Common errors - KU Leuven€¦ · Conditional clauses Relative clauses Participle clauses Dangling...

Common errors

Grammar, vocabulary, punctuation

1

Overview

Tenses

Subject-verb agreement

Link words

Adjectives and adverbs

Adverb position

Determiners

Articles

Conditional clauses

Relative clauses

Participle clauses

Dangling modfiers

Passive forms

Inversion

Frequently confused pairs

Punctuation

→ For additional information, examples and exercises,

consult the Scientific English Online self-study

platform

2

Fill in the most appropriate tense

1. As Table 5 clearly … (show), chlorophyll content in the leaf

cultures … (increase) only in response to moderate

shading.

2. The original principles still … (apply) today, but this

method … (evolve) rapidly.

3. Most of the research to date … (focus) on pesticides.

4. Imaging … (perform) before the procedure and 3 months

after.

5. The study was conducted after approval … (obtain) from

the institutional animal investigation committee.

3

Fill in the most appropriate tense

1. As Table 5 clearly shows, chlorophyll content in the leaf cultures increased only in response to moderate shading.

2. The original principles still apply today, but this method is evolving rapidly.

3. Most of the research to date has focused on pesticides.

4. Imaging was performed before the procedure and 3 months after.

5. The study was conducted after approval had beenobtained from the institutional animal investigation committee.

4

Tense usage

General usage rules

Present tense

Focus on current situation or outcome

e.g. There are at present no experimental indications of which

direction particle physics should go in order to better

understand the Standard Model.

Present continuous

Focus on activity as ongoing, evolving

e.g. Optoelectronics is becoming increasingly important for

information and communication technologies.

5

Tense usage

Present perfect

Focus on period up to nowe.g. In recent years, much progress has been made using

both viral and non-viral methods.

Focus on impact over a period of timee.g. This study has offered new insights into the molecular

mechanisms of adhesion.

Past tense

Focus on completed action (not necessarily long ago, but presented as completed at a specific moment in the past)

e.g. The research was carried out in 30 farms, representing three production systems: milk production, pig production and crop production.

Contrastive example:For many years, the relationship between landscape pattern and scale has been a central issue in geography and ecology. (and it still is)For many years, the relationship between landscape pattern and scale was a central issue in geography and ecology. (but not anymore)

6

Tense usage

Present perfect continuous

Focus on activity as ongoing over a period up to nowe.g. Careful measurements show the global climate has been

changing more rapidly in the last few years.

Global mean surface temperatures have been increasing by 0.6 °C since the late nineteenth century.

→ have increased (resultative meaning → present outcome, not ongoing process)

→ have been increasing/have increased by at least 0.6 °C every year (ongoing process)

Past perfect

Focus on action as completed before other action in the paste.g. The sample was tested after it had been pre-incubated

for 30 min at 370°C.

7

Tense usage in academic papers

Different tenses can be used in the same section / paragraph

→ Use tenses appropriately and be aware of their implications

Avoid overuse of progressive forms

Most research on stress has been focusing on acute life events.

has focused on

Their findings are pointing to substantial differences in reaction rates.

point to

The second study is dealing with these effects at the regional level.

deal with

8


Guidelines, not absolute rules → context-dependent

Introduction

Relevant context:

importance of issue / main problem areas

current state of the field: present tense

e.g. It is crucial to understand the behavior of trace elements in geological

processes.

Identification of rock boundaries and structural features from well log

response is a fundamental problem in geological field studies.

impact over the years: present perfect

e.g. In recent years, tourist taxes have become an easy way for

governments to collect extra revenue for investments, infrastructure

and social services.

9


Referring to existing research

Research in general

Current established knowledge: present tensee.g. Heart functions are characterized by two distinct periods

called systole and diastole.

Research to date: present perfect

e.g. Recent postharvest biocontrol research has become more integrated

into production systems, with greater awareness of industry concerns.

10


Referring to existing research

Specific study

what researcher did:

simple past (focus on completed action)

e.g. Jones (2005) investigated the causes of diabetes.

Higgins (2002) analysed …

what researcher wrote/thought:

different options: past tense / present perfect / present tense

→ increasing degree of closeness / relevance

e.g. Jones (2005) concluded that … (completed action → more distance)

Jones (2005) has concluded that … (impact on present → more relevant)

Jones (2005) concludes that … (current situation, established knowledge → very relevant still)

11


Objectives: present tense (or future tense)

e.g. The purpose of this paper is to develop a general, systematic treatment of the

multiple scattering of waves.

