Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda

Here's one I teach every year once I find evidence in a student's writing. And I always find evidence of it in a student's writing. This common error of transferring what we hear in language to what we write is even tested on the CSTs. I even see this error in emails and postings written by adults.

When we speak about things that could have, would have, or should have happened, we typically use the contraction 've, omitting the h and a from have. What we hear sounds like the word of, so unaware writers understandably but mistakenly use this word in their writing.

Example: I should of worn my rain coat to work, but I was in a hurry. [should've or should have]

Read aloud, the sentence sounds fine because the assumption can be made that the contraction has been used.

I tell students to avoid contractions in academic writing in order to elevate their writer's voice, and when it doubt, write it out.

Ode to the Semi-Colon; I really do love them.

You either love them, hate them, or are simply afraid of them. If you dislike the semi-colon as many writers and teachers do, then any explanation of their use will be lost on you, so carry on. If you are leery of them, then hopefully this brief explanation helps to put your fears to rest and encourages you to give them a go once in awhile.

The semi-colon is not a colon, which means "as follows" or "as a result" and typically presents lists or provides emphasis of some sort.
Example: I had several items to retrieve: cell phone, suitcase, shaving kit, i-Pod. (use a colon here)

The semi-colon is not a fancy substitution for a comma. It must separate two complete thoughts (independent clauses), each containing its own verb.

The semi-colon is useful in separating divisions within long lists utilizing commas in order to maintain clarity.
Example: He visited several colleges, schools, and institutions; several factories, office buildings, and churches; and a number of public facilities.

The semi-colon is an optional replacement for a period when two thoughts are so closely related to one another that they simply cannot bare being separated by something as round and cold as a period.

If two related thoughts are shorter in length, the use of a period between them may result in choppy writing. A semi-colon, on the otherhand, has the ability to add a sense of style when used with proper intentions.
Examples: I waited until 3:00 that afternoon; she never did show.
My boss had a good sense of humor; nevertheless, I still couldn't stand him.

Okay, so there you have it; it's pretty basic stuff. Keep my little friend in mind the next time you're writing something. Don't go crazy, as I'm pretty sure that's why there are haters out there.

Then and Than

(This one's for you, Sam. )

Errors in word usage often stem from confusion between the uses of two similar looking and/or sounding words. The use of then and than is one such example. The difference is simple, and once noted, any confusion in usage will be easily fixed.

Then: often used to refer to a certain time ("at that time" "after" "that time") or to mean "in that case."
Examples: First I will come home, and then I will go to the store.
I didn't even know you back then.
Then I just won't tell you these things anymore.

Than: Used for purposes of comparison.
Example: His feet are bigger than his brother's.

Comma: Yes? Comma: No?

Commas help to organize and clarify writing but are often the source of confusion. Following are some basic rules about when to use a comma and when not to. Identify your own pattern of comma errors and commit to finding them in your writing. As you learn to identify and correct these errors on your own, you will lessen their frequency in your writing.

Comma: Yes

1. Before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, so, for, yet) to connect independent clauses (complete sentences). Ex: He frowned, but she did not understand why he was worried.
2. After most introductory words, phrases, or clauses. Ex: After the noisy party, the neighbors complained.
3. To set off extra information included in the sentence. Ex: My father, a computer programmer, works late at night.
4. To set off a transitional expression. Ex: The ending, however, is disappointing.
5. To separate three or more items in a series. Ex: the fans applauded, cheered, and whistled.
6. Between coordinate adjectives. Ex: We ate a delicious, well-prepared, and inexpensive meal.
7. After a verb that introduces a quotation. Ex: She gasped, "We haven't a moment to lose!"
8. To clarify meaning. Ex: Of the gymnastic team's twenty, five were injured.

Comma: No

1. Not between subject and verb. Ex: The man in the baggy pants is her English teacher. (Some writers will be tempted to place a comma before the verb is)
2. Not before part of a compound structure that is not an independent clause. Ex: She won the trophy and accepted it graciously. (The and is not linking two independent clauses, or complete sentences, so it does not call for a comma.)
3. Not after a coordinating conjunction connecting two independent clauses but before it. Ex: The movie tried to be engaging, but it failed miserably. (Writers often misplace these commas).
4. Not between two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction. Use either a period, creating two sentences, or a semi-colon instead. Using a comma creates what is known as a comma splice. Ex: He won; she was delighted.
5. Not before a clause beginning with that. Ex: They warned us that the meeting would be difficult. (Some writers will be tempted to place a comma before "that").
6. Not before and after essential information. If it is information necessary for the sentence meaning to be clear, commas are not necessary. Ex: The player who scored the goal became a hero. (If the fact that he scored a goal is omitted, or separated by commas, we do not understand why he became a hero).
7. Not between a verb and its object or complement. Ex: The best gifts are food and clothes. (Some writers may be tempted to place a comma after "are").
8. Not after "such as" or "including." A comma may be called for before such words if surrounded by a complete sentence. Ex: Popular fast food items, such as hamburgers and hot dogs, tend to be high in fat. (Commas are only used to set apart the additional information).