As an academic writing professional and having written multiple papers for Australian students, I frequently encounter a range of grammatical errors in student essays. While many of these mistakes are universal, some are particularly relevant to the Australian context. This comprehensive guide will address common grammar pitfalls, highlight distinctions in Australian English, and provide strategies for enhancing the overall quality of academic writing.
Before delving into specific grammar mistakes, it’s crucial to understand that Australian English has its unique characteristics. While it shares many similarities with British English, it also has distinct spellings, vocabulary, and usage patterns. The Macquarie Dictionary, considered the standard reference for Australian English, is an invaluable resource for understanding these nuances.
One of the most common grammatical errors in student essays is incorrect subject-verb agreement. This occurs when the subject and verb in a sentence do not match in number (singular or plural).
Incorrect: The group of students were discussing the assignment. Correct: The group of students was discussing the assignment.
In Australian English, collective nouns like “group,” “team,” or “government” are typically treated as singular entities, which differs from some other English variants.
Apostrophe misuse is a prevalent issue in student writing. The two primary functions of apostrophes are to show possession and to indicate contractions.
Incorrect: The students essay’s were full of error’s. Correct: The students’ essays were full of errors.
Remember, in Australian academic writing, contractions (e.g., “don’t,” “can’t”) are generally avoided in favour of their full forms (“do not,” “cannot”).
This common error occurs across all English-speaking countries, including Australia.
Comma usage can significantly impact the clarity and flow of your writing. In Australian English, commas are used similarly to British English, with some slight variations.
Incorrect: However we decided to continue with the experiment. Correct: However, we decided to continue with the experiment.
In Australian academic writing, the Oxford comma (the comma before “and” in a list of three or more items) is optional but becoming increasingly common.
Remember that the improper usage of punctuation can hinder your overall academic performance. For students seeking assistance with refining their academic writing, our essay writing service in Australia offers professional support to enhance the clarity and precision of their work.
Dangling modifiers occur when a descriptive phrase doesn’t clearly relate to the subject it’s modifying.
Incorrect: Walking down the street, the building appeared abandoned. Correct: Walking down the street, we saw that the building appeared abandoned.
These occur when a modifier is placed in a position where it could modify either of two words or phrases, creating ambiguity.
Ambiguous: Students who study regularly only during exam week often struggle. Clear: Students who study only during exam week often struggle. This resource provides more details regarding dangling, misplaced and squinting modifiers.
Pronoun errors, particularly with who/whom and which/that, are common in student essays.
Incorrect: The student whom scored highest on the exam received an award. Correct: The student who scored highest on the exam received an award.
In Australian English, “which” is often used more liberally than in American English, even for restrictive clauses where “that” would be preferred in the US.
Maintaining consistent tense throughout an essay is crucial for clarity and coherence.
Incorrect: The researcher conducted the experiment and then he analyses the results. Correct: The researcher conducted the experiment and then analysed the results.
These errors occur when two independent clauses are joined incorrectly.
Incorrect: The experiment was successful, the hypothesis was proven. Correct: The experiment was successful; the hypothesis was proven.
Alternatively: The experiment was successful, and the hypothesis was proven.
In Australian English, capitalisation rules are similar to British English, which tends to use fewer capital letters than American English.
Incorrect: The Prime Minister discussed Environmental Policy and Economic Growth. Correct: The prime minister discussed environmental policy and economic growth.
However, official titles when used with a name are capitalised (e.g., “Prime Minister Scott Morrison”).
This is a common error across all English variants, including Australian English.
Example: The new policy will affect student enrolment, but its full effect won’t be known for several years.
Semicolons are often misused or underutilised in student essays.
Incorrect: The research had three main components; methodology, analysis and conclusion. Correct: The research had three main components: methodology, analysis and conclusion.
Alternatively: The research was comprehensive; it included methodology, analysis and conclusion.
This is a common error in many English-speaking countries, including Australia.
Incorrect: The university accepted less students this year. Correct: The university accepted fewer students this year.
In Australian English, like British English, “practice” is the noun form, while “practise” is the verb form. This differs from American English, where “practice” is used for both.
Incorrect: She needs to practice more to improve her writing. Correct: She needs to practise more to improve her writing.
Mastering grammar in academic writing is an ongoing process that requires attention to detail and consistent practice. By being aware of these common mistakes and actively working to avoid them, you can significantly improve the quality of your essays. Remember that while grammar is important, it’s just one aspect of effective academic writing. Clear argumentation, thorough research, and logical structure are equally crucial for success in your studies.
For more comprehensive guidance on academic writing in the Australian context, consider referring to resources provided by Charles Darwin University.
By focusing on these areas and continuously refining your skills, you can enhance your academic performance and develop writing proficiency that will serve you well throughout your academic and professional career.
Sandra holds a Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Sydney and has over a decade of experience in academic writing and editing. Her expertise spans across humanities and social sciences, with a particular focus on critical analysis and research methodologies. Sandra's work has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, and she has co-authored two books on contemporary Australian literature.
