All written answers on tests and quizzes require that the student spell correctly and use proper grammar. Examples below illustrate the most common grammar mistakes occurring in my class along with a correct "re-write." Please view this list carefully before all quizzes and especially before for the test essay.
The following "incorrect" statements were pulled from actual student essays.
The "correct" statement is a rewrite by me.
Do NOT use the first person:
Never use the words I, me, you, we, etc. when writing an essay that is not about a personal subject matter.
Incorrect: After we calculate the formula, we will divide by five.
Correct: After the formula is calculated, divide by five.
Incorrect: As the air parcel rises you have to subtract 5.5 oF for every thousand feet of ascent.
Correct: As the air parcel rises, subtract 5.5 oF for every thousand feet of ascent.
Know the difference between THAN and THEN:
Than is a comparison while then is related to time.
Incorrect: The parcel of air is warmer then its surroundings.
Correct: The parcel of air is warmer than its surroundings.
Do NOT assign human characteristics to words or ideas:
Only humans, animals, and some machines can perform actions such as calculating, seeing, knowing, talking, etc.
Incorrect: The lapse rate formula tells us the rate of temperature change with height.
Correct: The lapse rate formula is used to relate the rate of temperature change with height.
Incorrect: If the air parcel decides to rise, it will cool.
Correct: If the air parcel rises, it will cool.
Do NOT use pronouns if it is unclear what that pronoun modifies:
When using words such as it, they, that, etc. make sure that the pronoun is not ambiguous. If there is any question which word or idea the pronoun represents, use the actual word instead. Do so even if it makes the sentence seem longer or if words are repeated.
Incorrect: It relates the temperature change of it with altitude. It also depends upon water vapor content of it as well.
Correct: The adiabatic lapse rate is used to calculate the change of temperature of rising air. However, the adiabatic lapse rate also depends upon the water vapor content of the parcel.
Incorrect: Once they are measured they can be used to determine when it reaches the freezing point.
Correct: Once the dewpoint and air temperature are measured, they can be used to determine when the air parcel reaches the freezing point
Do NOT use awkward wording. Sentences should be able to "stand alone:"
Every sentence in your essay should be able to stand on its own and mean something. If a sentence is read "by itself" and it makes no sense, then that sentence is useless.
Incorrect: The adiabatic process is when temperature changes.
Correct: The adiabatic process relates the temperature change of a rising/sinking air parcel.
Incorrect: Now the calculation is done.
Correct: After the calculation, the amount of cooling will have been determined.
Use proper sentence structure:
Sentences must always have a subject and verb, should not sound awkward, and should not be considered a "run on."
Incorrect: The environmental lapse rate is defined as the temperature on the ground given subtracted by the second temperature in the air and the problem can be set up in the formula…
Correct: The environmental lapse rate is defined as the rate of change of temperature between two temperatures at two given altitudes. The problem is set up by taking the difference between the two temperatures and dividing by the difference of the two altitudes.
Do NOT use abbreviations:
Spell out all words and avoid abbreviations unless that abbreviation has been DEFINED previously.
Incorrect: The ELR relates temp change with height between 2 points.
Correct: The environmental lapse rate relates temperature change with height between two points.
