Problem
Ownership can be unclear in a sentence.
Action
Add “‘s” to a singular noun when showing possession.
Outcome
Readers understand ownership immediately.
Chapter: Elementary Rules of Usage - Form the possessive singular of nouns by adding ‘s
Problem
Items in a list can be grouped incorrectly.
Action
Use a comma after each item in a series except the last.
Outcome
Lists are easier to read correctly.
Chapter: Elementary Rules of Usage - In a series of three or more terms with a single conjunction, use a comma after each term except the last
Problem
Extra information can obscure the main statement.
Action
Place commas around parenthetic expressions.
Outcome
The main idea remains clear.
Chapter: Elementary Rules of Usage - Enclose parenthetic expressions between commas
Problem
Readers may not see where one clause ends and another begins.
Action
Place a comma before a conjunction that joins coordinate clauses.
Outcome
The relationship between clauses is clear.
Chapter: Elementary Rules of Usage - Place a comma before a conjunction introducing a coordinate clause
Problem
Comma splices weaken sentence structure.
Action
Use appropriate punctuation instead of joining independent clauses with only a comma.
Outcome
Sentences are grammatically correct.
Chapter: Elementary Rules of Usage - Do not join independent clauses by a comma
Problem
Sentence fragments leave ideas unfinished.
Action
Write complete sentences that contain a full thought.
Outcome
Readers understand the intended message.
Chapter: Elementary Rules of Usage - Do not break sentences in two
Problem
An opening phrase can point to the wrong noun.
Action
Make sure the grammatical subject is the actor in the participial phrase.
Outcome
The sentence conveys the intended meaning.
Chapter: Elementary Rules of Usage - A participial phrase at the beginning of a sentence must refer to the grammatical subject
Problem
Multiple topics in one paragraph create confusion.
Action
Use each paragraph to develop a single idea.
Outcome
The writing becomes easier to follow.
Chapter: Elementary Principles of Composition - Make the paragraph the unit of composition
Problem
Readers may not know what a paragraph is about.
Action
Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence.
Outcome
Readers quickly understand the paragraph’s purpose.
Chapter: Elementary Principles of Composition - Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence
Problem
Passive constructions can weaken writing.
Action
Make the subject perform the action whenever possible.
Outcome
Writing becomes more direct and clear.
Chapter: Elementary Principles of Composition - Use the active voice
Problem
Negative wording can weaken meaning.
Action
Express statements as positive assertions when possible.
Outcome
The message becomes stronger and clearer.
Chapter: Elementary Principles of Composition - Put statements in positive form
Problem
Vague language leaves room for misunderstanding.
Action
Choose definite and concrete words.
Outcome
Readers understand exactly what you mean.
Chapter: Elementary Principles of Composition - Use definite, specific, concrete language
Problem
Extra words reduce clarity and impact.
Action
Delete words that add no meaning.
Outcome
Writing becomes concise and effective.
Chapter: Elementary Principles of Composition - Omit needless words
Problem
Repeated loose sentence patterns can become monotonous.
Action
Use different sentence structures throughout a passage.
Outcome
The writing remains engaging.
Chapter: Elementary Principles of Composition - Avoid a succession of loose sentences
Problem
Uneven structure makes related ideas harder to compare.
Action
Express coordinate ideas in similar grammatical forms.
Outcome
Readers process relationships more easily.
Chapter: Elementary Principles of Composition - Express coordinate ideas in similar form
Problem
Separated related words can confuse meaning.
Action
Place closely related words near each other.
Outcome
Relationships between ideas are easier to understand.
Chapter: Elementary Principles of Composition - Keep related words together
Problem
Unnecessary tense shifts distract readers.
Action
Use a single tense throughout a summary.
Outcome
The summary reads smoothly and consistently.
Chapter: Elementary Principles of Composition - In summaries, keep to one tense
Problem
Important ideas can lose emphasis.
Action
End the sentence with the most important words.
Outcome
The main point stands out.
Chapter: Elementary Principles of Composition - Place the emphatic words of a sentence at the end
Problem
Incorrect capitalization creates avoidable errors.
Action
Capitalize the first word when required by convention.
Outcome
The writing follows standard usage.
Chapter: Basic Rules of Capitalization - “First Word” capitalization rules
Problem
Specific names can be mistaken for common nouns.