This study will explore the role of tourism in revitalization of agriculture

heritage and conservation of natural resources.

Methods: past tensee.g. The intensity matrix was used to calculate a distance matrix with Euclidean

distances.

Results: past tense (or present tense)

References to figures / tables: present tensee.g. Figure 3 shows that allantoin increased remarkably during the development

of the leaves. (→ focus on what happened during the specific experiment)

Table 1 shows that sensitivity is higher when these sensors are operated at

room temperature. (→ presented as more general conclusion)

12

Tense usage in academic papers Conclusions

Relevance / implications: present tensee.g. The findings of this study emphasise the importance of prompt blood-pressure

control in hypertensive patients.

Limitations present tense (focus on current outcome)

e.g. Genomic sequencing is no longer a novelty, but gene function annotation remains a key challenge in modern biology.

present perfect (focus on research up to now)e.g. Studies relying on air temperature alone have failed to predict tourism

demand for the development of certain destinations.

past tense (focus on methods / results used in study itself)e.g. Unfortunately, this study was unable to find any statistically significant

associations.

Suggestions for future research or applications: present tense or future tensee.g. Understanding the role of epigenetic processes in plant stress tolerance will offer

interesting opportunities for plant breeders.The possible use of this system at higher energies requires further study.

13

Subject-verb agreement

Make sure the verb corresponds with the subject of the

sentence (singular or plural)

Pay specific attention to longer subjects consisting of more

than one noun

The coherence between these two factors are crucial. → is

The concentration in the body fluids are kept constant. → is

Geothermal production near large tectonic systems are vulnerable to

significant earthquakes. → is

14

Are the following link words used correctly?

1. Despite there is limited data, this method is believed to be the

best one.

2. The results of the multidimensional scaling routines are not quite

satisfying, therefore this article introduces a new iteration

model.

3. These technological advances have changed both mathematics

as well as its applications.

15

Are the following link words used correctly?

1. Although there is limited data, this method is believed to be the

best one. / Despite limited data, this method is believed …

(despite = preposition / although = conjunction)

2. The results of the multidimensional scaling routines are not quite

satisfying. Therefore, this article introduces a new iteration model.

(therefore = adverb)

3. These technological advances have changed both mathematics and

its applications / have changed mathematics as well as its

applications.

(! have changed as well mathematics as its applications)

16

Link words: usage patterns

Contrast

in spite of, despite, in contrast with/to, contrary to

→ followed by noun phrase

e.g. In contrast to most of the previous empirical work, our evidence suggests that the costs are larger than the benefits.

but, yet, although, even though, whereas, while

→ combination of two clauses that form one sentence

e.g. Although treatment was successful in 20 of 22 attempts, a more thorough study is essential. Seventy per cent of patients showed a clinical response to cA2 treatment, whereas this occurred in only 24% of those treated with a placebo.

however, nevertheless, nonetheless, still, rather, on the other hand, in/by contrast, even so, on the contrary

→ two separate sentences

e.g. The private sector, by contrast, has plenty of money to spend.Nevertheless, the private sector has plenty of money to spend.

Contrary to: quite restricted in use -> only with beliefs and opinions e.g. Contrary to popular belief ...

Contrary to what is often assumed ...On the contrary: often used incorrectly -> meaning is ‘I have just said that something is NOT the case, which I am going to emphasise by saying that the opposite is true’e.g. This is not an idea around which this community can unite. On the contrary, I see it as one that will divide us.

17

Link words: usage patternsCause and effect

due to, thanks to, because of, owing to, hence


e.g. The patient almost died due to lack of oxygen.

since, as, because, so


e.g. As this analysis was potentially problematic, we performed a second sensitivity analysis

therefore, accordingly, consequently, as a result, thus, hence


e.g. The cost of transport is a major expense for an industry. Hence, factory location is an important consideration.Progress so far has been very good. We are, therefore, confident that the work will be completed on time.

