|  Exposing Tips to Eliminate Confusion in Your Articles!
Article writing doesn't require a doctorate in English, just a basic understanding of how to use the English language to communicate your ideas clearly. Here are three common errors that cause confusion for readers. Common Error #1 – Using Understood Verbs Incorrectly The technical stuff: Understood verbs occur when you could use an additional verb (action word) at the close of a sentence, but you choose to not include it. This causes confusion because readers aren't sure who's doing what within the sentence. Give readers all the tools they need to understand exactly what you're saying, even if it means using a few extra words. Don't assume they'll "get it." For example: "I love writing articles more than Sally!" This sentence could mean one of two things: 1) You love writing articles more than you love Sally, or 2) You love writing articles more than Sally does. Be clear, otherwise you might find yourself in some hot water with Sally! Common Error #2 – Using Too Much Passive Voice The technical stuff: Passive voice occurs when the subject of a sentence indicates the recipient of the action. When readers don't find out what's happening until the very end of the sentence they become confused or bored. When writers use too much passive voice, their readers fall asleep! You want to engage your readers. If they're bored or confused by your writing, they'll leave. Active voice is the best way to grab your reader's attention and hold it. The key to using active voice is making sure that the subject of the sentence is doing something, rather than something being done to it. Examples: Passive: Lots of information was learned by the readers. Active: The readers learned lots of information. Passive: The right words were used by the speaker and the audience's attention was grabbed. Active: The speaker grabbed the audience's attention by using the right words. Notice passive voice uses words like "was," "were," "been," and "being." Avoid using too many of these. Common Error #3 – Misusing Commas The technical stuff: The comma is used to indicate a slight pause in a sentence, to separate a nonrestrictive clause from a main clause, and/or to create distinct items in a list. Commas can create confusion and distraction; where you place this tiny punctuation mark can drastically change the meaning of a sentence. For example, compare the following two sentences: "Go, get him doctors!" – A command to go get medical help for someone. "Go get him, doctors!" – Urging doctors to go get someone. Entire books have been written about how, when, where and why to use them (or not). Keep it simple. Read your article out loud, and stick commas where you naturally pause. For example: "Her articles always grab my attention, and they deliver great content!" You can make your articles sound a lot better without struggling through language and syntax classes or wrestling with boring textbooks. Grammar is one of the most important tools in your communication belt. Don't get too hung up on the ins and outs, just make sure that your readers can follow what you're saying. They're hungry for your knowledge, and a quick grammar check helps you deliver it clearly. For more great tips and tricks to help jumpstart your article writing efforts, visit our Article Writing and Insights blog, here! | 
To Your Article Writing Success & Passion!
To Your Article Writing Success & Passion!
