{"id":1480,"date":"2026-07-24T05:54:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T00:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/?p=1480"},"modified":"2026-08-01T22:27:31","modified_gmt":"2026-08-01T16:57:31","slug":"common-grammar-mistakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/","title":{"rendered":"Common Grammar Mistakes in Academic Writing (and How to Fix Them)"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p><strong>Key Takeaways:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>A handful of error types, led by articles, subject-verb agreement, tense, and prepositions, cause most grammar problems for ESL researchers writing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/how-to-write-a-good-research-paper\/\">research papers<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dissertation-best-practices\/\">dissertations<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/how-to-publish-research-paper-in-international-journal\/\">journal articles.<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>The same mistake can distort meaning differently in social science, physical science, and biomedical writing.<\/li>\r\n<li>Most errors are fixable with clear rules, a focused review, and an automated grammar check.<\/li>\r\n<li>For high-stakes papers, professional editing and proofreading offer the most reliable safeguard.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#Glossary_of_Key_Terms\" >Glossary of Key Terms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#Why_Do_Grammar_Mistakes_Matter_for_ESL_Researchers\" >Why Do Grammar Mistakes Matter for ESL Researchers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#Which_Grammar_Mistakes_Are_Most_Common\" >Which Grammar Mistakes Are Most Common?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#How_Do_You_Use_Articles_a_an_the_Correctly\" >How Do You Use Articles (a, an, the) Correctly?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#Why_Is_Subject-Verb_Agreement_Easy_to_Get_Wrong\" >Why Is Subject-Verb Agreement Easy to Get Wrong?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#Which_Verb_Tense_Should_You_Use\" >Which Verb Tense Should You Use?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#Preposition_Errors\" >Preposition Errors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#Countable_vs_Uncountable_Noun_Mistakes\" >Countable vs Uncountable Noun Mistakes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#What_Is_a_Comma_Splice_and_How_Do_You_Fix_It\" >What Is a Comma Splice, and How Do You Fix It?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#Is_Passive_Voice_Always_Wrong\" >Is Passive Voice Always Wrong?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#Wordiness_and_Redundancy\" >Wordiness and Redundancy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#What_Other_Mechanics_Issues_Should_You_Watch\" >What Other Mechanics Issues Should You Watch?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#How_Can_You_Catch_and_Fix_These_Mistakes\" >How Can You Catch and Fix These Mistakes?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#What_are_the_most_common_grammar_mistakes_in_academic_writing\" >What are the most common grammar mistakes in academic writing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#Why_do_non-native_English_speakers_struggle_with_articles_in_research_papers\" >Why do non-native English speakers struggle with articles in research papers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#What_tense_should_I_use_in_a_research_paper\" >What tense should I use in a research paper?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#Is_passive_voice_wrong_in_scientific_writing\" >Is passive voice wrong in scientific writing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#How_can_I_improve_my_grammar_for_academic_writing\" >How can I improve my grammar for academic writing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#Do_grammar_checkers_fix_all_academic_writing_errors\" >Do grammar checkers fix all academic writing errors?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#Should_I_write_data_is_or_data_are_in_a_research_paper\" >Should I write data is or data are in a research paper?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/common-grammar-mistakes\/#What_is_a_comma_splice_and_how_do_I_fix_it\" >What is a comma splice, and how do I fix it?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Glossary_of_Key_Terms\"><\/span>Glossary of Key Terms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Term<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Definition<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Article<\/td>\r\n<td>A word (a, an, the) that signals whether a noun is general or specific.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Subject-verb agreement<\/td>\r\n<td>Matching a verb&#8217;s form to a singular or plural subject.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Tense<\/td>\r\n<td>The verb form that signals when an action happens.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Preposition<\/td>\r\n<td>A linking word (in, on, at, with) that connects nouns to other sentence parts.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Countable noun<\/td>\r\n<td>A noun that can take a plural form and a number.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Uncountable noun<\/td>\r\n<td>A noun treated as a mass, without a plural, such as data or evidence.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Comma splice<\/td>\r\n<td>Joining 2 independent clauses with only a comma.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Passive voice<\/td>\r\n<td>A construction in which the subject receives the action.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Redundancy<\/td>\r\n<td>Repeating meaning with unnecessary extra words.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>ESL<\/td>\r\n<td>English as a second language.