We may find it hard to spot grammatical errors in our work if we do not already have a good grasp of the rules of grammar. Using our computer’s grammar check is a good place to start but we need to use it wisely and remember that such checks are not foolproof and that our goal is to understand and master the rules of grammar.

We can improve our knowledge of grammar and correct our work by using a checklist, a list of the most common grammatical mistakes and the ways to address them. A document form the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Writing Center, “Twelve Common Errors:  A Student Self-Editing Guide,” is a superb resource: https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/PDF/twelve_common_errors_uwmadison_writingcenter_rev_sept2012.pdf

The University of Wisconsin Colleges’ list of 11 word-choice errors is helpful supplement: http://uwc.edu/students/academic-support/owl/word-choice-errors