A writing mechanics checklist helps ensure your writing follows the essential rules of grammar, punctuation, and style.
- Grammar:
- Subject-verb agreement
- Correct tense usage
- Proper case usage (nominative, objective, possessive)
- Parallel structure
- Active vs. passive voice
- Punctuation:
- Proper comma usage
- Correct use of semicolons
- Proper placement of periods
- Use of colons appropriately
- Correct apostrophe usage
- Spelling:
- Check for common homophones (their/there/they’re)
- Correct spelling of commonly misspelled words
- Consistent spelling of characters’ names
- Proper use of capitalization
- Correct spelling of technical terms
- Sentence Structure:
- Varied sentence length
- Avoidance of sentence fragments
- Avoidance of run-on sentences
- Use of proper clauses
- Proper conjunction use