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Grammar mistakes are easy to make and easy to fix once you know the patterns. For researchers writing in a second language, a small set of error types accounts for most problems in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/what-is-academic-writing-definition-types-examples-characteristics\/\">academic writing<\/a>. This guide covers the 8 most common mistakes, with examples from the social sciences, physical sciences, and biomedical sciences, plus practical ways to catch and correct them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Do_Grammar_Mistakes_Matter_for_ESL_Researchers\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc235462657\"><\/a>Why Do Grammar Mistakes Matter for ESL Researchers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>They matter because grammar errors distract reviewers, blur your meaning, and can trigger rejection, even when the underlying science is strong.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>From a <a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-a-research-proposal-template-outline-steps-examples\/\">research proposal<\/a> to a final manuscript, clear language helps readers follow your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.us\/blog\/what-are-research-objectives-how-to-write-a-good-research-objective-with-examples\/\">research objective<\/a> and trust your results. Reviewers often read careless grammar as a sign of careless science.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Errors slow reviewers and weaken first impressions.<\/li>\r\n<li>Ambiguity can change how readers interpret your findings.<\/li>\r\n<li>Language issues are a common reason for desk rejection.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The same error can read very differently by field. A missing article may look minor in a short physical sciences note, yet the same slip can obscure a key variable in a dense social science argument.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>For many ESL researchers, a professional <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/services\/english-editing\">English editing service<\/a> is the most reliable safeguard against these problems.<\/p>\r\n<p><em>See also: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/best-online-proofreading-and-editing-services\/\">5 Best Online Proofreading Services for Students and Researchers<\/a><\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Grammar_Mistakes_Are_Most_Common\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc235462658\"><\/a>Which Grammar Mistakes Are Most Common?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The most common mistakes cluster around articles, subject-verb agreement, verb tense, prepositions, countable nouns, comma splices, passive voice, and wordiness. Each section below shows the error and its fix across 3 disciplines.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The grammar rule stays the same across fields, but the vocabulary and the cost of ambiguity differ. Seeing each fix in a familiar context makes the pattern easier to remember and apply in your own drafts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_You_Use_Articles_a_an_the_Correctly\"><\/span>How Do You Use Articles (a, an, the) Correctly?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Use \u201ca\u201d or \u201can\u201d for a general or first-mentioned noun and the for a specific one; missing or misused articles are a top error in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/definite-article-indefinite-article-academic-writing\/\">article usage<\/a> for non-native writers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Discipline<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Incorrect<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Corrected<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Social sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>Researcher administered survey to 200 students.<\/td>\r\n<td>The researcher administered a survey to 200 students.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Physical sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>We measured velocity of particle.<\/td>\r\n<td>We measured the velocity of the particle.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Biomedical sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>Patient received placebo for 6 weeks.<\/td>\r\n<td>The patient received a placebo for 6 weeks.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>A quick check: if a noun is countable, singular, and new to the reader, it almost always needs a or an. If you and the reader already know which specific item you mean, use the.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Is_Subject-Verb_Agreement_Easy_to_Get_Wrong\"><\/span>Why Is Subject-Verb Agreement Easy to Get Wrong?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/subject-verb-agreement-academic-writing\/\">subject-verb agreement<\/a>, the verb must match a singular or plural subject; long noun phrases often trick writers into matching the nearest word rather than the true subject.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Discipline<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Incorrect<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Corrected<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Social sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>The results of the survey shows a clear trend.<\/td>\r\n<td>The results of the survey show a clear trend.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Physical sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>The set of equations describe the motion.<\/td>\r\n<td>The set of equations describes the motion.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Biomedical sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>The prevalence of infections have increased.<\/td>\r\n<td>The prevalence of infections has increased.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Verb_Tense_Should_You_Use\"><\/span>Which Verb Tense Should You Use?