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	20 Most Common Errors

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	1. Missing Comma after Introductory Element

	2. Vague pronoun reference

	3. Missing comma in a compound sentence

	4. Wrong word

	5. Missing comma(s) with a nonrestrictive element

	6. Wrong or missing verb ending

	7. Wrong or missing preposition

	8. Comma splice

	9. Missing or misplaced possessive apostrophe

	10. Unnecessary shift in tense

	11. Unnecessary shift in pronoun

	12. Sentence fragment

	13. Wrong tense or verb form

	14. Lack of subject-verb agreement

	15. Missing comma in a series

	16. Lack of agreement between pronoun and antecedent

	17. Unnecessary comma(s) with a restrictive element

	18. Fused sentence

	19. Misplaced or dangling modifier

	20. Its/It's confusion

Book-Specific Resources / 20 Most Common Errors /
Error #10

Check to make sure all the verb tenses in each of your sentences work together appropriately. Verb tenses tell readers when actions take place: saying "Willie went to school" indicates a past action whereas saying "he will go" indicates a future action. When you shift from one tense to another with no clear reason, you can confuse readers.

For practice recognizing and editing this error, go to Exercise Central.