Definition / Explanation
At C2, many remaining errors appear not in basic sentence structure but inside long and complex noun phrases. These are often small errors with articles, prepositions, possessives, or agreement, yet they can weaken an otherwise advanced text. Because the noun phrase is dense, such errors are easy to miss in drafting. Typical problems include choosing the wrong article, using an unnatural preposition, or losing agreement between the head noun and the verb. This is why advanced proofreading must focus on the internal structure of noun phrases. Small details carry a large share of perceived accuracy.
Key Rules
- Identify the head noun first, then check article, modifier order, and verb agreement.
- Check prepositions carefully in fixed or semi-fixed patterns: impact on, interest in, responsible for.
- Make sure agreement matches the true head noun, not a nearby plural noun.
- In long noun phrases, proofread slowly from the end back to the beginning if needed.
- Many C2 errors are local, not global: the whole sentence may look right while one small internal choice is wrong.
Examples
- The impact of the policy on employment was limited.
- She insisted on his being present.
- The range of available options is small.
- Their interest in long-term investment planning has grown.
- The cost of these measures has increased.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ The impact of the policy in employment was limited. -> ✅ The impact of the policy on employment was limited.
- ❌ The range of available options are small. -> ✅ The range of available options is small.
- ❌ She insisted on him being present in very formal style. -> ✅ She insisted on his being present.