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pass          Passive voice

Passive voice uses a specific grammatical form: be + past participle. Most errors are with form. Another common error is with the order of words that confuses subject and object. When possible, use active voice as preferred in APA style.

Example with Error: The nurse was administered the medication to the patient.
Example with Correction (passive voice): The medication was administered to the patient.
Example with Correction (active voice): The nurse administered the medication to the patient.

Passive Verb (form)   | Active and passive compared   | Use the active voice

PL          Plural error

If there is more than one, plural form should be used. Most plural forms add an “s” but there are exceptions. Do not use an apostrophe to indicate plural. Apostrophes are used to indicate possession (e.g., Sara’s book) or contraction (e.g., don’t)

Example with Error: There were not many patient to take care of during my shift.
Example with Correction: There were not many patients to take care of during my shift.

For more, see our LCGuide.

poss          Possessive form

Most often, the possessive is used to show ownership of something by adding an apostrophe and “s” to the noun ending. The most common errors are
a) wrong placement of the ”s” and
b) confusion over singular or plural nouns.

Example with Error: This is Saras’ book.
Example with Correction: This is Sara’s book. (The book belongs to Sara.)

For more, see our LCGuide.

prep         Preposition error

A preposition is a word that indicates a location or a time relationship between a noun or pronoun and other parts of the sentence. TIP: A preposition is followed by a noun or pronoun. The most common errors are with in / at / on.

Example with Error: We started classes in September 2nd this year.
Example with Correction: We started classes on September 2nd this year.

For more, see https://lc.ucalgary.edu.qa/writingstyle/prep

Pro         Pronoun error

A pronoun refers to a previously stated noun. A singular pronoun should refer to a singular noun and a plural pronoun should refer to a plural noun.

Example with Error: Those nurses are very professional. It treat all patients with respect.
Example with Correction: Those nurses are very professional. They treat all patients with respect.

For more, see https://lc.ucalgary.edu.qa/writingstyle/pronoun