Learning how to write a newspaper article can be challenging. Grammatical errors and spelling mistakes are a major stumbling block that novice newspaper writers must avoid.
Newspaper reporters must maintain good spelling and grammar in their writing, as newspapers are more prone to publishing spelling errors and mistakes in grammar.
Unlike writing for magazines, where editors have days, even weeks, to edit copy and proofread, newspaper editors work on daily deadlines; this means an article must be researched, written, edited and paginated within a matter of just a few hours. This translates into little time for editing and proofreading, so mistakes are more apt to be overlooked.
Therefore, anyone who is learning to write for a newspaper must understand how important it is to avoid common grammatical spelling errors.
Common Grammatical Errors – "Its" vs. "It's"
"Its" is a possessive term; "it's" is a contraction of 'it is." So if "it is" doesn't work with a sentence, writers should use "its" instead.
Correct: "The kitten hurt its leg."
Correct: "It's common to see misspellings in newspapers."
The Grammatical Error Involving "Titled" vs. "Entitled"
Many journalism students who are learning how to write for newspapers will use these words incorrectly. "Titled" refers to the title of something, like a book. "Entitled" means to have a right to something; it should never be used when referring to a book title, movie title, etc.
Correct: "The book is titled 'How to Write for Newspapers.'"
Correct: "You are entitled to a sick day at work."
Common Grammatical Errors – "Affect" vs. "Effect"
These words are very similar; but in most usages "affect" is a verb, an action word, while "effect" is a noun. In addition, writers may use "effect" to describe a situation or condition, and "affect" can be used to describe a person's emotional display.
Correct: "Newspaper articles can affect the reader's perception."
"The murderer showed little affect when discussing the crime."
Correct: "Good spelling has an effect on the quality of your newspaper writing."
"The movie features great special effects."
Errors in Grammar – "Pleaded" vs. "Plead"
When reporting on a court case, many novice newspaper writers will use "plead" instead of "pleaded." "Plead" is used in present tense; "pleaded" is used in past tense.
Correct: "The lawyer prepares to plead his client's case in front of the jury."
Correct: "The criminal pleaded 'not guilty' at his arraignment."
Grammatical Errors – "Their" vs. "There" vs. "They're"
"Their" is a possessive term, while "there" refers to a place, relation, or condition.
"They're" is a contraction of the words "they are," so if "they are" doesn't work in the sentence, the writer should not use "they're."
Correct: "Their newspaper is seeking a new writer."
Correct: "There is a job opening at the newspaper."
Correct: "They're eager to fill the job opening at the newspaper."
AP Style Grammar – "Toward" vs. "Towards"
In most forms of writing, "towards" is a permissible term. But according to the Associated Press Style Book -- the accepted house style at most newspaper publications -- "towards" should be avoided when writing for newspapers. Instead, use "toward."
Correct: "The newspaper reporter is working toward a promotion."
Numbers in Newspaper Writing
When learning how to write a newspaper article, many new journalists make errors when writing numbers.
Numbers one through ten must be spelled out. Numbers placed at the very beginning of a sentence must also be spelled out. In addition, it's permissible to spell out numbers like "a hundred" or "a thousand."
In addition, it's best to round up/down when referring to numbers. Instead of "23," it's best to write "nearly two dozen." Instead of "53," use "more than 50."
The exception is when the precise number is vital, as is usually the case when referring to price. For instance, a newspaper article announcing the dog licensing season will mention the price of a dog license. In this case, "nearly $20 per dog license" will not cut it; it's better to write "$17 per dog license."
More Help Learning How to Write a Newspaper Article
To learn more about writing for newspapers and other forms of journalism, check out the Writer Resource Page.
There, writers will find articles like How to Write a Newspaper Article and How to Write for the Web, among others.
Mia Carter - Mia Carter - Journalist, Producer/Editor & Web Writer. Carter's work has appeared on CBS and CNN.com.
Join the Conversation