Patterns of Errors Check List

I adapted this checklist from Mina Shaughnessy’s book Errors and Expectations. Using this list as a template, I look for patterns of errors under each category: Punctuation, grammar, spelling, and syntax. I typically add categories for essay and narrative writing later in the year.

Punctuation

• Capitalization
• End punctuation
• Commas
  • series
  • participles
  • adverbial clauses
  • adjective clauses
• Dialogue quotation
• Academic quotation

Grammar

• Subject/verb agreement
• Basic verb tense (consistency)
• Irregular verbs
• Special usage (case with pronouns, agreement in unusual contexts)

Spelling:

• Basic spelling patterns (doubled consonants, silent e, i before e, etc)
• Key standard/nonstandard variations
• Demons

Syntax

• Sentence completeness
• Basic word order (including direct and indirect questions)
• Basic modification (phrases, words, clauses)
• Advanced sentences (parallel structures, periodic structures, variety)