Appendix D: Common Grammar, Usage, and Spelling Problems

This appendix covers only those grammar, punctuation, usage, and spelling problems that give people the biggest headaches.

If you can't find answers to what you are looking for here, consult a standard reference handbook such as one of the following (try to get an edition published after 1990):

The Riverside Handbook

Corder, Jim W. and John J. Ruszkiewicz. Handbook of Current English. Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman.

Hefferman, James A. and John E. Lincoln. Writing: A College Handbook. New York: W. W. Norton.

Hodges, John C. and Mary E. Whitten. Hodges' Harbrace College Handbook. New York: Harcourt Brace and Janovich.

Leggett, Glen, et al. Handbook for Writers. Englewood-Cliffs: Prentice-Hall.

Strunk, William, and E. B. White. Elements of Style. New York: Macmillan, 1979.

Technical-writing professionals try to simplify grammar rules as much as possible, without hurting the language or putting themselves in straitjackets. Typically, they work in teams and frequently move in and out of projects--so that the same document may be worked on by different writers and editors during the space of just a few years. That's why any guidelines based on interpretation or personal style or judgment must be avoided.

Return to the table of contents for the Online Technical Writing Course Guide (the online textbook for online technical communication courses at Austin Community College and other institutions worldwide).

The code is 3987

This information is provided and maintained by David A. McMurrey. For information on use, customization, or copies, e-mail hcexres@io.com.