Action
Use capital letters for proper nouns.
Outcome
Names are clearly identified.
Chapter: Basic Rules of Capitalization - Capitalize proper nouns
Problem
Time references can be formatted inconsistently.
Action
Capitalize days, months, and named historic eras.
Outcome
Dates and periods follow standard usage.
Chapter: Basic Rules of Capitalization - Capitalize days, months, and historic eras
Problem
Landmark names can be written inconsistently.
Action
Capitalize landmark names when they are official names.
Outcome
Place references are accurate.
Chapter: Basic Rules of Capitalization - When to capitalize landmarks
Problem
Season names are often capitalized unnecessarily.
Action
Capitalize a season only when it is part of a proper name.
Outcome
Capitalization remains correct.
Chapter: Basic Rules of Capitalization - When to capitalize the names of seasons
Problem
Personified ideas can be mistaken for ordinary nouns.
Action
Capitalize nouns used as persons or characters.
Outcome
Personification becomes clear.
Chapter: Basic Rules of Capitalization - Capitalize “personified” nouns
Problem
Directions and region names can be confused.
Action
Capitalize cardinal points when they function as proper names.
Outcome
Geographic meaning is precise.
Chapter: Basic Rules of Capitalization - Capitalize cardinal points (sometimes)
Problem
Titles can appear inconsistent.
Action
Capitalize the important words in a title.
Outcome
Titles look standard and professional.
Chapter: Basic Rules of Capitalization - Capitalize most words in titles
Problem
Roman numerals can be formatted incorrectly.
Action
Use capital letters for Roman numerals.
Outcome
The notation follows convention.
Chapter: Basic Rules of Capitalization - When to capitalize Roman numerals
Problem
Brand names can lose their correct form.
Action
Use the official capitalization of trademarks and service marks.
Outcome
Names remain accurate.
Chapter: Basic Rules of Capitalization - Capitalize trademarks and service marks
Problem
Family terms can function as either names or common nouns.
Action
Capitalize family words when they replace a person’s name.
Outcome
Usage is consistent and clear.
Chapter: Basic Rules of Capitalization - When to capitalize relative (family) words
Problem
Religious references can be inconsistent.
Action
Capitalize religious titles and terms when convention requires it.
Outcome
References follow accepted usage.
Chapter: Basic Rules of Capitalization - Capitalize some religious titles and terms
Problem
Political titles are often formatted inconsistently.
Action
Capitalize political titles when they directly precede a name.
Outcome
Titles are presented correctly.
Chapter: Basic Rules of Capitalization - When to capitalize political titles
Problem
Educational titles can be written inconsistently.
Action
Apply capitalization according to standard usage.
Outcome
Academic references appear correct.
Chapter: Basic Rules of Capitalization - When to capitalize educational titles
Problem
Job titles are often overcapitalized.
Action
Use capital letters only when the title functions as a formal title.
Outcome
Capitalization remains consistent.
Chapter: Basic Rules of Capitalization - When to capitalize job titles
Problem
Long documents can be difficult to navigate.
Action
Divide content into sections with clear, consistent headings.
Outcome
Readers find information more easily.
Chapter: A Few Matters of Form - Headings
Problem
Inconsistent number formatting distracts readers.
Action
Follow a consistent rule for writing numbers.
Outcome
The document looks uniform.
Chapter: A Few Matters of Form - Numerals
Problem
Minor details can interrupt the main point.
Action
Place supplementary information in parentheses.
Outcome
The primary message remains clear.
Chapter: A Few Matters of Form - Parentheses
Problem
Inaccurate quotations can distort meaning.
Action
Reproduce quoted material without altering it.
Outcome
The original meaning is preserved.
Chapter: A Few Matters of Form - Quotations
Problem
Readers may not be able to verify information.
Action
Cite sources in a clear and complete form.
Outcome
Sources can be located easily.
Chapter: A Few Matters of Form - References
Problem
Compound expressions can be misunderstood.
Action
Insert hyphens when they clarify meaning.
Outcome
Readers interpret phrases correctly.
Chapter: A Few Matters of Form - Hyphenation
Problem
Misused words create confusion.
Action
Verify the meaning of a word before using it.
Outcome
The message is accurate.
