Have you ever wondered if you’re making common grammar mistakes?
Grammar mistakes can easily slip into our writing and speech, often unnoticed. From mixing up “its” and “it’s” to struggling with subject-verb agreement, these small errors can diminish the impact of your message. Even the most seasoned communicators can fall prey to these mistakes, which can cause confusion or make your writing seem less polished and professional.
By understanding why these mistakes occur and learning to avoid them, you can improve your communication skills and ensure your message is always clear and professional.
This blog aims to help you communicate clearly and confidently by examining the most frequent language errors, explaining why they happen, and offering helpful advice.
7 Commonly Mistaken Grammar Rules
Grammar mistakes can creep into our writing and speech, often without us even realising it. Knowing a few important guidelines can help you avoid these mistakes, which can cause communication to become unclear or even deceptive.
Here are a few of the most typical grammatical errors and how to fix them:
1. Subject-Verb Agreement: Subject-verb agreement means that the subject and verb in a sentence must match in number. A singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb. This rule might sound simple, but it can be easy to miss, especially in sentences where the subject is separated from the verb by other words.
| Example | Status | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| She go to the store. | Incorrect | “She” is singular, so it requires the singular verb “goes.” |
| She goes to the store. | Correct | “Goes” matches the singular subject “She.” |
| The team are winning. | Incorrect | “Team” is a singular collective noun, so the verb should be singular. |
| The team is winning. | Correct | “Is” matches the singular noun “team.” |
2. Misuse of Apostrophes: Apostrophes are used to show possession or form contractions. However, they are frequently misused when trying to pluralise nouns or in possessive forms. A common mistake is using an apostrophe to form plurals, which is incorrect. Knowing when to use an apostrophe is key to maintaining clarity in your writing.
| Example | Status | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| It’s raining. | Correct | “It’s” is a contraction meaning “it is.” |
| Its raining. | Incorrect | Without the apostrophe, “its” means possession, not a contraction. |
| The cat’s toy. | Correct | The apostrophe shows that the toy belongs to the cat. |
| The cats toy. | Incorrect | This suggests a plural form without showing possession. |
| apple’s | Incorrect | This implies possession instead of the plural “apples.” |
3. Confusion Between “Their,” “There,” and “They’re”: “Their,” “there,” and “they’re” are homophones—words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. “Their” is used to show possession, “there” indicates a place or position, and “they’re” is a contraction of “they are.” Confusing these words can alter the meaning of a sentence, so it’s important to understand which one fits the context.
| Example | Status | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Their house is beautiful. | Correct | “Their” shows possession of the house. |
| She is standing over there. | Correct | “There” refers to a location. |
| They’re excited about the trip. | Correct | “They’re” means “they are.” |
| There going to the beach. | Incorrect | Should use “They’re” to indicate “they are.” |
4. Incorrect Use of Commas: Commas are essential for separating ideas, clarifying lists, and preventing confusion in writing. Misplacing or omitting commas can lead to misunderstandings while using them correctly makes your writing easier to read. Proper comma use is crucial when listing items or when separating clauses within sentences.
| Example | Status | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I enjoy reading cooking and gardening. | Incorrect | Missing commas make it unclear if “reading cooking” is one activity. |
| I enjoy reading, cooking, and gardening. | Correct | Commas separate the three activities, making the meaning clear. |
| Because it was raining they cancelled the game. | Incorrect | Missing comma makes the sentence unclear. |
| Because it was raining, they cancelled the game. | Correct | The comma separates the dependent clause for clarity. |
5. Run-On Sentences: Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses are joined without the proper punctuation or conjunctions. This can make the sentence hard to understand or overly complicated. To fix a run-on sentence, you can use a full stop, a comma followed by a conjunction, or a semicolon.
