https://www.hamilton.edu/academics/centers/writing/seven-sins-of-writing 05BA2C16-916E-B2B8-10D83E3CF0239D1C 65414A3A-7910-4732-AAADD93B5B03EBDB Skip Main Navigation Hamilton Menu Search Utility * Apply * Request * Visit You are here: 1. Home > 2. Academics > 3. Centers & Resources > 4. Writing Center > 5. Seven Sins of Writing > Seven Sins of Writing In This Section Close Navigation * About Us * Tutoring Services + 2023-24 Tutors * Writing Resources * Seven Sins of Writing + Passive Voice + Incorrect Punctuation of Two Independent Clauses + Wordiness + Misuse of the Apostrophe + Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers + Pronoun Problems + The Dreaded Pet Peeves * Faculty Resources First Sin of Writing Passive Voice In most instances, put the verb in the active voice rather than in the passive voice. Passive voice produces a sentence in which the subject receives an action. In contrast, active voice produces a sentence in which the subject performs an action. Sin One Sin Two of Writing Incorrect Punctuation of Two Independent Clauses Writers often combine independent clauses in a single compound sentence to emphasize a close relationship between ideas. The punctuation of compound sentences varies depending upon how you connect the clauses. Sin Two Sin Three of Writing Wordiness Concise writing is key to clear communication. Wordiness obscures your ideas and frustrates your reader. Make your points succinctly. Sin Three Sin 4 of Writing Misuse of the Apostrophe Apostrophes may indicate possession or mark omitted letters in contractions. Writers often misuse apostrophes when forming plurals and possessives. The basic rule is quite simple: use the apostrophe to indicate possession, not a plural. Sin Four Writing Sin Six Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers Misplaced and dangling modifiers create illogical, even comical, sentences. We confuse our readers if we fail to connect modifiers (words that describe or limit other words) to the words they modify; be sure to place modifiers next to the words they modify. Sin Five Writing Sin Six Pronoun Problems Pronouns are useful as substitutes for nouns, but a poorly chosen pronoun can obscure the meaning of a sentence. Sin Six Writing Sin Seven Writing Pet Peeves Learning to write clearly and effectively is at the heart of Hamilton College's mission statement: "Hamilton students learn to think independently, embrace difference, write and speak persuasively, and engage issues ethically and creatively." We asked our professors to share some common writing mistakes. Sin Seven Loading... Student on computer Express Yourself Developing the ability to communicate in a clear, organized, and effective way is a central goal of a liberal arts education -- and a prerequisite for a successful career. That's why we established centers for writing and speaking. Learn More Contact Office / Department Name Nesbitt-Johnston Writing Center Contact Name Jennifer Ambrose Writing Center Director Office Location Kirner-Johnson 152 Email wcpapers@hamilton.edu Hours M - 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Tu - 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. W - 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Th - 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Fr - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Su - 2 p.m. - 10 p.m. Because Hamilton - Help Change Lives The $400 million campaign to provide students with a life-altering education. Learn More About the Campaign Make a Gift Hamilton College 198 College Hill Road, Clinton, NY 13323 315-859-4011 Social * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Linkedin * Youtube * TikTok Social * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Linkedin * Youtube Footer * My Hamilton * Maps & Directions * Offices & Services * Library & IT * Accessibility * Privacy * Jobs * Contact Us Hamilton College 198 College Hill Rd, Clinton, NY 13323 315-859-4011 (c) 2023 Hamilton College. All Rights Reserved. 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