学術論文でよくある文法の誤り

• 一致（Agreement）。 最も近い名詞ではなく、真の主語を見つける。The collection of samples は were ではなく was を取る（テンプレート）。APA 7 §4.15：動詞は主語の数に一致する。UNC：one of the problems that… では、動詞は problems に一致する。
• Data。CMOSはdataを、一般用法では質量名詞（less data）、科学では複数（fewer data）として扱う。どの分野にも一つの形を押しつけない。
• Singular they。 APA 7 §4.18、CMOS 18、MLA Style Center はすべて、一般的および指示的な they を認める。they is ではなく they are と書く。人物の表明した代名詞を he or she に「修正」しない。
• コンマの接続 / ランオン。 2つの独立節には、ピリオド、セミコロン、ダッシュ、または等位接続詞付きのコンマが必要である。コンマだけでは接続になる。UNC：コンマを足すだけでは済まない。
• 文断片。Because…節は、独立節に結びつくまで文ではない。
• シリアルコンマ。 APA、CMOS、MLA は、3項目以上の列挙で最後の and または or の前にコンマを要求する。UNC は短い列挙では最後のコンマを任意とする。学術論文は、ニュース編集部でも UNC の任意規定でもなく、指定されたマニュアルに従う。
• That / which。 限定節：that（コンマなし）が米国学術のデフォルト。付加情報：which（コンマあり）。That は非限定節を開くことはできない。
• ぶら下がり修飾語。MLA：何も修飾しない、または誤った名詞を修飾する句はぶら下がる。A renowned author, her work…には、著者を結びつける名詞がない。
• 並列リスト。列挙の各項目は同じ文法形を共有しなければならない。UNC：supporting…, reducing…, and educationが失敗形。MLA：not onlyは両方の項目を支配する動詞の後に置く。
• アポストロフィ。MLA：it’s = it is；itsは所有格。姓と曜日の複数にアポストロフィは付けない：The Wallaces、Sundays。

一致テンプレート、誤り

The collection of samples were completed in March.

一致テンプレート、正しい

The collection of samples was completed in March.

節境界テンプレート

2つの完全な考え：ピリオド、セミコロン、ダッシュ、またはコンマ＋and/but/or/so。コンマだけでは不可。

修飾語テンプレート

文頭の句＋実際にその行為をした人または物。data、論文、結果ではない。

APA Style, Singular “they” (§4.18; last updated July 2022)

The singular “they” is a generic third-person singular pronoun in English. Use of the singular “they” is endorsed as part of APA Style because it is inclusive of all people and helps writers avoid making assumptions about gender.

APA Style, Singular “they” (verb agreement)

Use a plural verb form with the singular pronoun “they” (i.e., write “they are” not “they is”).

APA Style student-paper checklist, Grammar (Publication Manual §4.15)

Use verbs that agree in number (i.e., singular or plural) with their subjects.

APA Style student-paper checklist, Pronouns (Publication Manual §§4.16–4.21)

Use the singular “they” when referring to a person who uses it as their self-identified pronoun or to a person whose gender is unknown or irrelevant.

CMOS Shop Talk (announcing CMOS 18)

The generic singular they will now be considered acceptable even in formal writing—for example, when the antecedent is an indefinite pronoun (someone forgot their coat) or when referring to a person whose gender is unknown or irrelevant (will the driver of the yellow sedan please move their car) or whose identity must be concealed (the author wants their privacy protected).

University of Chicago News, 21 February 2025 (CMOS 18)

Though the 17th edition of the Manual had previously endorsed the use of “they/them” as a personal pronoun, the newest edition now explicitly endorses the use of the generic singular “they” when referring to a person whose gender is unknown or unspecified (for example, each student should bring their own lunch).

MLA Style Center, How do I use singular they? (4 March 2020)

The MLA advises writers to always follow the personal pronouns of individuals they write about.

MLA Style Center, Serial Commas and Serial Semicolons

Proponents of the serial comma, like the MLA, would decry the inconsistency of the use-it-when-you-need-it approach and advocate using the serial comma in all series of three or more items or phrases.