Due to + negative / thanks to + positive / owing to, because of + neutralAs <-> since: as presents the cause as if it is well-known or obvious.As/since: less precise in meaning than because, indicates more of a causal relation than explicit reason (e.g. precisely because vs * precisely as/since)Therefore ≠ for this purpose, to this end (often misused by Dutch speakers as daarvoor)Hence & therefore: what follows is a necessary deduction from what precedesTherefore -> stresses what followsHence -> emphasises what came before -> often interpreted as an illustration of the previous statement(For: very formal conjunction, introduces explanation or justification, often has the additional interpretation ‘it is after all the case that’)

18


Enumeration

first(ly), second(ly), last(ly), finally

first of all, to begin with, to conclude

next, then, eventually

first <-> firstly etc. -> do not mix the forms with or without –ly in one and the same listTo list arguments, considerations etc., both forms can be usedTo order a set of temporal events, only use first (preferably followed by then / nextrather than second)eventually = in the end, after some time ≠ maybe, possibly

19


Addition

apart from, in addition to, besides, as well as, both … and


and


furthermore, moreover, in addition, additionally, similarly, also,

equally


e.g. Kuwait’s oil will last over for more than 200 years at current production

levels. Moreover, new reserves continue to be discovered.

Furthermore <-> moreover: subtle differencefurthermore adds one more point to a list of points already mademoreover tends to introduce an argument which has greater weight

for the writerNote the following two structures:

X as well as Yboth X and Y

20


Exemplification

an illustration of


to illustrate, to demonstrate, take the case of

→ separate sentencee.g. To illustrate, consider a model similar to the previous example, except that the

dependent variable y is a dummy variable.

Certain costs of government could and should be reduced. Take the case of public education.

for example, for instance, specifically, to be specific

→ followed by noun phrase or used in separate sentencee.g. Many countries, for example Mexico and Japan, suffer from frequent earthquakes.

Specifically, our research shows that company growth is more often determined by internal factors than by the external business environment.

21


Exemplification

e.g.

→ for example

citrus fruits, e.g. oranges and grapefruit

i.e.

→ that is, to be specific

adults, i.e. people over 18

viz(.)

→ namely

three Greek cities viz Athens, Thessaloniki, and Patras

e.g. = for examplei.e. = written before a word or phrase that gives the exact meaning of something you have just written or said (that is, to be specific)viz(.) = used before naming things that you have just referred to in a general way (namely)

22


Condition

in case of

→ followed by noun phrasee.g. Blood becomes stickier to help coagulation in case of a cut.

if, unless, on condition (that), provided/providing (that), in case

→ combination of two clauses that form one sentencee.g. The economy is in danger of collapse unless far-reaching reforms are

implemented.

A large number of samples can be screened in a few hours, provided the experiment is correctly designed and performed.

otherwise

→ two separate sentencese.g. Avery (2006) pointed out that a correction factor must be applied.

Otherwise, the results obtained would be distorted.

Unless: negative conditionProvided/providing (that): as long as, only if, on the condition thatOtherwise -> sometimes also used as conjunction -> two clauses forming one sentence

23


Concession (willingness to acknowledge other views)

albeit

→ followed by a noun phrase, adjective, prepositional phrase or adverb

e.g. A proportion, albeit a small one, of the variance in relative body-weight

could be ascribed to energy density.

although, even though


e.g. Although treatment was successful in 20 of 22 attempts, a more

thorough study is essential.

admittedly, of course


e.g. Admittedly, this has been a cursory and somewhat limited review.

24


Purpose

for the sake of


e.g. For the sake of clarity, the derivation of the scheme given below follows a geometrical rather than an algebraic line of reasoning.

in order to, so as (not) to

→ followed by infinitive

e.g. In order to understand how the human body works, you need to have some knowledge of chemistry.

so that


e.g. Moisture is drawn to the surface of the fabric so that it can evaporate.

25

Correct the errors in the sentences below

1. It is a relative new field which rapidly is gaining

recognition.

2. The algorithm performed good compared to dynamic

programming.

3. The control group showed also favourably results.

4. Fibrinopeptides are the most rapid evolving molecules

among the known proteins.

5. These numerical experiments show that the

modifications always are very efficiently.

26

Correct the errors in the sentences below

1. It is a relatively new field which is rapidly gaining

recognition.

2. The algorithm performed well compared to dynamic

programming.

