Chapter 16 Correcting Common Errors Answer Key

Chapter 16: Correcting Common Errors - Answer Key & Comprehensive Guide

This comprehensive guide delves into the common errors encountered in writing, providing detailed explanations, examples, and answers for Chapter 16 exercises (assuming a hypothetical Chapter 16 focusing on grammar and writing mechanics). This guide aims to improve your writing skills, enabling you to produce clearer, more concise, and grammatically correct content. We'll cover a range of topics, providing you with a robust understanding of how to identify and correct these common pitfalls.

Note: Since the specific content of "Chapter 16" isn't provided, this answer key will address common grammatical and stylistic errors encountered in most writing courses. You can adapt this framework to fit the specific exercises in your textbook.

Section 1: Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of grammar. Errors arise when the verb doesn't match the number (singular or plural) of the subject.

Common Errors & Solutions:

• Intervening Phrases: Phrases placed between the subject and verb can confuse the writer. Example: "The basket of apples are ripe." The subject is "basket," which is singular, so the verb should be "is."
• Collective Nouns: Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, group) can be singular or plural depending on context. Example: "The team is playing well" (team as a unit); "The team are arguing amongst themselves" (team as individuals).
• Compound Subjects: With compound subjects joined by "and," the verb is usually plural. Example: "John and Mary are going to the park." However, if the subjects refer to the same thing, the verb is singular. Example: "Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich."
• Indefinite Pronouns: Indefinite pronouns (e.g., everyone, someone, anybody) are usually singular. Example: "Everyone is responsible for their actions."

Answer Key Examples (Hypothetical):

(Assume exercises in your Chapter 16 include sentences needing correction for subject-verb agreement)

1. Incorrect: The flock of birds flies erratically. Correct: The flock of birds fly erratically. (Correct: Collective noun as plural)

2. Incorrect: Neither my sister nor my brothers likes to clean their rooms. Correct: Neither my sister nor my brothers like to clean their rooms. (Correct: Verb agrees with closest subject.)

Section 2: Pronoun Agreement and Case

Pronoun agreement and case errors involve using the wrong pronoun or pronoun form.

Common Errors & Solutions:

• Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement: The pronoun must agree in number and gender with its antecedent (the noun it refers to). Example: "Every student should bring their textbook." (Incorrect, "every" is singular. Solution: Use a singular pronoun or restructure the sentence.)
• Pronoun Case: Pronouns have different forms depending on their grammatical function (subject, object, possessive). Example: "Between you and I, the movie was terrible" (Incorrect, "I" should be "me" as it's the object of the preposition "between".)
• Ambiguous Pronoun Reference: Avoid vague pronoun references; make it clear what the pronoun refers to. Example: "John talked to Tom, and he agreed." (Who agreed, John or Tom?)

Answer Key Examples (Hypothetical):

1. Incorrect: Each of the students submitted their assignments on time. Correct: Each of the students submitted his or her assignment on time. (Correct: Singular pronoun to match singular antecedent)

2. Incorrect: Me and my friend went to the mall. Correct: My friend and I went to the mall. (Correct: "I" is the subject)

Section 3: Verb Tense Consistency

Maintaining consistent verb tense throughout a piece of writing is crucial for clarity.

Common Errors & Solutions:

• Shifting Tenses: Unnecessary changes in verb tense can confuse the reader. Example: "I went to the store, and then I buy milk." (Inconsistent: Should be "went" and "bought" or "go" and "buy").
• Incorrect Tense Usage: Using the wrong tense to convey the intended meaning. Example: "Yesterday, I will go to the park." (Incorrect, should be "went" for past tense).

Answer Key Examples (Hypothetical):

1. Incorrect: I walked to the park, and then I see a squirrel. Correct: I walked to the park, and then I saw a squirrel. (Correct: Consistent past tense)

2. Incorrect: He will go to the doctor after he finishes his work tomorrow. (Correct tense but awkward) Correct: He will go to the doctor after he finishes his work tomorrow. (Correct, although clearer wording might be: "He will see the doctor tomorrow after work.")

Section 4: Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers

Modifiers are words, phrases, or clauses that add detail to a sentence. Misplaced or dangling modifiers create confusing and grammatically incorrect sentences.

Common Errors & Solutions:

• Misplaced Modifiers: A modifier is placed too far from the word it modifies. Example: "I saw a dog walking down the street with a long tail." (The long tail belonged to the dog, not the narrator).
• Dangling Modifiers: A modifier doesn't have a clear word to modify. Example: "Running down the street, the car was speeding." (The car wasn't running).

