print version

Paragraph Editing and Revision

• Identify the subjects and verbs in each of your sentences (remember that the noun in a prepositional phrase cannot be a subject and that gerunds and infinitives do not function as verbs).

• Identify the sentence type of each of your sentences.  If you have two or more simple sentences, one after another, consider combining them to create a CX, CC, or CP sentence instead.

• Identify your prepositions and check that they fit the pattern for prepositional phrases (prep + [adj.] + noun).

• Identify your adjectives and adverbs making sure that you have the correct word form (check your dictionary whenever you are in doubt).

• Check all your modifying phrases to make sure they are NEXT TO the word they describe

• Check your dictionary for the spelling of those words you are uncertain of.

• Add transitions to some of your sentences.  Refer to the transitions/conjunctions chart.

• Check all of your conjunctions (subordinating, coordinating) to make sure they are used properly and that you do not have comma splices, run-ons, or fragments.

Once you have made each necessary changes, copy your paragraph into its final form:

Ø       Indent the first line

Ø       Single-space (do not skip lines)

Ø       Use a pen

Ø       Keep a 1” margin on BOTH sides