3. The control group also showed favourable results.

4. Fibrinopeptides are the most rapidly evolving molecules

among the known proteins.

5. These numerical experiments show that the

modifications are always very efficient.

27

Adjectives and adverbs

Adjectives used with nouns

e.g. a successful approach

used with verbs like be, seem, appear, look, become e.g. the approach was successful

Adverbs used with verbs

e.g. To date no study has convincingly demonstrated any possible association.

used with adjectives and other adverbs e.g. The calculations were only partially accurate.

Do not mix up: This is a remarkable, versatile technique.

= adjective + adjective: The technique is remarkable and versatile.

This is a remarkably versatile technique.

= adverb + adjective: The technique is more versatile than might be expected.

28

Adverb position

Sentence-initial / Mid-sentence / Sentence-final

e.g. Recently, a new method has been developed.

A new method has recently been developed.

A new method has been developed recently.

Mid-sentence position

BEFORE THE MAIN VERB (other than ‘be’)e.g. This technique already offers a favorable combination of cost

and accuracy.

AFTER ‘TO BE’ as main verb

e.g. Age is also an important factor in these cases.

AFTER THE AUXILIARYe.g. This assumption has never been tested.

29

Also

Also generally occurs in mid-position

e.g. The response rate also has a significant impact on Grant’s

findings.

The role of global warming has also been widely discussed.

Also is sometimes used in sentence-initial position, followed

by a comma (≈ and another thing → furthermore, moreover )

Refers to the whole clause, not a specific part of the clause

e.g. Employing fuzzy arithmetic in such comprehensive matrices is

computationally difficult and sometimes infeasible. Also, it is a

time-consuming process.

Also the role of global warming has been widely discussed.

Also, it is a time-consuming process. → reads more like an afterthought, more backgroundedFurthermore/Moreover, it is a time-consuming process. → more focused, foregroundedOok de rol van klimaatopwarming is uitgebreid aan bod gekomen. → frequent usage in Dutch (emphasising only a specific part of the sentence), not common in English

30

Select the correct optionMuch / many

1. While … research has been done, the results are not as definitive as some would

hope.

2. The study of robust statistical procedures has yielded … new insights into

methods for data analysis.

Little / a little / few / a few

3. This observation allows us to draw … interesting conclusions.

4. Unfortunately, there are … methods available that allow quantitative estimates.

5. Litter removal and addition had … impact on total plant biomass.

Less / fewer

6. A more compact model with … variables is preferred as long as it can express

the original data accurately.

7. Deploying black-box debugging, in theory, requires … effort than annotating

source code.

Some / any

8. In contrast, the response of ascorbic acid was weak in … methods.

9. Moreover, … new methods that the experts develop can easily be made available.

10. Neither of these reports presented … experimental details.

31

Select the correct optionMuch / many

1. While much research has been done, the results are not as definitive as some

would hope.

2. The study of robust statistical procedures has yielded many new insights into

methods for data analysis.

Little / a little / few / a few

3. This observation allows us to draw a few interesting conclusions.

4. Unfortunately, there are few methods available that allow quantitative estimates.

5. Litter removal and addition had little impact on total plant biomass.

Less / fewer

6. A more compact model with fewer variables is preferred as long as it can express

the original data accurately.

7. Deploying black-box debugging, in theory, requires less effort than annotating

source code.

Some / any

8. In contrast, the response of ascorbic acid was weak in some methods.

9. Moreover, any new methods that the experts develop can easily be made available.

10. Neither of these reports presented any experimental details.

32

Determiners

much ↔ many

e.g. much research

many studies

little ↔ few

e.g. little information

few details

less ↔ fewer

e.g. less evidence

fewer occurrences

→ uncountable (singular) nouns vs countable (plural) nouns

Note that research is an uncountable noun -> a research / researches

33

Determiners some ↔ any

e.g. This approach has yielded some promising results.

Subsequent research has failed to yield any substantial safety benefits.

Experimental work to date has not yielded any positive results.

→ affirmative sentences vs. negative sentences/questions

Any attempt to explain the development of mountain belts must account for the following.

→ when the meaning is ‘it doesn't matter which’

a little ↔ little

e.g. The yeast and oil were mixed with a little water and placed in a petri dish.

Preliminary tests indicated that further iterations had very little effect.

