English Writing Tips

1. Keep your descriptions short and simple. Keep your writing short and to the point.
2. Use words that the reader is familiar with. Don't use words that the reader might find
difficult to understand.
3. Keep your sentences simple and clear. Don't use to many complicated sentences.
4. Don't make all the sentences the same length. It is a good idea to vary the length of the
sentences. Make some sentences longer, while keeping some sentences shorter.
5. It is better to use the active voice, than the passive voice.
6. Don't use abbreviations unless you are sure that the reader will understand.
7. It is better to use nouns and verbs, instead of adjectives and adverbs.
Common Writing Errors
Writing doesn't have to be hard!
1. Keep your descriptions short and simple. Keep your writing short and to the point.
2. Use words that the reader is familiar with. Don't use words that the reader might find difficult to
understand.
3. Keep your sentences simple and clear. Don't use many compacted sentences.
4. Don't make all the sentences the same length. It is a good idea to vary the length of the
sentences. Make some sentences longer, while keeping some sentences shorter.
5. It is better to us the active tense, then the passive tense.
6. Don't use abbreviations unless you are sure that the reader will understand.
7. It is better to use nouns and verbs, instead of adjectives and adverbs.
Writing with a Positive Tone
What is writing with a positive tone?
It is important to write clearly and with a positive tone. It is generally easier to get your point across
when using positive statements as opposed to negative statements. When ever you can try to avoid
negative statements or negative connotations. If you need to use negative statements or negative
connotations try to keep them down to minimum.
What are positive statement?
Positive statements don't have to have a positive meaning. It is possible to have a sentence that is
positive grammatically with a negative connotation.
Example:
I know you you will fail your test.
We forgot to do our homework.
What are negative statements?
Negative states are statements that contain the word(s) not, don't, can't etc. Negative statements
can be grammatically negative with a positive connotation.
I know you didn't fail your test.
We did not forget to do our homework
Writing Clear Instructions
How to write instructions clearly?
It is important to write clearly and with a positive tone. It is generally easier to get your point
across when using positive statements as opposed to negative statement. When ever you can

try to avoid negative statements or negative connotations. If you need to use negative
statements or negative connotations try to keep them down to minimum.
What are positive statement?
Positive statements don't have to have a positive meaning. It is possible to have a sentence that
is positive grammatically with a negative connotation.
Example:
I know you you will fail your test.
We forgot to do our homework.
What are negative statements?
Negative states are statements that contain the word(s) not, don't, can't etc. Negative
statements can be grammatically negative with a positive connotation.
Examples:
I know you didn't fail your test.
We did not forget to do our homework.
Punctuation
Comma Usage
Comma Usage - Lists
Commas in English Grammar are a very common part English Punctuation. Commas are used to
separate a list of nouns, including names), 2 or more adjectives , a list of independent clauses or any
other kind of lists.
Rules for using Commas with List
1. Commas are used when there are 2 or more nouns in a list (example: cats, dogs and
mice).
2. It is common for "and" or "or" to separate the last 2 words in a list.
3. A comma is optional before the word "and" or "or".
Examples:
o Tomorrow is going to be hot, sunny and dry.
o I have to buy tomatoes, beans, peppers and a lot of onions.
o Do you want to listen to rock music, Jazz or pop music
Comma Usage - Independent Clauses
Independent and Dependent Clauses
Independent clauses and dependent/Subordinate clauses made easy so everyone can understand!
Independent and Dependent /Subordinate Clauses
Independent
Clauses
1.
2.

A complete thought
contains a subject and a
predicate(object).

Dependent/Subordinate
Clauses
1. not a complete thought
2. contains
a
subject
predicate(object).

and

3.

is a complete sentence

Examples:

I like to go to the store.

We are going to the

movies.

The
teachers
at
schools are really nice.

3. is not a complete sentence

Examples:

I like to go

We are going

The teacher

Nonessential Clauses-Commas
Comma use with nonessential clauses, phrases and words
1. Clauses that are not sentences.
2. Clauses that provide extra information.
3. The sentence makes sense with out the nonessential clause.
Comma usage with nonessential clauses:
Commas are placed before the nonessential clause, and at the end of the nonessential clause.
Examples:
1. My English teacher, is really nice, is going to give me a letter for collage.
2. The boy, that was playing in the street, that got hit by a car was my brother.
3. My neighbor, that lives on the 2nd floor, is going to take me to school tomorrow.

