Writing & Grammar: Name That Error–The Answers

by Jennie Ruby

Here are the answers to last week's grammar challenge. Were you able to name the errors? Did you fix them correctly? Some of these problems may have more than one correct answer. For example, the sentence fragment can be corrected many different ways. If you have questions about any of these, I would love to hear from you.

1. Using the new iPad app, the best erosion control method can be found quickly.

   Using the new iPad app, engineers can find the best erosion control method quickly. You can correct this dangling participle by adding a subject that is described by the introductory participial phrase.

2. A basic telescope can allow you to see Jupiter and its moons but for more distant objects such as the Crab Nebula you need more serious gear.

   You can correct this run-on sentence by adding a comma after moons.

    

3. The new second-generation processor delivers improved resolution, it transforms your ordinary video into a stunning feast for the eyes.

   You could correct this comma splice by changing the comma to a semicolon.

    

4. Improving the computer's speed on benchmark tests by only 2.4%, graphics were still slow to upload after the upgrade.

   The upgrade improved the computer's speed on benchmark tests by only 2.4%, so graphics were still slow to upload. You could correct this misplaced modifier by moving the word being modified closer to its modifier. In my correction, I converted the modifier phrase starting with improving into a complete clause by adding the word upgrade. 

    

5. To prevent hacking of the present system and work toward a long-term solution while saving money along the way.

   We can prevent hacking of the present system and work toward a long-term solution while saving money along the way. You can fix this sentence fragment by adding a subject or by adding a complete independent clause.

    

6. While one may need an industrial-grade personnel training solution in the long term, you can still address basic needs with an entry-level system today.

   While you may need… I fixed this unexpected change in person by changing one to you to match the pronoun you in the second part of the sentence.

    

7. This training forum allows you to discuss newly developed materials, upload samples for beta testing and to receive detailed feedback from your colleagues.

   You could fix this lack of parallelism by adding the word to before upload. And depending on your style guide, you might add the optional serial comma after testing.

8. Building management gave the task of self-publishing the materials to all of the development office staff, including myself.

   You can correct the incorrect pronoun usage by changing myself to me.

My next live, online grammar class is a one-day review, May 10. Bring your actual problem sentences, hyphenation questions, and other grammar conundrums and have them answered once and for all. Sign up now to allow time for your copy of Abrams' Guide to Grammar to arrive before the class.

About the Author:  Jennie Ruby is a veteran IconLogic trainer and author with titles such as "Editing with Word 2003 and Acrobat 7" and "Editing with MS Word 2007" to her credit. She is a publishing professional with more than 20 years of experience in writing, editing and desktop publishing.