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Prof. Michael Goldberg
1999-2000

Symbols Used When Commenting on Student Papers

Below you will find symbols I use when commenting on student papers. Most of these symbols can be found in the Heath Handbook. I encourage you to consult Heath to determine the exact nature of the mistake and the way to rectify it. If you need further explanation, please speak with me or contact the Writing Center.

agr– subject/verb agreement error
awk– awkward sentence structure
avd– avoid word or phrase; usually trite, overused or ineffective
bw– better word choice possible; consult dictionary
c/e– unclear cause/effect
cf or cs– comma fault or comma splice
coh– lacks coherence, confusing
con– error in connective (and, but, etc.)
det– needs specific detail
dm– dangling modifier
red– redundant word, phrase or idea
emph– weak or indirect sentence; active subject needed
expl– explain concept more fully; add more detail
frag– sentence fragment; nonstandard sentence
log– error in logic
met– mixed or inappropriate metaphor\
mm– misplaced modifier
non– nonstandard usage
nsw– no such word
ovlng– overlong sentence; too many ideas or phrases, clauses, words
pe– error in punctuation
¶– paragraph break needed
¶— coh– paragraph lacks coherence; confusing
no ¶– no paragraph
¶ dev– weak paragraph development
paral– faulty parallelism
pass– inappropriate use of the passive
qte– problem with quotation; quotation is improperly integrated into the paragraph;
improper use of block format, etc.
ref– incorrect pronoun reference
rep– unnecessary repetition
run– run-on sentence
split– split construction
sub– faulty subordination
tn– incorrect verb tense
trans– better transition sentence needed
ts– weak or missing topic or thesis sentence
2sent– should be broken up into two sentences
ungr– ungrammatical construction/poor syntax
var– needs sentence variety
vg– vague or overly broad
wdy– wordy , unnecessary words
ww– wrong word

In addition to marks referring to the mechanics of writing, I use the following abbreviations regarding content:
a–notes that a valid point has been made
"good"—notes that a particularly strong point has been made
"exc"—notes that an unusually perceptive point has been made

Note that "good" and "excellent" do not necessarily mean that I agree with your argument, but that it is a valid and well-supported argument. I do not grade papers based on any perceived ideological "right" or "wrong" argument.