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Use past <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/verb-tenses-checklist-rules-and-examples-for-academic-writing\/\">tense<\/a> for completed methods and specific results, and present tense for established facts and conclusions; mixing tenses within a section is a frequent slip.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Discipline<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Incorrect<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Corrected<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Social sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>The 2019 survey shows that inequality rose.<\/td>\r\n<td>The 2019 survey showed that inequality rose.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Physical sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>We find that the sample expands when we heated it.<\/td>\r\n<td>We found that the sample expanded when we heated it.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Biomedical sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>The trial demonstrates the drug reduces mortality.<\/td>\r\n<td>The trial demonstrated that the drug reduced mortality.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><em>See also: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/best-scientific-editing-services-for-research-papers\/\">6 Best Scientific Editing Services for Researchers<\/a><\/em><\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Preposition_Errors\"><\/span>Preposition Errors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Errors with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/what-is-a-preposition-definition-types-and-common-usage-errors\/\">prepositions<\/a> happen when a verb or adjective pairs with the wrong word, such as consistent to instead of consistent with; these collocations must be learned individually.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Discipline<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Incorrect<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Corrected<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Social sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>The findings are consistent to prior research.<\/td>\r\n<td>The findings are consistent with prior research.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Physical sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>Pressure was recorded in 25 degrees Celsius.<\/td>\r\n<td>Pressure was recorded at 25 degrees Celsius.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Biomedical sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>Patients were diagnosed of diabetes.<\/td>\r\n<td>Patients were diagnosed with diabetes.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Countable_vs_Uncountable_Noun_Mistakes\"><\/span>Countable vs Uncountable Noun Mistakes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Words such as data, evidence, research, and equipment are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/countable-vs-uncountable-nouns-academic-writing\/\">uncountable nouns<\/a> in academic English, so they take no plural s and pair with much, not many.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Discipline<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Incorrect<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Corrected<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Social sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>The interviews produced many evidences.<\/td>\r\n<td>The interviews produced substantial evidence.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Physical sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>We used several equipments in the lab.<\/td>\r\n<td>We used several pieces of equipment in the lab.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Biomedical sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>Recent researches confirm the link.<\/td>\r\n<td>Recent research confirms the link.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Comma_Splice_and_How_Do_You_Fix_It\"><\/span>What Is a Comma Splice, and How Do You Fix It?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/comma-splice-and-comma-rules-in-academic-writing\/\">comma splice<\/a> joins 2 complete sentences with only a comma; fix it with a semicolon, a period, or a coordinating conjunction such as and or so.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Discipline<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Incorrect<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Corrected<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Social sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>The sample was small, the results are inconclusive.<\/td>\r\n<td>The sample was small; the results are inconclusive.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Physical sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>The reaction was exothermic, the temperature rose.<\/td>\r\n<td>The reaction was exothermic, so the temperature rose.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Biomedical sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>The dose was increased, adverse effects appeared.<\/td>\r\n<td>The dose was increased, and adverse effects appeared.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Passive_Voice_Always_Wrong\"><\/span>Is Passive Voice Always Wrong?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>No: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/active-vs-passive-voice-academic-writing\/\">passive voice<\/a> is acceptable, but overusing agentless passives buries who did what; prefer active voice when the actor matters, and reserve passive for routine methods.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Discipline<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Incorrect<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Corrected<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Social sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>It was found by the researchers that trust declined.<\/td>\r\n<td>The researchers found that trust declined.