLA)

  1. Create a Works Cited page and add the source with a complete, correct listing.
  2. Use sources correctly through quotation, paraphrase, or summary.
  3. Cite/identify in-text sources wherever they occur.
  4. Proofread your work with sources to ensure accuracy and alignment between in-text citations and Works Cited entries.

MLA Resources and Practice

  • Purdue OWL: comprehensive MLA guidance (and more).
  • MLA Style Center: official MLA practice materials, templates, FAQs.
  • MLA Practice Template: practice formatting citations.
  • Quick reference: ensure every in-text citation matches a Works Cited entry, and vice versa.
  • Links and examples are provided to help with formatting, citations, and ethical source use.