Common Technical Writing Errors
There are so many potential grammatical errors, I can’t cover possibly them all. Using Microsoft Word’s grammar checker can help you catch mistakes. It is a good tool, though far from perfect. Using a grammar handbook can also help you correct errors. To give you a little more guidance, though, this document covers some of the more common errors I’ve seen over the years in students’ technical writing projects. The list is far from exhaustive, but should be useful for spotting many basic errors.
Correcting and Avoiding Grammatical Errors
- Limit pronoun use. Over use of pronouns often causes confusion, so in general avoid using pronouns. Instead use specific terms whenever you can.
Problem Statement
The Data Entry Screen should appear next. It has twenty fields for entering information. Enter name, gender, and date of birth in them.
Improved Statement
The Data Entry Screen should appear next. This screen has twenty fields for entering information. Enter name, gender, and date of birth in the first three fields.
- Avoid overly long/run on sentences.
Problem Statement
To ensure efficient product delivery, the plant supervisor should ship new products by noon three days prior to the scheduled deadline in all cases unless there are extenuating circumstances or if there are problems which cannot be avoided it is best then to use phone notification so that the customer can anticipate delivery delays.
Improved Statement
To ensure efficient product delivery, the plant supervisor should ship new products at least three days prior to the scheduled deadline. When on time delivery is not possible, customers should by phone of the anticipated shipping delay.
3.