| Example | Status | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I went to the shop I bought some bread. | Incorrect | Lacks proper punctuation between two independent clauses. |
| I went to the shop, and I bought some bread. | Correct | Uses a comma and conjunction to separate clauses. |
| I went to the shop; I bought some bread. | Correct | Uses a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses. |
| She loves reading she spends hours with her books. | Incorrect | Needs punctuation or a conjunction between clauses. |
| She loves reading, so she spends hours with her books. | Correct | Uses a comma and conjunction for clarity. |
6. Confusion Between “Fewer” and “Less”: “Fewer” and “less” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct uses. “Fewer” is used for things that can be counted, while “less” is used for uncountable things. Using these terms correctly makes your writing more precise and clear.
| Example | Status | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| She has fewer books than he does. | Correct | “Books” can be counted, so “fewer” is appropriate. |
| There is less sugar in this coffee. | Correct | “Sugar” is uncountable, so “less” is appropriate. |
| Less people attended the event. | Incorrect | “People” can be counted, so “fewer” should be used. |
| Fewer people attended the event. | Correct | Uses “fewer” correctly for countable nouns. |
7. Misplacing Modifiers: A modifier is a word or phrase that adds detail to a sentence. When placed incorrectly, it can make the meaning unclear or even humorous. Placing modifiers next to the words they describe ensures that the sentence reads as intended.
| Example | Status | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| She almost drove her kids to school every day. | Incorrect | Suggests she nearly drove but didn’t. |
| She drove her kids to school almost every day. | Correct | Clearly indicates the frequency of driving. |
| He served sandwiches to the children on paper plates. | Incorrect | Suggests the children were on the plates. |
| He served sandwiches on paper plates to the children. | Correct | Clearly indicates what was served on paper plates. |
By being aware of these frequent grammatical errors, you can improve your writing and communicate more clearly. Getting the basics right will guarantee that your writing is consistently clear and businesslike, whether you’re sending an email, a report, or a casual communication.
4 Reasons for Grammar Mistakes
Grammar mistakes can occur for a variety of reasons, even for those who generally have a good command of language.
Here are four common reasons why grammar mistakes occur:
1. Lack of Understanding: A significant number of grammar mistakes come from a basic misunderstanding of grammar rules. When writers don’t have a clear grasp of how these rules work, they’re more likely to make errors.
For instance, confusion, when to use “affect” versus “effect” or mixing up subject-verb agreement, can result from an incomplete understanding of these concepts. Strengthening knowledge of grammar fundamentals can greatly reduce such mistakes.
2. Influence of Spoken Language: Many people tend to write in a similar way to how they speak, which can introduce informal structures into their writing. Spoken language is often more relaxed and doesn’t always follow strict grammar rules. For example, run-on sentences and improper contractions might slip into written work because they are common in everyday conversation. This habit can make writing appear less polished and professional if left unchecked.
3. Overlooking Proofreading: Skipping or rushing through the proofreading process is a common reason for grammar mistakes. Even the most careful writers can overlook errors when they don’t take the time to review their work thoroughly.
Proofreading allows writers to catch mistakes like misplaced commas, typos, or inconsistent verb tenses that might be missed on the first pass. Taking a little extra time to proofread can make a big difference in the quality of writing.
4. Homophones and Confusing Rules: Homophones—words that sound alike but have different meanings—are a common source of confusion. Words like “their,” “there,” and “they’re” can be especially tricky because their pronunciation is identical, but their meanings and usages are different.
Similarly, grammar rules that seem complex or contradictory, like the use of “less” versus “fewer,” can lead to mistakes. Clarifying these rules and paying attention to word choice can help prevent such errors.
Recognising these common causes of grammar errors allows writers to improve their accuracy and clarity. Gaining a deeper understanding of grammatical rules, improving proofreading practices, and eventually improving communication can all result from knowing the underlying causes of these mistakes.
6 Strategies for Mastering Grammar
Improving your grammar skills takes time and effort, but with the right strategies, you can become more confident in your writing.
Here are six effective strategies that can help you master grammar and elevate your communication:
1. Build a Strong Foundation: A solid understanding of grammar rules is essential for clear communication. Learning the basics helps you identify and avoid common mistakes in your writing. Resources such as grammar guides, online courses, and educational websites provide in-depth explanations and examples that make complex rules easier to understand. Starting with the fundamentals can set you up for long-term success.
