Adopting an academic writing style in a foreign language can be very challenging for students. It’s not surprising that keeping all the different features of academic writing in mind while managing complex content at the same time can lead to errors being made. To help avoid common writing errors and show how to fix them, I’ve listed here some of the mistakes that I’ve frequently come across when marking my students’ essays and exam papers.
Instructions
First, look at the example errors and try to correct the mistakes. Then, use the suggested corrections to check and the explanations to learn more.
The underlined words indicate the main problem in each example. However, in most examples, there are other improvements that could also be made.
Common error 1
I started my research by interviewing our companies head of Human Resources.
When the noun is plural, an apostrophe (‘) is added after the final ‘s’, for example, “My company has difficulties meeting customers’ delivery dates.”
Now try correcting this example error.
She told me about the two-factor theory from Herzberger.
Notice also that the name should be Herzberg not Herzberger. It’s important to check references and facts to make sure they are absolutely correct.
Common error 2
My topic of research is how to motivate employees by using intrinsically and extrinsically factors, if you are in a leading position.
The phrase “when leading staff” is used because it is more concise. If the phrase “if you are in a leading position” is kept, no comma is needed.
Now try correcting this example error.
In 2019, there was a strongly rise in sales.
Common error 3
Furthermore, Lars Bobach recommends to communicate over the ‘Communicating section’ which each ticket offers at the bottom.
Notice the other changes made:
- “also” replaces the often overused “Furthermore”
- “found” replaces “offers”
- the more specific and correct “add any relevant information” replaces “to communicate over”
Now try correcting this example error.
She suggested to go to job fairs and other networking events.
Common error 4
All in all I want to dig deeper into motivational theories and expand my knowledge of it to become a great manager of a team.
The phrase ‘all in all’ is fine in spoken English or less formal writing. It is used to introduce a summary or a general statement. It does not mean ‘in conclusion’, which is a standard phrase for introducing the concluding paragraph in a piece of formal writing such as an essay.
Notice the other changes made:
- a comma is needed after the introductory phrase ‘In conclusion’.
- the more formal “I would like” replaces “I want”
- “deepen my knowledge of” replaces the perfectly fine but more colloquial “dig deeper into … and expand”
- the clearer “so that I can become” replaces “of it to become”
- “a first rate team manager” replaces the more informal “a great manager of a team”
Common error 5
… by using benchmark procedures to determine the strengths and weaknesses of both – the own company’s and the competitors’ – businessess.
The phrase ‘one’s own‘ is used to express possession in the same way as ‘your own’ but is more formal.
Notice the other changes made:
- ‘business model and those of the competitors’ replaces ‘and the competitors’ – businesses’
Now try correcting this example error.
Employees in accounts always have lunch with colleagues from the own department.
Further reading
If you like working with printed materials, these books provide extensive support with examples, activities and explanations .
Click on the images to view these coursebooks on Amazon.