→ small positive amount (a bit) vs. small negative amount (not much)

a few ↔ few

e.g. This observation allows us to draw a few interesting conclusions.

Unfortunately, few relevant fossils are known from that time interval.

→ small positive number (some) vs. small negative number (not many)

a little / little vs. a few / few -> uncountable, singular vs. countable, plural

34

Articles

Indefinite article (a, an)

Indefinite, non-specific reference

Something new, not yet mentioned

Definite article (the)

Definite, specific reference

Something known, already mentioned, ‘grounded’ within the text

Zero article

Generic reference (singular, uncountable)

Indefinite reference in the plural

35

Articles

Generic reference / introduction of new concept

e.g. Apical dominance is an important controlling mechanism of the lateral

bud development in dicotyl plants

→ an important controlling mechanism of lateral bud development

... influence on the senescence in isolated plant tissue by calculating

the chlorophyll degradation in wheat leaves

→ influence on senescence in isolated plant tissue

→ calculating chlorophyll degradation in wheat leaves

Specific reference / already established within the context

e.g. The birds were injected with thymidine and testosterone. The effect of

the hormones was ...

→ Pronouns often have stronger effect

e.g. The effect of these hormones was / Their effect was / , whose effect was

36

Fill in the correct verb form

1. Some prevention programs … (be) more effective if

they continued for a longer period of time.

2. If the variables … (be) positively correlated, the

variance of the sum will be increased.

3. If this study … (be) conducted using a historical control

group, the conclusions would have been more reliable.

37

Fill in the correct verb form

1. Some prevention programs would be more effective if

they continued for a longer period of time.

2. If the variables are positively correlated, the variance of

the sum will be increased.

3. If this study had been conducted using a historical

control group, the conclusions would have been more

reliable.

38

Conditionals

Main patterns:

Zero conditional: fixed connection between two events

e.g. If the temperature is below 5°C, seeds do not grow.

Predictive conditional: likely connection between one event and another possible event in the future.

e.g. If the results are encouraging, the study will be extended to other areas.

Hypothetical condition: distant and unlikely connection between imaginary events

e.g. If the sample was bigger, generalisation would be possible.

Counterfactual condition: imaginary connection between events that never happened

e.g. The study would have been much more persuasive if the author had included …

39

Conditionals

Common error:

e.g. If the sample would be bigger ...

→ no will / would in if-clause

exception: polite requests / meaning is be willing to

e.g. If you will come this way, ...

was vs. were in if-clause

e.g. If the sample was / were bigger, ...

→ both are correct: were is often used instead of was

after if, particularly in formal styles

40

Fill in the correct relative pronoun

1. A drawback inherent to composites is their difficulty in

polishing, what / that / which often results in a dull or rough

surface.

2. Thermoelectric materials, what / that / which have

applications in refrigeration and power generation, are

experiencing a surge in research activity.

3. The absorber is the system component who’s / whose /

which’s performance is affected the most.

4. Of the 594 dairy farmers to who / whose / whom the

survey was mailed, 265 provided usable responses.

5. This study attempts to identify the methods who / which /

that are most successful in finding various types of defects.

41

Fill in the correct relative pronoun

1. A drawback inherent to composites is their difficulty in

polishing, what / that / which often results in a dull or rough

surface.

2. Thermoelectric materials, what / that / which have

applications in refrigeration and power generation, are

experiencing a surge in research activity.

3. The absorber is the system component who’s / whose /

which’s performance is affected the most.

4. Of the 594 dairy farmers to who / whose / whom the

survey was mailed, 265 provided usable responses.

5. This study attempts to identify the methods who / which /

that are most successful in finding various types of defects.

42

Relative clauses

RESTRICTIVEVERSUS NON-RESTRICTIVE

Restrictive relative clauses (= defining)

add information that is essential to identify the antecedent

no commase.g. My brother who lives in Paris is an architect.

(you have 2 brothers)

Non-restrictive relative clauses (= non-defining)

add extra information about the antecedent (not necessarily information you can just leave out > may be highly relevant, but not essential to identify the antecedent)

commas e.g. My brother, who lives in Paris, is an architect.

(you have 1 brother)

43

PRONOUNS

People Things

Subject who

that (restrictive only)

which


Object who / whom


Ø (restrictive only)

which


Ø (restrictive only)

+ Preposition whom which

Possessive whose whose / of which

Relative clauses

44

Common errors:

the use of who instead of whichA country who was particularly affected was China.

