Marginal notations I commonly use

 

 

unclear =      I do not understand what you are trying to say (I can perhaps guess, but the sentence is not as clear as it should be)

 

? = this statement is probably not correct

 

HDYK? = How do you know?  (this often accompanies an unsubstantiated generalization)

 

int = interesting

 

An arrow with a question mark above it indicates a connection (e.g., from one sentence to the next) that does not seem to follow logically or stylistically.

 

 

 

frag = sentence fragment (lacking subject + verb in an independent clause)

 

run-on = two or more stand-alone sentences sandwiched together with only a comma

 

P.V. = passive voice

 

awk = awkward word or phrase

 

colloq = colloquialism

 

w/c = faulty word choice

 

A squiggle under a word or group of words indicates awkward or inappropriate phrasing.