Have you ever received a marked assignment with many circled errors? This experience often feels quite discouraging. However, there is some good news to consider. Many writers find that they make the same errors consistently throughout their writing.  Therefore, rather than having 20 different errors in a paper, in reality, they are making the same 2-3 errors multiple times. When you are able to identify the error patterns that are most common for you, you are able to target them specifically, focus on finding them in your writing, and learn strategies for overcoming them. Rather than editing with the vague goal of “I need to improve my grammar”, you will be able to develop specific and achievable goals such as: “eliminate run-on sentences in my writing”, or “eliminate subject-verb agreement errors”.

How can you identify your typical error patterns? A good strategy is to use an error log.

Use an Error Log

What is an error log?  An error log is a personalized document that lists your mistakes and how to correct them. When you receive feedback about a mistake in your writing, you create an entry in your error log that includes the error and how to correct it.

How can an error log help me?  Most people tend to repeat the same errors. As you add entries to your log, you will likely see a pattern emerge. You will be able to identify 2-3 errors that you most commonly make. Then, as you edit your work, you can focus especially on checking and correcting these errors. By concentrating on a smaller number of repeated errors, you will reduce the overall number of mistakes in your writing as you master the areas that are most challenging to you.

How do I make and use an error log?

1. Create a chart or find a notebook to keep with you each time you write.
2. When you discover you have made an error, add it to your chart, along with the correct way to write the sentence.
3. When your error log has several entries, look for patterns. Choose 2-3 errors that you make most frequently. These will become your focus areas.
4. Find resources that will help you correct these frequent errors. Possible resources include English grammars, dictionaries, writing guides, and handouts. You will refer to these materials when you edit.^[1]

References

Cogie, J., Strain, K., & Lorinskas, S. (1999). Avoiding the proofreading trap: The value of the error correction process. Writing Center Journal, 19(2), 7-32 ↵

Attribution

This chapter is an adaptation of Taking Control of Problem Errors by Christina Page and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted. You can download this book free at Effective Editing Copyright © 2019.