The “Unforgivable” Mistakes

These are simple mistakes that should never appear in any final draft that you prepare.

Spelling

to

too

its

it’s

where

were

there

their

your

you’re

know

now

definitely

because (not “cuz” or “cause”)

a lot (not alot)

each other (not eachother)

ALSO:

Incorrect:

should of

could of

would of

eleven, twelve, etc.

&

Correct:

should have

could have

would have

11, 12, etc.

and

At the end of a line, only break a word between syllables:

Incorrect: elep-hant

Correct: ele-phant

Incomplete Sentences

Unless you are a very confident and strong writer, and you know exactly what you are doing, do not start a sentence with:

Because

That

To

If

Such as

Never Use:

I mean (“I mean, how can you think . . .”)

Like (“Like when I went to the mall . . .”)

Well (“Well, my argument is . . .”)

You know (“You know, there is a man . . .”)

Introductions/Topic Sentences

Never, under any circumstances, should you begin an essay or a paragraph with:

I am going to tell you about . . .

I chose to write about . . .

(or any similar variation of the above)

Conclusions

Never, under any circumstances, should you end a paragraph or an essay with:

That is why . . .

That is what . . .

This is why . . .

This is what . . .

(or any similar variation of the above)

All in all . . . (this is too elementary)

AND FINALLY:

IN AN ESSAY, NEVER SKIP LINES BETWEEN PARAGRAPHS!