5 Uncommon Grammar Mistakes You Might Not Know Youre Making

5 Uncommon Grammar Mistakes You Might Not Know Youre Making Most writers know how to avoid the most common grammar mistakesâ€"use your word processors spelling and grammar checker and review your text carefully, but how can you avoid less common grammar mistakes you might not even know youre making?Many an editing project comes across my desk that includes a number of grammar mistakes. While Microsoft Word and other word processing programs often catch the most common mistakesâ€"a misused comma or a split infinitive â€"the system simply can not do what a trained eye can; understand the authors intention and then appropriately convey this message in his/her text.A well-trained writer or editor can often catch these mistakes quickly and easily, but, as the author, you are the only one who truly knows what you are trying to say.Speaking of thisâ€"as the author of your written materials, its important that you clearly define your message, but then check your work to ensure each sentence conveys this message appropriately. You are really your best first defense against the common and even not-so-common grammar mistakes that plague your text.First, if you havent already done so, re-read your text. Read it aloud if you must. Does it make sense? Find areas where your grammar doesnt sound right and attack these areas first. Dont accept all grammar revisions from your word processor; the best writers know that these programs are extremely limited and often confuse your meaning when used indiscriminately.When you find text that isnt clear, or at least, doesnt sound right, start evaluating it with a critical eye. Are you making any common grammar blunders? Often a simple rewording will correct these mistakes.Beyond that, knowledge is power. Here are a few of my personal favorite uncommon grammar mistakes that you may already be making (and how to avoid them!):Alright is not all rightThis is the number one uncommon grammar mistake to avoid because it came as a total shock to me.Its never all right to use the word alright! It turns o ut that the word alright is a misspelling. Though its usage is becoming more popular in both British and American grammar, for now, using the word alright wont make your work all right.Run-on sentencesRun-on sentences are easy to spot when re-reading your text, especially if you are reading it aloud. If you must take a breath while reading the sentence aloud, stop a minute and check to ensure that you havent written a run-on.When you spot one, try cutting the sentence into two separate sentences and see if the intended meaning is still conveyed. One easy way to spot a run-on is use of the word however in the middle of a sentence. Chances are, that sentence can easily be divided into two, more clear sentences.Misuse of apostrophesBy far, this is the most common uncommon grammar mistake I see in my editing works and it is so easily avoided. Remember, you only use an apostrophe for contractions (isnt for is not) or to show possession (FinMarketings post).Here are some examples I almost always see:Wrong: He was president during the 1960s.Right: He was president during the 1960s.Wrong: I recently read a great post of FinMarketings.Right 1: I recently read a great post by FinMarketing.Right 2: I recently read FinMarketings great post.Not sure whether the word requires an apostrophe? Leave it out. Chances are, an apostrophe doesnt belong in your sentence.Misuse of i.e. and e.g.With antiquated Latin origin, its easy to see why there is so much confusion surrounding these simple little abbreviations.i.e. comes from the Latin phrase id est, which means that is. Therefore, its abbreviation, i.e., literally means in other words. By contrast, e.g. comes from the Latin phrase, exempli gratia, which means for example. Therefore, e.g. is used before providing specific examples that support your assertion.If your sentence requires one of these abbreviationsâ€"but youre not sure which oneâ€"substitute the following for i.e. or e.g. in your text:in other wordsDo the words that f ollow provide a definition or synonym for the prior text? If so, use i.e.for exampleDo the words that follow clarify your previous text by way of example? If so, use e.g.Passive VoiceUsing passive voice will not kill your work and it isnt always inappropriate, but using active voice just helps to clarify your intended meaning. This is especially important for marketing materials, press releases and other text that requires concise communication and action.What is passive voice? Passive voice is best explained by example:Passive: The shoes were purchased by the lady in red.Active: The lady in red purchased the shoes.Choosing active voice makes your text more reader-friendly and more often than not, clarifies your intended meaning because it requires a direct statement and is less difficult to follow than passive voice.