Chapter: Words and Expressions Often Misused
Problem
Spelling errors reduce credibility.
Action
Proofread all words for correct spelling.
Outcome
Writing appears more reliable.
Chapter: Spelling
Problem
Avoiding conjunctions can create awkward sentences.
Action
Begin a sentence with a conjunction when it helps readability.
Outcome
The writing sounds natural.
Chapter: Style Rules for Better Writing - You can start a sentence with a conjunction
Problem
Rigid grammar rules can produce awkward wording.
Action
Split an infinitive when it makes the sentence clearer.
Outcome
The sentence reads more naturally.
Chapter: Style Rules for Better Writing - You can split infinitives
Problem
Forced alternatives can sound unnatural.
Action
Leave the preposition at the end when that is the clearest choice.
Outcome
The sentence flows naturally.
Chapter: Style Rules for Better Writing - You can end a sentence with a preposition
Problem
A message can fail if it ignores the reader.
Action
Choose a language that matches the audience’s needs.
Outcome
Readers understand the message more easily.
Chapter: Style Rules for Better Writing - Consider your audience
Problem
Long paragraphs discourage reading.
Action
Break large blocks of text into shorter paragraphs.
Outcome
The text becomes easier to read.
Chapter: Style Rules for Better Writing - Write short paragraphs
Problem
Wordy sentences hide important points.
Action
Use only the words needed to convey the idea.
Outcome
Readers grasp meaning more quickly.
Chapter: Style Rules for Better Writing - Write concise sentences
Problem
Changing style conventions distracts readers.
Action
Use the same style decisions throughout a document.
Outcome
The writing feels coherent.
Chapter: Style Rules for Better Writing - Be consistent with style
Problem
Long phrases often add unnecessary length.
Action
Replace wordy phrases with precise words whenever possible.
Outcome
Writing becomes more efficient.
Chapter: Style Rules for Better Writing - Write with a word, not with a phrase
Problem
Repeated meanings waste words.
Action
Delete terms that duplicate an idea already expressed.
Outcome
Sentences become cleaner.
Chapter: Style Rules for Better Writing - Don’t double up terms
Problem
Misplaced modifiers can change meaning.
Action
Position modifiers next to the words they describe.
Outcome
The intended meaning is clear.
Chapter: Style Rules for Better Writing - Place modifiers next to the word modified
Problem
Lengthy openings can delay understanding.
Action
State the main clause before long qualifying conditions.
Outcome
Readers reach the main point sooner.
Chapter: Style Rules for Better Writing - Place long conditions after the main clause
Problem
Unnecessary interruptions weaken sentence flow.
Action
Delete words that interrupt the main statement.
Outcome
The prose becomes smoother.
Chapter: Style Rules for Better Writing - Avoid intruding words
Problem
Using the wrong relative pronoun creates grammatical errors.
Action
Refer to people with who rather than that.
Outcome
The sentence follows standard English usage.
Chapter: Style Rules for Better Writing - A person is a who, not a that
Problem
Using which and that interchangeably can blur meaning.
Action
Choose each word according to its proper function.
Outcome
The sentence becomes more precise.
Chapter: Style Rules for Better Writing - Which and that are not interchangeable
Problem
Extra connecting words can weaken style.
Action
Remove that when the meaning remains clear without it.
Outcome
The sentence becomes more concise.
Chapter: Style Rules for Better Writing - Often, that can be omitted
Problem
Indirect cause phrases add unnecessary complexity.
Action
Express cause and effect in straightforward language.
Outcome
Relationships are easier to understand.
Chapter: Style Rules for Better Writing - Avoid this is because, that is the result of
Problem
Subject-verb agreement errors reduce correctness.
Action
Ensure every verb agrees with its subject in number.
Outcome
Sentences are grammatically sound.
Chapter: Style Rules for Better Writing - Make sure subjects and verbs agree
Problem
Confusing modifier types creates grammatical mistakes.
Action
Choose the modifier form that matches its role.
Outcome
Grammar remains accurate.
Chapter: Style Rules for Better Writing - Avoid confusing adjectives and adverbs
Problem
False subjects weaken sentence impact.
Action
Replace empty openings with the true subject.
Outcome
Writing becomes more direct and forceful.
Chapter: Style Rules for Better Writing - Avoid the false subjects it is, there is/are, etc