Common errors

UK or US English

List of UK and US spelling alternatives

Data are plural

The word data is (generally) plural, because it refers to multiple pieces of information. Datum [singluar] is rarely used.

For example:

Correct        These data (points) show …

Incorrect     This data (points) shows …

Contractions

Do not use contractions in academic writing. For example, don’t, can’t, it’s, etc.

Remember:

It’s – contraction of it is

Its - possessive (ie, belongs to)

Composed of and comprised

Comprise isn’t followed by of.

Correct          It is composed of three parts.

Correct        It comprises three parts.

Incorrect       It comprises of three parts.

Affect vs effect

Affect (v):  to influence, to modify, to change.

Effect (n):  a result, a consequence, an outcome.

Effect (v):  to bring about; to cause to happen

Examples

The increased use of pesticides affects (v) agricultural productivity.

The use of polychlorinated benzenes has an effect (n) on the cancer rate.

The new procedure effected (v) a 50% increase in yield.