Correction Symbols
Below, you can insert the symbols you commonly use to indicate errors in student essays. We
suggest that you discuss these symbols with your students so that they can understand, correct,
and learn from their mistakes. The Writing Center also has a “student version” of this handout if
you would like to make copies for your classes as well. Happy grading!
Symbol
Meaning
Incorrect
Correct
Punctuation
I live work, and go to school in
Walnut.
I live, work, and go to school in
Walnut.
Capitalization
Needed
The dodgers play in los angeles.
The Dodgers play in Los
Angeles.
Verb Tense
I never work as a cashier until I
got a job there.
I never worked as a cashier until
I got the job there.
Subject-verb
Agreement
The manager work hard.
The manager works* hard.
*This is just one correct tense
that can be used. Depending on
the time of the action, conjugate
accordingly.
Tense Shift
After I went to the store, I eat the
ice cream I bought.
After I went to the store, I ate
the ice cream I bought.
Close Space
Every one works hard.
Everyone works hard.
Space Needed
Goingto class is awesome.
Going to class is awesome.
Spelling
The maneger is a woman.
The manager is a woman.
Plural
Apple are the most nutritious
fruit.
Apples are the most nutritious
fruit.
Unnecessary
Word
The student she studies all the
time.
The student studies all the time.
Missing Word
Please don’t me that question
anymore.
Please don’t ask me that
question anymore.
