Macros Used for Editing Student Papers
by Dr. Brian Campbell
End Punctuation Error: In American English, commas and periods ALWAYS come inside the ending quotation marks. (,") (.") Put other punctuation marks inside quotation marks only when they are part of the original quoted material.
Avoid Extremes: Avoid using words like: all; always; every; everyone; none; no one; etc.
Hyperbole: Avoid exaggeration, for example: "I told him a thousand times!"; "The results of my experiment were beyond belief!"; "This research proves that I was right."
Hyphen Error: A hyphen is required here; or, a hyphen was used when none was required. See: Hyphen Rules Also, see: APA Style Manual, pp. 97-100
Italics: Put these words/letters in italics.
Avoid Jargon: Avoid using jargon or highly technical terms where they not necessary or relevant. Ask yourself whether the use of technical jargon is absolutely necessary. Substitute more easily understood words where possible. See: APA Style Manual, p. 68.
New Paragraph: Begin a new paragraph at this point. Paragraphs should contain only one main topic or idea. If you start a new topic, you should start a new paragraph.
Non Sequitur: A non sequitur is a statement that comes "out of the blue" and does not follow clearly from what has gone before it. A non sequitur typically occurs when the author just "throws a word, idea, or thought into a paragraph" that has little or no relationship to the content, context, or logical flow of the discourse.
1Paragraph Structure: More work is needed on the basic structure of your paragraph. Your paragraph should contain only one main idea or topic. Your paragraph should be focused and organized. It should be at least three sentences long and should include: 1) A topical, or controlling sentence, 2) One or more supporting sentences--examples, illustrations of the topic, and 3) A concluding sentence, and/or a sentence that introduces the reader to the next paragraph. Each sentence within the paragraph should relate in some clear way to the topic of the paragraph. See: Paragraph Construction
1Possible Plagiarism: These ideas (and/or writing style) appear to have originated from some other source. You must properly cite any ideas that you have gleaned from other sources. Even if you are just paraphrasing the work of someone else, you must provide a citation to the source. The only exception to this rule is if the information is considered to be "common knowledge." Failure to properly cite the source of your information may constitute plagiarism. If you directly quote another source, word-for-word, you must put the copied material in quotation marks, and include a page number (together with author and date). See: Plagiarism
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement: Pronouns are words that substitute for nouns. The antecedent of a pronoun is the word to which the pronoun refers. A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in number (both singular or both plural) and, where applicable, gender (both male or both female). See: Pronoun-Antecedent; Pronoun-Antecedent; or, Pronoun-Antecedent
1Reference Format Error: The format of your reference is incorrect for one or more reasons. Please consult Chapter 7 of the APA Style Manual.
1Run-On Sentence: This sentence is confusing. Work is needed on punctuation. A run-on sentence consists of two independent clauses, or word groups, that have not been joined together correctly. This can occur when commas, or other punctuation marks, are not used properly. See: Run-On Sentences Also: Run-On Sentences
1Semicolon Error: A semicolon is used to link two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning. Independent clauses (on either side of the semicolon) must "stand alone," and make sense independently. Semicolons are also used when listing items following a colon. See: Semicolons Also: Semicolons
1Sentence Fragment: This is not a complete sentence. A sentence consists of a subject and a predicate (with at least one finite verb that indicates what the subject is doing). You must learn to write in complete sentences and avoid sentence fragments. See: Sentence Construction
Spelling Error: Please check your spelling.
1Subject-Verb Agreement Error: The subject and verb in the sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) and in person (first, second, or third). If the subject is singular, then the verb must be singular; if the subject is plural, then the verb must be plural. In addition, there are many other rules for subject-verb agreement. See: Subject-Verb Agreement
1Syntax Error: There is an error in the basic structure of your sentence. These errors make it difficult to understand the meaning of your sentence. Try to write clearly and concisely.
1Subject-Verb Agreement Error: The subject and verb in the sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) and in person (first, second, or third). If the subject is singular, then the verb must be singular; if the subject is plural, then the verb must be plural. In addition, there are many other rules for subject-verb agreement. See: Subject-Verb Agreement
1Syntax Error: There is an error in the basic structure of your sentence. These errors make it difficult to understand the meaning of your sentence. Try to write clearly and concisely.
1Transition Needed: A transition is necessary here. A paragraph should contain one major topic. Each paragraph in a document should link together in a logical fashion to the paragraph that preceded it and the one that follows it. There should be a clear and logical flow of ideas from the beginning of your document to the end; this process is aided by proper transitions. See: Transitions Also: Transitions
1Word Choice Error: Make sure every word you use means exactly what you intend it to mean. The word you have chosen is not appropriate/correct. It is either: weak; awkward; ambiguous; slang; an exaggeration; a colloquialism, etc. See: Word Choice