Avoid These Common Writing Mistakes: 10 Expert Tips From eContent Pro

eContent Pro provides professional English language copy editing to thousands of authors, scholars, and professionals around the world. Every day, our experienced editors encounter recurring writing issues that, even for the most capable writers, can weaken clarity, flow, and professionalism.

Below, we’ve compiled 10 of the most common writing mistakes our editors see, along with practical tips to help you avoid them. And if you’re ready to take your writing to the next level, our team is here to help polish your work to perfection.

1. Subject–Verb Agreement Errors

It’s a classic problem: “The results shows” instead of “The results show.”

Tip: Always identify your sentence’s true subject and make sure your verb matches in number (singular or plural). Reading aloud can help catch mismatches your eyes may skip over.

2. Long, Confusing Sentences

Run-on sentences can quickly lose your reader.

Tip: Keep each sentence focused on one idea. If a sentence exceeds two lines, look for a natural place to break it. Shorter sentences strengthen readability and impact.

3. Misused or Missing Commas

Comma errors can alter meaning or they can make text choppy and hard to follow.

Tip: Read your work aloud. Wherever you naturally pause, consider whether a comma belongs there. When in doubt, check punctuation rules or let a professional editor review it.

4. Overuse of Pronouns

“He said she told them that they should…” Well, you get the idea.

Tip: Replace pronouns with clear nouns when meaning could be lost. Readers should never wonder who or what you’re talking about.

5. Inconsistent Verb Tense

Switching between past and present tense confuses readers and disrupts flow.

Tip: Choose your tense based on the context (e.g., past for research findings, present for general truths) and stay consistent throughout the piece.

6. Apostrophe Misuse

Writers often misuse apostrophes in plurals or forget them in contractions.

Tip: Use apostrophes only to show possession (the editor’s notes) or contractions (it’s = it is). Never use them to make a word plural (the editors, not the editor’s).

7. Hyphenation Errors

Misplaced hyphens can change meaning: “small business owner” vs. “small-business owner.”

Tip: Use hyphens for compound adjectives before nouns (well-known author), but not after (the author is well known).

8. Disorganized Structure

Even great ideas fall flat without structure.

Tip: Use clear headings, subheadings, bullet points, and transitions to guide your reader logically through your content. A strong structure enhances credibility and engagement.

9. Lists That Lack Parallel Structure

Inconsistent phrasing in lists can be distracting or grammatically incorrect.

Tip: Start each list item with the same part of speech (e.g., all verbs or all nouns). Maintain consistency; if one bullet ends with a period, all should.

10. Overreliance on Quotation Marks for Emphasis

Using “quotes” for emphasis can seem unprofessional or sarcastic.

Tip: Use italics for emphasis or, better yet, choose stronger words that convey your tone naturally.

Let eContent Pro Perfect Your Writing

Even skilled writers can miss subtle inconsistencies, punctuation errors, or tonal imbalances. That’s where our team comes in.

We have highly qualified editors, 75% of whom hold advanced degrees and are native English speakers. With meticulous attention to detail, our copy editors will:

• perform edits using Microsoft Word’s Track Changes feature;
• format your manuscript according to publisher guidelines;
• adhere to your preferred style guide, including APA, MLA, Chicago, and more;
• cross-check citations and references for accuracy;
• enhance readability by refining grammar, spelling, and punctuation;
• refine sentence structure to improve clarity, flow, and overall impact;
• eliminate wordiness and jargon;
• improve consistency in numerals, hyphenation, headings, and terminology;
• ensure smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs;
• adjust passive voice to active voice, if requested;
• verify callouts and captions for figures and tables; and
• run a similarity report, also known as a plagiarism checker, on your manuscript at no additional cost.

Whether you’re preparing a journal manuscript, academic book, corporate report, or marketing content, we’ll ensure your writing is polished, professional, and ready for publication.

Avoid common pitfalls. Enhance your credibility. Impress your readers.

Click here to learn more about our copy-editing services. Let our experts refine your work so your ideas shine clearly and confidently.

About eContent Pro

Headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA, eContent Pro is a trusted global provider of high-quality professional copy editing and editorial services tailored for academic and professional authors. Since 2015, we have proudly supported thousands of writers, researchers, and editors in enhancing the clarity, accuracy, and impact of their written work. From manuscripts and journal articles to book chapters and beyond, our team of expert editors ensure each document is meticulously refined to meet the highest standards of publication. With a strong commitment to speed, precision, and personalized care, eContent Pro delivers flawless publication-ready content to authors across a variety of disciplines.

Why Choose eContent Pro?

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