The result, who confirms earlier findings, shows…

the use of that in non-restrictive relative clausesThe pattern, that repeats itself over and over, is shown to correlate with…

the use what instead of which to refer to the whole main clause (clausal pronoun)

Standards are improving, what is perhaps not surprising.

Relative clauses

45

Participle clauses

Holmes provides the exception to this tendency. He poses the issue

superbly in his chapter on the pharmaceutical industry.

Holmes provides the exception to this tendency, posing the issue

superbly in his chapter on the pharmaceutical industry.

Two sentences with the same subject:

omit subject

replace verb with -ing form

comma between clauses

→ Useful for creating complex, but compact sentences

46

Participle clauses

The understood subject of the participle clause should be the

same as the subject of the main clause

* Reading the book, the issue became much clearer to me.

When I had read the book, the issue …

Reading the book, I thought that the issue became …

* Having committed plagiarism, the professor had no option but to

expel the student from university.

Since the student …, the professor had no option but to …

(→ dangling/unattached/hanging participle)

47

Dangling modifiers

Sometimes dangling participles can be acceptable:

the understood subject is one or dummy it

e.g. When trying to determine the cause, it is important to…

the participle clause follows the main clause and the understood

subject is the content of the main clause

e.g. He refused to accept the proposal, leading to protest

from his colleagues.

in scientific writing when the subject is the writer

e.g. Before going into detail, it may be useful to …

48

Dangling modifiers

Some dangling participles have even become fully

acceptable idioms:

e.g. judging from

strictly / generally / broadly speaking

taking everything into account / consideration

49

There-passives

Passive constructions with there are not used in English

e.g. There was found a link between these patterns.

→ A link was found between these patterns.

There is used in existential constructions with verbs such as be, exist or remain

e.g. There are several examples of the successful use of this approach.

There seems to be widespread consensus on the plausibility ofthe hypothesis.

There remains some confusion over how to define this phenomenon.

50

Inversion

Inverted word order after negative or restrictive expressions

e.g. It is not a refutation of the pluralist theory of the state. Nor is it a

satisfactory basis for developing a dual thesis of the state.

Not only has this narrow focus been misguided, but it has

even been detrimental to the field.

Rarely has this involved investigating socio-economic or

cultural aspects that might influence health.

Only when political participation is extended to a critical

mass of citizens will economic inequality decline.

Never has it been easier for reporters, activists, investors

and other critical observers to find fault with companies and

their subsidiaries.

51

Inversion

Inverted word order with as

e.g. Austria experienced a considerable drop in fertility in the

1970s, as did most other industrialized countries at the

time.

No inversion in English with fronted adverbials

e.g. In these circumstances is controversy inevitable.

→ In these circumstances controversy is inevitable.

52


its ↔ it’s

e.g. Dutch flood risk management is unique in the sense thatits focus is almost completely on prevention.

It’s these relationships and transformations that are important.

Also note the following common error:

It are these relationships ...

(it always followed by singular verb)

than ↔ then (↔ as)

e.g. The merged datasets are sorted and then the data are filtered.

These measures would have more effect in the UK than in other countries.

Not: more effect as in other countries→The effect may not be as strong as previously assumed.

its = possessive ↔ it’s = it isthan = comparative ↔ then = time indication

53


there ↔ their

e.g. However, there are relatively few studies available on the

long-term effects.

Table 1 contains a summary of these studies and their main

findings.

to ↔ too

e.g. Goldman (2005) has come to a similar conclusion.

The dataset seems to be too limited.

who’s ↔ whose

e.g. Taylor (2007), whose findings suggested that …

Taylor, who’s well-known for his theory on …

there = place / existential contructions ↔ their = possessiveto = preposition ↔ too= also / too muchwho’s = who is ↔ whose = possesive

54


briefly ↔ shortly ↔ in short

e.g. It is expected that a National Solar Energy Plan is to be implemented shortly.

The following section will briefly focus on …

In short, this study has shown that …

number ↔ amount

e.g. a large number of participants

a considerable amount of time

say ↔ tell

e.g. When respondents asked for credentials, the interviewers said that

they were not medically trained.

