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Common English Grammar Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Common English Grammar Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

16 December 2024

English grammar can be tricky, even for native speakers. Small errors can creep into writing or speech and sometimes change the meaning of what you’re trying to say. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common English grammar mistakes and provide tips on how to avoid them.


1. Confusing “Your” and “You’re”


Mistake:

 • Your going to love this movie.

 • Can I borrow you’re book?


Correction:

 • Your indicates possession: Your book.

 • You’re is a contraction of “you are”: You’re going to love this movie.


Tip:


If you can replace the word with “you are,” use “you’re.” Otherwise, use “your.”


2. Misusing “Their,” “There,” and “They’re”


Mistake:

 • Their going to the park.

 • Put the books over their.

 • They’re house is beautiful.


Correction:

 • Their indicates possession: Their house.

 • There refers to a place: Put the books over there.

 • They’re is a contraction of “they are”: They’re going to the park.


Tip:

 • If you can replace the word with “they are,” use “they’re.”

 • If referring to a place, use “there.”

 • For possession, use “their.”


3. Mixing Up “Its” and “It’s”


Mistake:

 • The dog lost it’s bone.

 • Its a beautiful day.


Correction:

 • Its shows possession: The dog lost its bone.

 • It’s is a contraction of “it is”: It’s a beautiful day.


Tip:


Replace the word with “it is.” If it works, use “it’s.” Otherwise, use “its.”


4. Incorrect Use of “Then” and “Than”


Mistake:

 • She is taller then her brother.

 • First we’ll eat, than we’ll go for a walk.


Correction:

 • Then refers to time or sequence: First we’ll eat, then we’ll go for a walk.

 • Than is used for comparisons: She is taller than her brother.


Tip:


Use “than” when comparing things. Use “then” when referring to a sequence of events.


5. Using “Affect” vs. “Effect”


Mistake:

 • The news didn’t effect her.

 • The changes will have a positive affect.


Correction:

 • Affect is typically a verb meaning “to influence”: The news didn’t affect her.

 • Effect is typically a noun meaning “a result”: The changes will have a positive effect.


Tip:


If you need a verb, use “affect.” If you need a noun, use “effect.”


6. Subject-Verb Agreement Errors


Mistake:

 • The list of items are on the desk.

 • She don’t like coffee.


Correction:

 • The list of items is on the desk.

 • She doesn’t like coffee.


Tip:


Identify the subject of the sentence and make sure the verb agrees with it. In the first example, the subject is “list,” which is singular, so the verb should be “is.”


7. Dangling Modifiers


Mistake:

 • Running to catch the bus, the backpack was left behind.


Correction:

 • Running to catch the bus, she left the backpack behind.


Tip:


Ensure that the modifying phrase clearly refers to the correct subject. In the original sentence, it sounds like the backpack was running.


8. Misplacing Apostrophes


Mistake:

 • The Smith’s are coming over.

 • Its’ tail is wagging.


Correction:

 • The Smiths are coming over. (No apostrophe for plurals.)

 • Its tail is wagging. (Possessive form of “it” has no apostrophe.)


Tip:

 • Use an apostrophe for possessives (e.g., John’s car).

 • Do not use an apostrophe for regular plurals (e.g., The dogs are barking).


9. Using “Fewer” vs. “Less”


Mistake:

 • There are less people here today.

 • She has fewer patience than me.


Correction:

 • Fewer is used for countable items: There are fewer people here today.

 • Less is used for uncountable quantities: She has less patience than me.


Tip:


If you can count the items (e.g., apples, people), use “fewer.” For uncountable things (e.g., water, patience), use “less.”


10. Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices


Mistake:

 • I love writing it helps me express myself.

 • She finished her work, she left the office.


Correction:

 • Use a period or conjunction: I love writing. It helps me express myself.

 • Use a semicolon: She finished her work; she left the office.


Tip:


When two independent clauses are joined incorrectly, use a period, semicolon, or a conjunction like “and” or “but.”


Conclusion


By being aware of these common grammar mistakes and understanding how to correct them, you can improve your writing clarity and professionalism. Practice makes perfect, and paying attention to these details will help you avoid errors and communicate more effectively. 

 

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