Sunday, February 19, 2012

Grammar Sins

Taken from this
Since US students need to write an essay for their college application, in a way, it makes them better writer than students in my country. This website is one of several guides dedicated for college applicants. I like this intro...
You don’t have to be a total grammar snob to make judgments about a person based on something they’ve written—we all do it. But the fact is, college admissions representatives are often grammar snobs, i.e. (not to be confused with e.g. in this instance), highly educated individuals who are charged with enrolling college students based primarily on the strength of their application materials.
So when it comes right down to it, the adage is true: You get but one chance to make a first impression. Take heed of these most reviled grammar faux pas, and avoid them at all cost in your personal essays, SAT writing portions, and email exchanges with college representatives.
 I used to be a grammar snob (well, actually a total snob in that matter) and get irritated when people mistype or just use inappropriate words in any language I know. I try to stick to the rule "don't use it if you don't know how".
Anyway the summary of seven deadly grammar sins:
1. your/you're
2. there/their/they're
3. affect/effect
4. lose/loose
5. it's/its
6. whose/who's
7. then/than

Additional five deadly grammar sins:
1. Comma splices and run-ons
Example: Bananas are good for you, I take one for my lunch every day.
2. Modifier errors (dangling and misplaced modifiers)
Example: After reading the book, it is evident that Melville is a genius. (This error is increasing because students are forbidden to use the word “I”)
3. Subordinators used as conjunctive adverbs
Example: Bananas are good for you. Although, they are too sweet.
4. Coordinating conjunctions used as conjunctive adverbs
Example: Bananas are good for you. But, they are too sweet.
5. Conjunctive adverbs used as coordinating conjunctions
Example: Bananas are good for you, however they are too sweet.

This is for my personal notes :D