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Physical sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>The data were analyzed by us using regression.<\/td>\r\n<td>We analyzed the data using regression.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Biomedical sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>The samples were collected and were labeled by nurses.<\/td>\r\n<td>Nurses collected and labeled the samples.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Discipline norms vary. Methods sections in the physical and biomedical sciences often accept passive constructions, while many social science journals now encourage active voice and first person. Match your target journal&#8217;s style.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wordiness_and_Redundancy\"><\/span>Wordiness and Redundancy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Cutting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/how-to-reduce-your-word-count-and-write-concisely-a-guide-for-essays-research-papers-and-dissertations\/\">wordiness and redundancy<\/a> replaces empty phrases like due to the fact that with because, and removes words that repeat meaning already present in the sentence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Discipline<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Incorrect<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Corrected<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Social sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>Due to the fact that respondents were absent, data were lost.<\/td>\r\n<td>Because respondents were absent, data were lost.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Physical sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>In order to be able to measure the exact value, we calibrated.<\/td>\r\n<td>To measure the exact value, we calibrated.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Biomedical sciences<\/td>\r\n<td>Patients exhibited symptoms that were severe in nature.<\/td>\r\n<td>Patients had severe symptoms.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Concise writing is not only cleaner; it also lowers your word count, which helps when journals set strict limits on abstracts and articles.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Other_Mechanics_Issues_Should_You_Watch\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc235462659\"><\/a>What Other Mechanics Issues Should You Watch?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Beyond the top 8, watch punctuation, capitalization, and discipline-specific conventions, since small slips in these areas still distract reviewers and readers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/apostrophe-academic-writing\/\">Apostrophe<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/how-to-use-quotation-marks-in-manuscript-writing\/\">quotation mark<\/a> use in possessives and quotations.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/colon-vs-semicolon-rules-examples\/\">Semicolon and colon<\/a> rules for linking related clauses.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/capitalization-academic-writing\/\">Capitals<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/abbreviations-academic-writing\/\">abbreviations<\/a>, with each abbreviation defined on first use.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/hyphen-en-dash-em-dash-rules-examples\/\">Hyphen, en dash, and em dash<\/a> distinctions in ranges and compounds.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/what-are-conjunctions-types-rules-and-examples\/\">Conjunctions<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/modal-verbs-academic-writing\/\">modal verbs<\/a> for logic and careful <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/what-is-hedging-language-meaning-examples-and-importance\/\">hedging<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/importance-of-binomial-nomenclature-in-life-science-research\/\">Scientific names<\/a> written with correct binomial nomenclature.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/numbers-units-measure-academic-writing\/\">Numbers and units<\/a> formatted to your journal&#8217;s style.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/commonly-confused-words-academic-writing\/\">Terminology<\/a> precision and commonly confused words.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/british-vs-american-english-spelling-punctuation\/\">British vs American English<\/a> kept consistent throughout.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/reporting-verbs-academic-writing\/\">Reporting verbs<\/a> and varied <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/types-of-sentence-structures-in-academic-writing\/\">sentence structure<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/first-person-vs-third-person-academic-writing\/\">First person vs third person<\/a> used consistently.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>These surface details are exactly what a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/services\/other\/proof-reading\">proofreading service<\/a> is designed to catch before you submit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Can_You_Catch_and_Fix_These_Mistakes\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc235462660\"><\/a>How Can You Catch and Fix These Mistakes?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Combine self-editing habits, an automated checker, and professional help: read aloud, check 1 error type at a time, and run a grammar tool before a human review.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Review 1 error type per pass, starting with articles and verbs.<\/li>\r\n<li>Read sentences aloud to hear awkward phrasing and missing words.<\/li>\r\n<li>Keep a personal list of errors you repeat, and search for them.<\/li>\r\n<li>Check tables, figures, and references separately from the main text.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>A tool such as <a href=\"https:\/\/paperpal.com\/tools\/grammar-checker\">Paperpal<\/a> flags many of these errors instantly, which makes your first pass faster and more thorough.