学术写作中的常见语法错误

• 一致（Agreement）。 找真正主语，而非最近的名词。The collection of samples 用 was，不用 were（模板）。APA 7 §4.15：动词与主语在数上一致。UNC：在 one of the problems that… 中，动词与 problems 一致。
• Data。 CMOS 把 data 当作日常用法中的不可数名词（less data），或科学中的复数（fewer data）。不要把一种形式强加给每个领域。
• Singular they。 APA 7 §4.18、CMOS 18 和 MLA Style Center 均接受泛指和指称性 they。写 they are，不写 they is。勿将某人表明的代词“纠正”为 he or she。
• 逗号粘连 / 流水句。 两个独立分句需要句号、分号、破折号，或逗号加并列连词。单独逗号构成粘连。UNC：不能仅靠加逗号解决。
• 残缺句。 Because… 分句在接到独立分句之前不是句子。
• 系列逗号。 APA、CMOS 和 MLA 要求在三项及以上列举中，最后一个 and 或 or 前加逗号。UNC 在短列举中将末逗号视为可选。学术论文遵循指定手册，而非新闻编辑部或 UNC 的可选默认。
• That / which。 限制性从句：that（无逗号）为美国学术默认。补充信息：which（有逗号）。That 不能引导非限制性从句。
• 垂悬修饰语。 MLA：修饰了错误的词，或根本没有可修饰对象的短语，就是垂悬。A renowned author, her work… 没有可供作者附着的名词。
• 平行列表。 系列中每一项必须共用一种语法形状。UNC：supporting…, reducing…, and education 就是失败模式。MLA：not only 放在统辖两项的动词之后。
• 撇号。 MLA：it’s = it is；its 是所有格。姓名与星期的复数不加撇号：The Wallaces、Sundays。

一致模板，错误

The collection of samples were completed in March.

一致模板，正确

The collection of samples was completed in March.

分句边界模板

两个完整意思：句号、分号、破折号，或逗号 + and/but/or/so。不能只用逗号。

修饰语模板

Opening phrase + the person or thing that actually did it. Not the data, the paper, or the results.

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.

模板，错误

The collection of samples were completed in March.

模板，正确

The collection of samples was completed in March.

模板，错误

Each of the participants were given a questionnaire.

模板，正确

Each of the participants was given a questionnaire.

即使后面跟复数名词，Each 仍是单数。第一对的主语是 collection，不是 samples。

UNC，复数

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

UNC，单数

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

UNC，that 与 problem 一致

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

UNC，that 与 problems 一致

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

CMOS，data 作不可数名词

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

CMOS，data 作复数名词

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：后者用法，含 fewer，为 AMA Manual of Style（10th ed., §7.8.2）所支持。同一答复称 lower emissions 是较好替代；less emissions 无法满足较真者。

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：泛指时，作者不应单独使用 he 或 she，也不应交替使用 he 和 she。改为复数或去代词改写亦可。勿将这些变通用于回避某人表明的 they。

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)

不要编造性别

不要把 he 当通指。APA：不要用 (s)he 或 s/he 这类组合形式。只有当这些代词确实对应所描述的人时，才用 he or she。

当 they 听起来别扭时

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.

模板，不清

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

模板，清楚

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

UNC, shortest complete sentence

They waited.

UNC，run-on（熔合句）

My favorite Mediterranean spread is hummus it is very garlicky.

UNC，分号

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

UNC，逗号 + 并列连词

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

UNC，两个句子

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，逗号粘连（非法“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，逗号粘连

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，连接副词，正确

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

UNC，连接副词，也正确

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

UNC，连接副词，错误

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

UNC，残缺句

Because their car was in the shop.

UNC，完整（分句在前）

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

UNC，完整（分句在后）

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

模板，-ing 残缺句

Fragment: The participants ranging in age from 18 to 65. Complete: 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，限定

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

UNC，非限定

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

UNC，不可以

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

UNC，可以

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

MLA，五个常见问题，垂悬

A renowned author, her work has received several awards.

MLA，五个常见问题，已附着

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，披萨垂悬

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

MLA，披萨已改

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

MLA，没有施事

Turning the corner, a house came into view.

MLA，补上施事

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 垂悬

As a dancer, your feet need proper care.

MLA，as 已改

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

模板，研究开场

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

UNC，不平行

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

UNC，平行动名词

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

UNC，平行名词

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 过早

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

MLA，not only 在统辖动词之后

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

MLA，缩约 versus 所有格

“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，复数不加撇号

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

MLA，给复合形容词加连字符

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

MLA，不要给名词短语加连字符

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

MLA，否定后歧义的 because

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

MLA，because 前的逗号

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

• 不要完全依赖拼写检查。它们漏掉 your / you're、to / too 和 there / their。
• 把语法检查器的标记当作假设。UNC：这些程序按有限规则工作，常常出错。
• 一次只校对一种错误。
• 读得慢，每个词都读。出声读，以便听见分句边界。
• 把文本拆成单独的句子，或用尺子隔开每一行。
• 圈出每一个标点，并问它是否必需。
• 拼写按词倒读；语法按句读。
• 查阅你不确定的情况。UNC 的测验题仍是 Should you use “that” instead of “which”?

• 每个动词都与真正的主语一致，包括 one of the… 分句
• Data、criteria 与 phenomena 与内部体例一致
• 在 APA 7、CMOS 18 或 MLA 要求处使用 singular they；无残留泛指 he
• 没有逗号粘连；however 没有只用逗号连接分句
• 没有从属分句残缺
• 指定手册为 APA、CMOS 或 MLA 时，三项及以上列举均有系列逗号（项内已有逗号则用系列分号）
• 限定分句用无逗号的 that；附加信息用带逗号的 which
• 开场修饰语附着于下一个名词；没有 A renowned author, her work…
• 列表平行；not only 在统辖动词之后
• 撇号只表所有格或缩约，从不用于复数年份、PhDs 或 Sundays
• 休息之后已出声读过草稿