The interviewers told respondents that they were not medically trained.

briefly = not extensively ↔ shortly = soon ↔ in short = the main pointnumber + countable, plural nouns ↔ amount + uncountable, singular nounssay = followed by the message ↔ tell : followed by the addressee

55


economic ↔ economical

e.g. The plan requires a more economical use of basic materials and fuels.

The IMF and World Bank have been crucial in the formulation of the country’s

economic policy.

rise ↔ raise

e.g. Incidence and mortality rates have risen dramatically.

Combustion of coal, oil, and gas has raised the amount of carbon dioxide in

the atmosphere.

at last ↔ lastly

e.g. At last, governments appear to be taking the issue of global warming seriously.

Lastly, the influence of global warming will be discussed.

economic = related to the economy ↔ economical = using resources carefullywithout wasterise = go up, stijgen (sth. rises -> no object) ↔ raise = to make sth. go up, verhogen (so./sth. raises sth. -> + object) at last = after a long time ↔ lastly = the last item in a list

56


next to ↔ in addition to

e.g. The boxes next to the figures display the effects of all variables used

in the general linear models.

In addition to regulating long-term energy balance, leptin strongly

affects neuronal activity.

considering (that) ↔ concerning

e.g. This EU wide study is particularly timely considering the recent

increase in bacteria resistant to even the most potent antibiotics.

The past several years have witnessed a growing debate concerning

the effects of forest management.

next to indicates position and nearness; in addition to introduces another aspect to be consideredBesides is similar to in addition to but less common; apart from and except for are often more appropriate than besidesConcerning = about, relating to, regarding, with regard toConsidering = given (that); indicates that you are taking a particular aspect into account when making a judgment

57


subsequently ↔ consequently

e.g. In-depth interviews were undertaken, which were subsequently

analysed via an analytic induction method.

For some reason the formation and migration of neurons did not

occur in other cultures. Consequently, these cultures were not

analyzed more extensively.

critique ↔ criticism

e.g. Bishop has published a critique of the virtual population

method.

The main criticism is that the selected wavelengths are not

very consistent.

subsequently = following in time or orderconsequently = it follows that, thereforecriticism = critical remarks ↔ critique = a critical assessment or analysis (more extensive than a few critical remarks) ↔ critic = someone who gives criticism, evaluates

58

Frequently confused pairs effect ↔ affect

e.g. Increasing the concentration had no significant effect on the growth of lateral roots.

Magnesium concentration of the roots was minimally impaired, but that of the stems and leaves was strongly affected.

eventually ↔ possibly

e.g. About 40% of the initial glucose was eventually consumed in the solid-state and liquid cultures.

A certain part of the parasites' population was possibly overlooked due to our method of sampling.

control ↔ monitor / check ↔ control for

e.g. In order to control the operation speed of the wind turbine, a windshield is mounted on the fixed pole.

The processor uses the legal speed limit to control or monitor the speed of the vehicle.

To check the speed of the algorithm, we studied the collapse of a sphere.

To control for false positives, random sequences were included in the database.

effect = noun ↔ affect = verbeventually = ultimately, in the end ↔ possibly = perhapscontrol = keep under control, regulate ↔ monitor, check, verify , inspect ↔ control for = take steps to prevent

59

During / For / Since

During refers to a period

e.g. This technique was mainly used during the Second World War.

For refers to duration

e.g. This technique has been used for several years.

Since refers to the starting point

e.g. This technique has been used since the 1980s.

60

Although / Despite / However

Despite is followed by a noun phrase

e.g. Despite the success of this programme, a number of questions

remain.

Although is followed by a clause

e.g. Although this programme was successful, a number of questions

remain.

However is used in a separate sentence

e.g. This programme proved to be very successful. However, a

number of questions remain.

61

Due to / Thanks to / Because of

Due to is used in negative contexts

e.g. In most flowering plants, many embryos are aborted early in their development due to limited maternal resources.

Thanks to is used in positive contexts

e.g. Scientific knowledge of marine systems is increasing rapidly thanks to recent advances in genetics, remote sensing, and geographical information systems.

Because of, as a result of, owing to are neutral

e.g. because of local government policies / because of poor livestock management / because of excellent long-term results

62

Like / As / Such as

To express similarity

Use like in combination with a noun phrase

e.g. Unfortunately, like most metals, titanium exhibits poor

osteoinductive properties.