The Difference between Clauses or Phrases

Clauses

Phrases

1. Clauses is a group of words

1. Phrases is a group of words

2. Clauses have both a subject and a

predicate.

2. Phrases do not have a subject or

predicate.

3 Clauses can be independent.

Independent clauses are full sentences.
4. Clauses can be dependent.
Dependant Clauses are not full
sentences.
Examples:

Examples:
Excellent idea
Great job
Wonderful idea

The girl is nice

She went very fast
We wash the car.

Introductory Phrases, Clauses and Words with Commas

Comma usage with nonessential clauses:
Commas are placed before the nonessential clause, and at the end of the nonessential clause.
Examples:
1. My English teacher, is really nice, is going to give me a letter for collage.
2. The boy, that was playing in the street, that got hit by a car was my brother.

3. My neighbor, that lives on the 2nd floor, is going to take me to school tomorrow.
Commas are placed after the introductory clause, phase or words. If there is more then one
introductory clause, phase or words a comma is placed after each introductory clause, phase or
words.
Examples:
1. Wow, that was a great movie.
2. While I got dressed, The radio was playing a great song.
3. Excellent job, everyone did a really good job.
Introductory clauses, phrases and words are:
1. Clauses, phrases or words that are not sentences.
2. Clauses, phrases or words that provide extra information.
3. The sentence makes sense with out the clause, phrase or words.
4. Clauses, phrases or words that come at the beginning of the sentence.
5. They are used as background information, extra information.
6. There can be more than one introductory clause, phrase or word in a sentences.

Commas Usage With Titles, Dates & Addresses

Titles, Dates & Addresses
There are special punctuation rules for date, names and addresses, Titles.
Rules for using commas with dates, names and addresses:
1. Dates - a comma is placed, between the day and the year, when the writing according to
American English (Month, Day, Year - September 15, 2005.
o Note: If the date is written the according to Europe (Day, Month, Year), then there
is no comma.
2. Days and Dates - When writing the day and the date a comma is placed after the day,
and follow the rules for dates (see above).
o Example: Monday, July 15, 2008
3. Titles - A comma is place after a name followed by a title.
o Example: John Brown, Ph.D.
o Tim Lee, Jr.
4. Addresses - A comma is placed between a street and a town or city, State, and Country.
o Example: 15 Fifth Avenue, Houston, England.
Comma Usage With Interruptive Expressions
1. Dates - a comma is placed, between the day and the year, when the writing according to
American English (Month, Day, Year - September 15, 2005.
o Note: If the date is written the according to Europe (Day, Month, Year), then there
is no comma.
2. Days and Dates - When writing the day and the date a comma is placed after the day,
and follow the rules for dates (see above).
o Example: Monday, July 15, 2008
3. Titles - A comma is place after a name followed by a title.
o Example: John Brown, Ph.D.
o Tim Lee, Jr.
4. Addresses - A comma is placed between a street and a town or city, State, and Country.
o Example: 15 Fifth Avenue, Houston, England.

Writing Resumes and Cover Letters

What is a Resume?
Types of Resumes
Functional Resume
Chronological Resume
Chronological Resume Format
Combination Resume
Resume Tips
Action Words for Resumes
Resume's Contact Information
Resume's Objective Statement
Resume's Educational Information
Resume Education Placement
What is a cover letter?
What should be included in a cover letter?
Cover Letter Tips
Types of Cover Letters

Proofreading and Editing

English Editing and Proofreading
Do's and Don't When Proofreading - Editing
Do

Don't
1
.

Take a break from your paper before

you start to proofread or edit.

Don't edit or proofread your paper

immediately after you finished
writing it.

2
.

Find a quite place where you can

concentrate.

Don't proofread or edit your

documents in front of the T. V. or
where there are distractions.

3
.

Proofread or edit your documents in

small intervals. Each time you do a
little bit at time.

Don't proofread or edit

documents at one time.

4
.

Proofread or edit your documents

when you are alert.

Don't proofread or edit when you

are tired or before bed.

5
.

Proofread or edit your documents

when you are calm, and have time.

Don't proofread or edit your

documents when you are in a bad
mood or in a hurry.

6
.

Change the font and the size of the

fonts.

Don't rely on the computer's spell

checker!

7
.