APA Style, Accessible typography (Myth 6; last updated February 2024)

Not everyone calls for the serial comma: APA’s Publication Manual, the MLA Handbook, the Chicago Manual of Style, and Elements of Style require it, whereas The Associated Press Stylebook leaves it optional.

APA Style, student-paper formatting checklist

Use a serial comma before the final element in lists of three or more items.

Chicago Manual of Style Q&A (Usage and Grammar #364)

Even though “data” doesn’t look like a plural, you would write “less data” or “fewer data” depending on whether you consider “data” as a mass noun (as in common usage) or as a plural (as in the sciences).

Chicago Manual of Style Q&A (Which vs. That)

The basic rule: Use “which” plus commas to set off nonrestrictive (unnecessary) clauses; use “that” to introduce a restrictive (necessary) clause:

UNC Writing Center, Fragments and Run-ons

You CANNOT simply add a comma between the two sentences, or you’ll end up with what’s called a “comma splice.”

MLA Style Center, dangling modifiers

When a modifier modifies the wrong word or has nothing to modify at all, writing experts say that the modifier dangles.

APA Style, Lists

When writing a list, ensure all items are syntactically and conceptually parallel.

テンプレート、誤り

The collection of samples were completed in March.

テンプレート、正しい

The collection of samples was completed in March.

テンプレート、誤り

Each of the participants were given a questionnaire.

テンプレート、正しい

Each of the participants was given a questionnaire.

Eachは、後ろに複数名詞が続いても単数です。最初の対の主語はcollectionであり、samplesではありません。

UNC、複数

People who win the lottery are lucky. (plural verb)

UNC、単数

A person who wins the lottery every year is lucky. (singular verb)

UNC、thatはproblemに一致

Homelessness is a problem that needs to be addressed. (singular problem)

UNC、thatはproblemsに一致

Homelessness is one of the problems that need to be addressed. (plural problems)

CMOS、質量名詞としてのdata

We had a lot less data to support our hypothesis than we wanted. [data as mass noun]

CMOS、複数名詞としてのdata

The second group of researchers returned fewer data than the first. [data as a plural noun]

CMOS, emissions (official preference)

fewer CO₂ emissions, but less CO₂ (carbon dioxide is a mass—or noncount—noun: CO₂ is; CO₂ emissions are)

CMOS：後者の用法、fewer を含むものは、AMA Manual of Style（10th ed., §7.8.2）が支持する用法である。同じ回答は lower emissions が良い代替と述べる；less emissions は厳格派を満たさない。

MLA, specific use

Jules is writing their research paper on Jane Austen’s Persuasion.

MLA, specific use, reflexive

Ari read the instructions to themselves [or themself] before beginning the test.

MLA, generic (do not invent a gender)

Each taxpayer must file his or her tax return before 15 April.

MLA, generic, singular they

Each taxpayer must file their tax return before 15 April.

MLA, generic, they after When a celebrity

When a celebrity joins Twitter they gain tens of thousands of followers within minutes.

MLA, anonymous reviewer

The anonymous reviewer recommends in their report that the essay be published after minor revisions.

MLA, Everyone

Everyone wants to do well on their midterm.

MLA：一般的用法では、作家は he または she 単独、または he と she の交互使用をすべきではない。複数形への言い換えや代名詞を避けた書き直しも可。人物の表明した they を避けるための回避策として使わない。

APA / CMOS 18, generic (official CMOS example)

someone forgot their coat

APA / CMOS 18, generic (UChicago News example)

each student should bring their own lunch

APA Style, official form table (Casey)

Casey is a gender-fluid person. They are from Texas and enjoy tacos.

APA verb form

they are (not they is)

APA noun form

Casey is or a person is (not Casey are or a person are)

性別を捏造しない

総称としてheを使わない。APA：(s)heやs/heのような結合形を使わない。he or sheは、それらの代名詞が実際に記述対象の人々と一致するときにだけ使う。

theyがぎこちなく感じるとき

APA allows a rewrite that drops the pronoun, or a plural recast (Students must submit their assignments). Do not use those workarounds to avoid a person’s stated they.

テンプレート、不明確

The researchers discussed the results with the participants, and they were satisfied.

テンプレート、明確

The researchers discussed the results with the participants, and the participants were satisfied.

UNC, shortest complete sentence

They waited.