2. Practise Regularly: Just like any other skill, regular practice is key to mastering grammar. Engaging in writing exercises, grammar quizzes, and correction drills can reinforce your understanding and help you apply the rules correctly. The more you practise, the more natural proper grammar will become in your daily writing.
3. Utilise Grammar Tools: Grammar-checking tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor can be extremely helpful in identifying mistakes you might overlook. These tools offer real-time feedback and explanations, making it easier to understand where you’ve gone wrong. They’re great for catching errors quickly, but remember to review the suggestions yourself to learn from them.
4. Proofread Thoroughly: Proofreading is a vital step in the writing process. Taking the time to review your work carefully allows you to catch errors that might slip through initially. Reading your text aloud can help you hear mistakes that you might not see on the page while having someone else read your work can provide a fresh perspective. Thorough proofreading can turn good writing into great writing.
5. Seek Constructive Feedback: Feedback from others is invaluable for improving your grammar skills. Peers, mentors, or teachers can spot mistakes you might miss and provide suggestions for improvement. Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback on your writing, as it can help you identify areas where you need to improve and reinforce your strengths.
6. Create Memory Aids: For grammar rules that are tricky to remember, creating mnemonics or memory aids can make them easier to recall. For example, to distinguish between “affect” and “effect,” you can use the mnemonic “Affect is an Action, Effect is an End result.” These simple tricks can make it easier to remember complex rules when you need them.
How Dr. Study Tutoring Helps Students Master Grammar and Improve Their Writing
Strong English skills are crucial for academic success. At Dr. Study Tutoring, we offer personalised support to help students excel in reading, writing, and grammar:
- Tailored English Programmes: We create custom plans that address each student’s unique needs, from grammar and vocabulary to reading comprehension and essay writing.
- Expert Tutors: Our tutors simplify complex English concepts, making it easier for students to improve their skills and boost their grades.
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- Building Confidence: We help students gain confidence in their reading and writing, preparing them for exams and assignments.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s take a look at some common questions about improving grammar skills and finding the right resources for support:
1. What is a subject-verb agreement, and why is it important?
Subject-verb agreement means that the subject and verb in a sentence must match in number (singular or plural). It’s crucial for ensuring clarity and correctness in your sentences.
Without proper agreement, a sentence can become confusing or grammatically incorrect, making it harder for readers to understand your intended message.
2. How can I avoid misusing apostrophes?
Understand the difference between contractions (e.g., “it’s” = “it is”) and possessives (e.g., “its” = ownership). Practice using apostrophes, and use grammar tools if needed.
3. What are some good tools for checking grammar mistakes?
Popular grammar-checking tools like Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, and ProWritingAid can identify errors and provide suggestions for corrections. These tools help catch typos, improve sentence structure, and offer explanations to enhance your writing skills. They are particularly useful for proofreading longer pieces of work.
4. How can Dr Study tutoring help with English grammar?
Dr Study Tutoring provides personalised English tutoring, focusing on grammar and language skills. Expert tutors offer targeted feedback to help students improve quickly and effectively.
Conclusion
Mastering grammar rules is crucial for clear and effective communication, yet even small mistakes can weaken the impact of your writing and speaking. You may greatly increase your clarity and precision by recognising typical grammar errors and using proven methods to get better.
Remember that improving your communication and gaining confidence in your grammar abilities require constant practice and commitment.
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Author
Dr. Olga Abeysekera
Dr Olga Abeysekera, founder of Dr Study Tutoring and the Dr Progress Group Pty Ltd, is passionate about transforming education through innovative and personalised tutoring. With a PhD in Management from Monash University and a background in both academic research and private tutoring, she has a deep commitment to helping students excel.
Her holistic approach at Dr Study Tutoring emphasises not only academic success but also the development of lifelong skills, ensuring that each student receives the best education and support possible. Dr Olga’s dedication to continuous improvement drives her mission to inspire a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
