As a professional writer, it’s important to have a firm grasp on proper grammar and punctuation. Not only does it affect the clarity and professionalism of your writing, but it can also impact how your audience interprets your message. Below are some common grammar mistakes to steer clear of in your professional writing.

Using Passive Voice 🚫

Using passive voice can make your writing sound weak and impersonal. It’s important to use active voice to give your writing more impact and make it more engaging for the reader. For example, instead of saying “Mistakes were made,” say “I made mistakes.” This way, you take ownership of your actions and show accountability.

A cartoon figure making a mistake and pointing at themselves, showing ownership of their actions

Confusing Its and It’s 🤔

“Its” refers to possession, while “it’s” is a contraction of “it is” or “it has.” This mistake is one of the most common in writing but can easily be avoided by learning the difference between the two. Always remember, if you can replace “it’s” with “it is” or “it has,” then you should use an apostrophe.

An image with "its" and "it's" used in a sentence, with an apostrophe included for "it's"

Misusing Commas 😬

Commas are often used incorrectly in professional writing, which can affect the meaning of a sentence. A common mistake is using a comma before “and” in a list when it’s not necessary. However, if you have a compound sentence, you should use a comma before “and” to separate the two independent clauses. It’s important to learn the rules of comma usage to avoid miscommunicating your message.

An image with a list of items, with a comma incorrectly placed before "and"

Overusing Exclamation Points 😱

Exclamation points can be used to convey excitement or emphasis, but using them too frequently can make your writing look unprofessional. Instead, use strong and descriptive language to convey your message without relying on exclamation points. If you do use them, be sure to use them sparingly and appropriately.

An image of an exclamation point with the word "overuse" written in bold letters

Apostrophe Misuse 🙅‍♀️

Apostrophes are used to show possession or to indicate missing letters in a contraction. However, they should not be used to make a word plural. This is a common mistake in professional writing, which can impact the clarity and professionalism of your message. Make sure to use apostrophes correctly to avoid confusion.

An image with "apple's" written incorrectly with an apostrophe used to make the word plural

By avoiding these common grammar mistakes, you can ensure that your professional writing is clear and effective. Remember to always proofread your work and seek feedback from others to improve the quality of your writing.

A cartoon figure holding a book with the title "Grammar Mistakes to Steer Clear of in Professional Writing"