UNC、run-on（融合文）

My favorite Mediterranean spread is hummus it is very garlicky.

UNC、セミコロン

My favorite Mediterranean spread is hummus; it is very garlicky.

UNC、カンマ＋等位接続詞

My favorite Mediterranean spread is hummus, and it is very garlicky.

UNC、二つの文

My favorite Mediterranean spread is hummus. It is very garlicky.

UNC, subordinating conjunction

My favorite Mediterranean spread is hummus because it is very garlicky.

UNC, em-dash

My favorite Mediterranean spread is hummus—it is very garlicky.

UNC、カンマスプライス（違法な「修正」）

My favorite Mediterranean spread is hummus, it is very garlicky.

UNC, yes/no on a complete sentence

Is my favorite Mediterranean spread hummus?

UNC, tag on a complete sentence

My favorite Mediterranean spread is hummus, isn’t it?

UNC, the fused sentence fails the single-question test

Is my favorite Mediterranean spread hummus is it very garlicky?

UNC、カンマスプライス

My hamster loved to play, I gave him a hula-hoop.

UNC, second splice

You wore a lovely hat, it was your only defense.

UNC, FANBOYS repair

You wore a lovely hat, for it was your only defense.

UNC、接続副詞、正しい

Basketball is my favorite sport; however, table tennis is where I excel.

UNC、接続副詞、これも正しい

Basketball is my favorite sport. However, table tennis is where I excel.

UNC、接続副詞、誤り

Basketball is my favorite sport, however, table tennis is where I excel.

UNC、断片

Because their car was in the shop.

UNC、完全（節が先）

Because their car was in the shop, they took the bus.

UNC、完全（節が後）

They took the bus because their car was in the shop.

UNC, fragment (time)

After the rain stops

UNC, fragment (condition)

When you finally take the test

テンプレート、-ing断片

断片：The participants ranging in age from 18 to 65. 完全：The participants ranged in age from 18 to 65.

APA Style, accessible typography (no serial comma)

Jiji the cat likes sleeping in the sun, cuddles and treats.

APA Style, accessible typography (serial comma)

Jiji the cat likes sleeping in the sun, cuddles, and treats.

APA Style, Tasha is not the sister

I bought presents for my sister, my father, and Tasha.

APA Style, Tasha is the sister

I bought presents for my father and my sister, Tasha.

APA Style, rewrite rather than drop the comma

I play basketball with Lebron James, Sheryl Swoops, and my son.

MLA Style Center, ambiguous without the comma

Lia ordered three smoothies: strawberry, peach and mango and pineapple.

MLA Style Center, why that sentence fails

Without a serial comma placed after peach or after mango, it isn’t clear if “peach and mango” is one flavor or if “mango and pineapple” is.

MLA Style Center, second ambiguity

Sam took his dog for a walk and ran into Deirdre, a friend and his dentist.

UNC Writing Center, semicolons

I bought shiny, ripe apples; small, sweet, juicy grapes; and firm pears.

MLA Style Center, four speakers

The invited speakers are the association’s president; the vice president; the councilwoman, Suzette Tanner; and Walter McCarthy, the executive director.

CMOS Q&A, official rewrite of the tax-act sentence

The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, which became law on June 7, 2001, is the largest change in tax regulations in over two decades.

CMOS Q&A, restrictive

Pizza that’s less than an inch deep just isn’t Chicago-style.

CMOS Q&A, non-restrictive

Pizza, which is a favorite among Chicagoans, can be either bad for you or good, depending on how much of it you eat.

CMOS Q&A, restrictive which (British, no commas)

Pianos which have a fourth pedal to mute the strings are popular among apartment owners.

UNC、制限

I like the paintings that hang in the SASB North lobby.

UNC、非制限

My mother, who is an excellent cook, is thinking of opening a restaurant.

UNC、不可

I’m planning to grow roses, that I find quite beautiful.

UNC、可

I’m planning to grow roses, which I find quite beautiful.

MLA、five common questions、ぶら下がり

A renowned author, her work has received several awards.

MLA、five common questions、結びついた

A renowned author, she has received several awards for her work.

MLA, five common questions, exception

Given the weather conditions, schools and offices closed for the day.