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Option<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Best for<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Keep in mind<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Grammar tool<\/td>\r\n<td>Fast first-pass checks<\/td>\r\n<td>Misses nuance and context<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Professional editing<\/td>\r\n<td>Grammar, clarity, terminology<\/td>\r\n<td>Deeper investment<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Professional proofreading<\/td>\r\n<td>Error-free final file<\/td>\r\n<td>Assumes content is settled<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>For quick self-checks, <a href=\"https:\/\/paperpal.com\/tools\/grammar-checker\">Paperpal<\/a> reviews grammar and style in seconds. For expert help, an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/services\/english-editing\">English editing service<\/a> corrects language and terminology, while a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/services\/other\/proof-reading\">proofreading service<\/a> delivers a clean final draft.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Whether you are drafting your first paper or revising a resubmission, professional <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/services\/english-editing\">English editing<\/a> helps your research read as clearly as it deserves to.<\/p>\r\n<p><em>See also: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/what-are-parts-of-speech-nouns-verbs-adjectives-adverbs-and-more\/\">What are parts of speech? Nouns, verbs, adjectives, and more<\/a><\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc235462661\"><\/a>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_most_common_grammar_mistakes_in_academic_writing\"><\/span>What are the most common grammar mistakes in academic writing?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The most frequent errors involve articles, subject-verb agreement, verb tense, prepositions, countable nouns, comma splices, passive voice, and wordiness. These 8 account for a large share of language problems in research papers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_non-native_English_speakers_struggle_with_articles_in_research_papers\"><\/span>Why do non-native English speakers struggle with articles in research papers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Many first languages have no direct equivalent of a, an, or the, so the rules feel unfamiliar. Writers then drop articles or overuse the, which reviewers notice quickly. Focused practice and editing help.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_tense_should_I_use_in_a_research_paper\"><\/span>What tense should I use in a research paper?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Use past tense for your completed methods and specific results, and present tense for established facts and your conclusions. Keep tenses consistent within each section to avoid confusing readers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_passive_voice_wrong_in_scientific_writing\"><\/span>Is passive voice wrong in scientific writing?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>No. Passive voice is standard for describing methods and is accepted in most journals. The problem is overuse, which hides the actor and adds words. Use active voice when the doer matters.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_I_improve_my_grammar_for_academic_writing\"><\/span>How can I improve my grammar for academic writing?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Read widely in your field, learn the error types you repeat, and review 1 issue at a time. Combine an automated grammar checker with professional editing for the most consistent results.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_grammar_checkers_fix_all_academic_writing_errors\"><\/span>Do grammar checkers fix all academic writing errors?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>No. Grammar checkers catch many surface errors quickly, but they miss nuance, discipline-specific terminology, and argument-level issues. They work best as a first pass before human editing and proofreading.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_write_data_is_or_data_are_in_a_research_paper\"><\/span>Should I write data is or data are in a research paper?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Treat data as plural in formal academic writing, so use data are. Data is appears in casual usage, but most journals and style guides still prefer the plural form for research papers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_comma_splice_and_how_do_I_fix_it\"><\/span>What is a comma splice, and how do I fix it?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>A comma splice joins 2 complete sentences with only a comma. Fix it by using a period, a semicolon, or a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or so between the clauses.<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Key Takeaways: A handful of error types, led by articles, subject-verb agreement, tense, and prepositions, cause most grammar problems for ESL researchers writing research papers, dissertations, or journal articles. The same mistake can distort meaning differently in social science, physical science, and biomedical writing. Most errors are fixable with clear rules, a focused review, and [&hellip;]","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1484,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_ayudawp_aiss_exclude":false,"_ayudawp_aiss_summary":"A handful of error types, led by articles, subject-verb agreement, tense, and prepositions, cause most grammar problems for ESL researchers writing research papers, dissertations, or journal articles. The most common mistakes cluster around articles, subject-verb agreement, verb tense, prepositions, countable nouns, comma splices, passive voice, and wordiness. 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