Answer Key Examples (Hypothetical):

1. Incorrect: Covered in chocolate, the cake was delicious. Correct: The cake, covered in chocolate, was delicious. (Correct: Modifier closer to cake)

2. Incorrect: After studying for hours, the exam seemed easy. Correct: After studying for hours, I found the exam easy. (Correct: Clear subject for modifier)

Section 5: Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences

Comma splices and run-on sentences occur when two independent clauses are joined incorrectly.

Common Errors & Solutions:

• Comma Splice: Two independent clauses are joined only by a comma. Example: "The sun was setting, the birds were singing." (Incorrect).
• Run-on Sentence: Two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions. Example: "The cat sat on the mat it was very comfortable." (Incorrect).

Solutions: Use a semicolon, a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet), or separate the clauses into two sentences.

Answer Key Examples (Hypothetical):

1. Incorrect: The rain was falling heavily, the streets were flooded. Correct: The rain was falling heavily; the streets were flooded. (Correct: Semicolon used) Alternative Correct: The rain was falling heavily, and the streets were flooded. (Correct: Coordinating conjunction used)

2. Incorrect: I went to the store I bought milk and bread. Correct: I went to the store, and I bought milk and bread. (Correct: Coordinating conjunction added)

Section 6: Parallel Structure

Parallel structure means using the same grammatical form for items in a list or series.

Common Errors & Solutions:

Inconsistent grammatical forms disrupt the flow and clarity. Example: "She likes swimming, to hike, and playing tennis." (Incorrect: Should be all gerunds or all infinitives).

Answer Key Examples (Hypothetical):

1. Incorrect: He is kind, generous, and has a good sense of humor. Correct: He is kind, generous, and humorous. (Correct: Parallel adjectives)

2. Incorrect: My hobbies include reading, writing, and to paint. Correct: My hobbies include reading, writing, and painting. (Correct: Parallel gerunds)

Section 7: Word Choice (Diction)

Using the wrong word can significantly alter the meaning of your sentence.

Common Errors & Solutions:

• Using the wrong synonym: Choosing a word that is similar but doesn't fit the context.
• Using informal language in formal writing: Using slang or colloquialisms inappropriately.
• Incorrect use of idioms: Using an idiom incorrectly.

Answer Key Examples (Hypothetical): This section would require sentences with incorrect word choices needing replacement.

Section 8: Sentence Fragments and Run-Ons (Revisited with Specific Examples)

Let's delve deeper into sentence fragments and run-on sentences with specific examples and corrections.

Sentence Fragments:

A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence; it lacks a subject or a verb, or it doesn't express a complete thought.

Examples and Corrections:

• Incorrect: Because it was raining. Correct: Because it was raining, the game was canceled. (Added a main clause)

• Incorrect: Running quickly down the street. Correct: Running quickly down the street, he almost tripped. (Added a main clause)

• Incorrect: Although she tried her best. Correct: Although she tried her best, she still failed the test. (Added a main clause)

Run-on Sentences (Further Examples):

Run-on sentences combine two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation.

Examples and Corrections:

• Incorrect: The sun was shining the birds were singing it was a beautiful day. Correct: The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and it was a beautiful day. (Used commas and a conjunction) Alternative Correct: The sun was shining; the birds were singing. It was a beautiful day. (Used semicolons and periods)

Section 9: Apostrophes and Possessives

Proper use of apostrophes is crucial for showing possession.

Common Errors & Solutions:

• Incorrect placement: The apostrophe's position determines possession. Example: "The dog's bone" (correct) vs. "The dogs bone" (incorrect).
• Plural possessives: The apostrophe comes after the "s" in plural possessives. Example: "The cats' toys."

Answer Key Examples (Hypothetical):

• Incorrect: The childrens toys were scattered everywhere. Correct: The children's toys were scattered everywhere.

• Incorrect: Its a beautiful day. Correct: It's a beautiful day. ("It's" is a contraction of "it is")

• Incorrect: The cars' engine was making a strange noise. Correct: The car's engine was making a strange noise. (One car)

Section 10: Capitalization

Incorrect capitalization can lead to confusion and make your writing appear unprofessional.

Common Errors & Solutions:

• Sentence beginnings: Always capitalize the first word of a sentence.
• Proper nouns: Capitalize proper nouns (names of people, places, organizations).
• Titles: Capitalize important words in titles.

Answer Key Examples (Hypothetical): The answer key would include sentences with capitalization errors that need correction.

This comprehensive guide provides a robust framework for understanding and correcting common errors in writing. Remember to practice regularly, and consult grammar resources when needed. Consistent effort and attention to detail will significantly enhance your writing skills. By mastering these fundamental elements, you'll be well-equipped to produce clear, concise, and effective writing in all your endeavors.