MLA、ピザのぶら下がり

Topped with pepperoni and covered with extra cheese, the children devoured the pizza.

MLA、ピザ改訂

Topped with pepperoni and covered with extra cheese, the pizza was devoured by the children.

MLA、行為者なし

Turning the corner, a house came into view.

MLA、行為者を補った

As we turned the corner, a house came into view.

MLA, mid-sentence dangler

Class participation should be considered when giving final grades in the course.

MLA, mid-sentence revised

Instructors should consider class participation when giving final grades in the course.

MLA, adjective dangler

Tired and cranky, Jack’s morning cup of coffee got him through the day.

MLA, adjective revised

Tired and cranky, Jack needed his morning cup of coffee to get him through the day.

MLA, like dangler

Like most office workers these days, our in-boxes are filled with e-mail.

MLA、asのぶら下がり

As a dancer, your feet need proper care.

MLA、as改訂

As a dancer, you need to take proper care of your feet.

テンプレート、研究の書き出し

Dangling: Using regression analysis, the data showed significant trends. Attached: Using regression analysis, we found significant trends in the data.

UNC、並列でない

The three pillars of the Mayor’s campaign are supporting local business, reducing crime, and education.

UNC、並列の動名詞

The three pillars of the Mayor’s campaign are supporting local business, reducing crime, and increasing educational funding.

UNC、並列の名詞

The three pillars of the Mayor’s campaign are local business development, crime reduction, and education.

UNC, non-parallel terms

The study included teenagers, people in their thirties, and octogenarians.

UNC, parallel terms

The study included people in their teens, in their thirties, and in their eighties.

MLA、not onlyが早すぎる

John not only noticed Bob’s new car but also Bob’s new toupee.

MLA、支配する動詞の後のnot only

John noticed not only Bob’s new car but also Bob’s new toupee.

MLA、縮約対所有

“It’s” is a contraction of “it” and “is,” and “you’re” is a contraction of “you” and “are.” “Its” is the possessive form of “it,” and “your” is the possessive form of “you.”

MLA、複数にアポストロフィを付けない

For family names and any other proper noun, leave out the apostrophe to make them plural: “The Wallaces,” “Sundays.”

MLA、複合形容詞にハイフンを付ける

In phrases like “problem-solving strategies” and “event-planning guidelines,” hyphens make sense.

MLA、名詞句にハイフンを付けない

I have seen references to “the world-order,” “advanced problem-solving,” and “event-planning.” But these phrases don’t need hyphens.

MLA、否定の後の曖昧なbecause

He did not learn anything that day because he was asleep in class.

MLA、becauseの前のカンマ

He did not learn anything that day, because he was asleep in class.

• スペルチェッカーに全面依存しない。your / you're、to / too、there / theirを見落とす。
• 文法チェッカーの旗は仮説として扱う。UNC：プログラムは限られた数の規則で動き、しばしば誤る。
• 一度に一種類の誤りだけを校正する。
• ゆっくり読み、すべての語を読む。声に出して読み、節の境界を聞く。
• テキストを個々の文に分けるか、定規で各行を隔離する。
• すべての句読点を丸で囲み、それが必須かを問う。
• 綴りは語ごとに後ろから読む；文法は文ごとに読む。
• 確信が持てない事例を調べる。UNCの試験問題はいまでもShould you use “that” instead of “which”?である。

• すべての動詞が本当の主語と一致している（one of the…節を含む）
• Data、criteria、phenomenaがハウススタイルと一貫している
• APA 7、CMOS 18、MLA が要求する箇所では singular they を使用する；汎用的な he の残りはない
• カンマスプライスがない；howeverがカンマだけで節をつないていない
• 従属節の断片がない
• 指定マニュアルが APA、CMOS、MLA の場合、3項目以上のすべての列挙にシリアルコンマ（項目に既にコンマがある場合はシリアルセミコロン）がある
• 制限節はカンマなしのthat；付加情報はカンマ付きのwhich
• 文頭の修飾語は次の名詞に結びつく；A renowned author, her work…がない
• リストは並列；not onlyは支配する動詞の後にある
• アポストロフィは所有または縮約であり、年の複数、PhDs、Sundaysではない
• 休憩のあと、下書きを声に出して読んだ