Let a friend or professional edit or proofread your documents if possible.

your

Spelling Guidelines
These are guidelines for checking spelling mistakes when proofreading and editing.
Spelling 1. Print out a hard copy of the document.
2. Check the spelling of each word separately.
3. Don't rely on the computer's spell checker!
4. Use a pencil that is not the same color as the text.
5. Physically touch each word with a pencil.
6. Use a dictionary for words that look close to other words.
7. Use a dictionary for words that you are not sure of how they are spelt.
8. Ask someone else to double check your paper!

Run on Sentences
Spelling 1. Print out a hard copy of the document.
2. Check each sentence individually to see how many independent clauses it contains.
3. In sentences that contain 2 or more subjects or a subject and a pronouns in the same
sentence.
4. Break the sentence into 2 separate sentences if necessary.
Sentence Fragments
Guidelines for checking for sentence fragments when proofreading and editing.
Sentence Fragments 1. Print out a hard copy of the document.
2. Find the subject of each sentence, and make sure that the verb matches the subject.
o A singular subject needs a verb in a singular form.
o A plural verb needs a verb in the plural form
3. It is always a good idea to have someone else check over your paper.
Sentence Fragments
Everyone can have a perfect document!
How to check for checking for subject and verb agreement when proofreading and editing?
Sentence Fragments 1. Print out a hard copy of the document.
2. Find the subject of each sentence; make sure that the verb matches the subject.
o A singular subject needs a verb in a singular form.
o A plural verb needs a verb in the plural form
It is always a good idea to have someone else check over your paper.
Missing Words and Double Words
This is a guideline for checking for missing word or double words when proofreading and editing.
Missing Words-

1. Print out a hard copy of your document.

2. Read out load slowly; make sure there are no words missing.
3. It is a good idea when reading each word point to it with a pen.
4. Start reading your document from the last sentence to the first, read your document
backwards. This way it will be easier to recognize any missing or double words.
5. Read it out loud to someone else.
6. Read it out loud slowly and record your self. Listen to your recording.
Apostrophes
Guidelines for checking for apostrophes when proofreading and editing.
Apostrophes 1. Print out a hard copy of the document.
2. Check each word that ends in "s", to see if an apostrophe is needed or not.
3. Check each word that has an apostrophe, and make sure that it is needed.
4. Check to see if the apostrophes are in the right place. Note: When using an apostrophe
with plural nouns for possessions the "'s" is added on to the end of the word.
Examples:
boy's - boys'
cat's - cats'
book's - books'
Correct Pronoun Usage
Guidelines for checking for correct pronouns when proofreading and editing.
Correct pronoun usage:
1. Print out a hard copy of your document.
2. Check each sentence/line and mark all the pronouns.
3. Look for the noun that replaces the pronoun.
4. If there is no noun to replace the pronoun then add a noun.
5. Make sure each pronoun agrees with the person (1st person, 2nd person or 3rd person).
6. Check to make sure that the pronoun agrees the number (singular or plural).
7. Try to have someone else proofread you document.
Pre-Essay Writing Steps
If you are like so many people "essay = nightmare". If you are like so many people who feel that
way, then don't worry you are not alone. There are some steps that you can take to help you "get
thought" writing your essay. One of the most important steps to in writing an essay is to be
organized. Here are some pre-essay writing tips to help you get started.
Step 1 - First schedule yourself time to work on your essay. The same way you schedule time
with friends and work. You must also schedule time for writing your essay.

Get comfortable with coffee, tea or anything that you can use to relax
If possible were comfortable clothes
Plan to write your essay in a place that you find convent and comfortable
Try to schedule a time to write your essay when you are not tired, hungry etc

Step 2 - Try to develop positive thoughts about writing your essay. The more positive you are
about writing your essay the easier it will be to write.

Step 3 - Find out the length of the essay. OK this sounds "stupid", but it is so common that
people do not write the required amount. The person reading your essay doesn't not want to
read 5000 words, if the assignment is for 2000 words.
Step 4 - Choose a topic for your essay, if possible (sometimes an assigned topic is required. If
you are not lucky enough to choose a topic then if possible choose a sub-topic. Here are some
steps to help you decide on a topic:
Choose a topic or a subtopic that interest you.
A topic or a subtopic that you will be able to acquire enough research. In other words
don't choose a subject that you will not be able to find enough research sources.
Step 5 - Make a list of resource sources, some resource sources you might want to try are:

Professional Newspapers - Magazines

Government Documents
Published Articles & Documents
Encyclopedias and other reference sources.
Internet
Library
If possible interview people

Step 6 -Collect related information on your topic. Decide which information is useable and
relevant which is irrelevant/useful.