Illogical Meaning

Illogical Meaning
One of the most common errors in writing
Incorrect:

Bill thought that the siren on his car radio was a policeman approaching behind him.

Correct:

Bill thought that the siren on his car radio was that of a police car approaching behind him.

When two things are compared, it must be logical apples to apples comparison. Cant compare a siren-to-policeman.
Errors of meaning are simply misuse of language. Three categories:
1. Faulty Predication: The subject and the predicate must be logically linked to each other or it is an error of
faulty predication.
Incorrect:

The main goal of the cellular research department at Johns Hopkins University is cancer.

Correct:

The main focus of the cellular research department at Johns Hopkins University is cancer.

Correct:

The main goal of the cellular research department at Johns Hopkins University is finding a cure for
cancer.

To correct this sentence changed the subject or change the predicate.

2. Improper Diction: To properly convey certain meanings, it is necessary to use accepted constructions.
Incorrect:

I have the ability to play soccer.

Correct:

I am able to play soccer.

Incorrect:

I will try and win the game.

Correct:

I will try to win the game.

3. Redundancy: If the wrong words are chosen to express something, redundancy may occur.
Incorrect:

The workers attempted to try to fix the broken circuits.

Correct:

The workers attempted to fix the broken circuits.