Use as in combination with a clause (like in combination

with a clause can be used in informal style)

e.g. As was claimed by Jones, this can also be regarded as a

consequence of the velocity profile.

Avoid the following common error:

As it was claimed by Jones, ...

63

Like / As / Such as

To express function or role

Use as in combination with a noun phrase

e.g. He has acted as a consultant to the European

Commission and the OECD.

To give an example

Use such as (like is used in informal style)

e.g. The value of other policies, such as subsidizing and

protecting new industries, is debatable.

64

Both ... and / As well as

Both X and Y

e.g. This article will discuss the properties of both organic and inorganic

spin-on polymers.

X as well as Y

e.g. Continents have changed by horizontal as well as vertical motions.

Do not combine these two structures:

*both X as well as Y

e.g. the properties of both organic as well as inorganic spin-on polymers

Avoid the following common error with as well as:

e.g. Continents have changed as well by horizontal as vertical motions.

65

Punctuation

Decimal point vs. comma (used for thousands) 3.45 (three point four five) ↔ 2,715 (two thousand seven hundred fifteen)

Question mark No question mark after indirect questions

Which factors are involved?

→ This section investigates which factors are involved.

Colon No capital letter after colon

What comes before the colon should be a syntactically complete structure (full sentence).

The causes of this disease are: stress, smoking and an unhealthy diet.

The causes of this disease are the following: stress, smoking and an unhealthy diet.

The causes of this disease are stress, smoking and an unhealthy diet.

Only one colon per sentence

66

Punctuation

Comma

In general:

Commas create breaks in discourse and set apart information

• Can have subtle effects on focus and meaning

Sometimes matter of personal style

A number of conventions / usage rules must be followed

Usage:

To separate items in a list.

e.g. The side effects include insomnia, dizziness and nausea.

(comma before and: optional, but sometimes needed to avoid ambiguity)

To add information to the core sentence

• Before / after / middle

67

Punctuation

Commas to add information BEFORE the core

sentence

short initial elements: comma not needed

e.g. For most children this is a very traumatic experience.

EXCEPT:

elements with a structural function (link words): use a comma

e.g. Furthermore, ... / Nevertheless, ... / Consequently, ...

elements with an evaluative function: use a comma

e.g. Surprisingly, ... / Obviously, ... / Unfortunately, ...

long initial elements (e.g. subordinate clauses): comma is

advisable

e.g. If we continue down this path, there will be severe consequences.

68

PunctuationCommas to insert information in the MIDDLE of the core sentence

Use a comma before and after non-essential ‘interruptions’ of the core sentence.

e.g. This is, however, not the best approach.

Most emerging markets, for example India, offer excellent investment opportunities.

Jones was, rather surprisingly, the first researcher to refute this claim.

The results of this study, although quite interesting, are very difficult to generalize.

Hill, an expert in the field of biodiversity, supports this view.

69

PunctuationCommas to add information AFTER the core sentence.

Use a comma before a subordinate clause when it is backgrounded, not part of the main point.

e.g. This is generally considered to be the most effective approach,although it is still quite controversial.

Standards are improving, which is perhaps not surprising.

Perhaps the Mov-13 mutation is dominant, because the imbalance can disrupt more than one step in the biosynthetic pathway.

Perhaps the Mov-13 mutation is dominant because the imbalance can disrupt more than one step in the biosynthetic pathway.

The model is dominant because it is rather universal.

Instruction is more effective when students work in cooperative learning groups.

vs.

70

Punctuation

Common errors

Do not separate the subject from the verb.

e.g. The most important factor to be taken into account, is the environment.

Do not separate the verb from the object.

e.g. All reliable studies of this rare illness indicate, that it is highly contagious.

Do not use a comma before or after restrictive elements

e.g. Studies, which investigate this issue, are quite rare.

Avoid comma splices:e.g. Our sales have increased by 30%, our inventory has been reduced by 20%.

... by 30%, but our ...

... by 30%; our ...

... by 30%. Our ...

71

Common errors - KU Leuven€¦ · Conditional clauses Relative clauses Participle clauses Dangling...

Documents

Transcript of Common errors - KU Leuven€¦ · Conditional clauses Relative clauses Participle clauses Dangling...