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Grammar mistakes in English: With each passing day, the English vocabulary is evolving. However, it can be embarrassing when someone finds a grammatical mistake in your content. After all, we often neglect some very common grammar mistakes in English such as punctuation marks, daily used English words, spelling errors, not knowing the difference between two similar words etc. To save you from the embarrassment, we have compiled a blog on common grammar mistakes in English that are made by people.
This Blog Includes:
What is a Grammar Mistake?
A grammar mistake is an incorrect usage of a word or a punctuation when writing in English. In simple words, it is a deviation from pre-existing grammatical rules. To avoid making any mistakes, it is very crucial to understand the usage of each word.
Here are two sentences where one of them has a grammatical mistake. By looking at them, you will understand the usage of that word correctly.
Incorrect: Every student likes the teacher.
Correct: Every student likes the teacher.
Quick Read: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your English Writing
List of Grammar Mistakes in English You Should Drop Right Away
Check the following list of the 30 most common grammar mistakes that you might be making in your everyday life and need to stop from today onwards.
- Who vs Whom
- Your vs You’re
- Who’s vs Whose
- Affect vs Effect
- That vs Which
- Then vs Than
- Me vs I
- Less vs Fewer
- May vs Might
- A lot vs Allot vs Alot
- Like vs Such as
- Farther vs Further
- Who vs That
- Each and every
- More than vs Over
- Past vs Passed
- Based off vs Based on
- Passive Voice
- Commas
- Semicolons
- Apostrophes
- Em dash vs en dash vs hyphen
- Misplaced Modifiers
How to Correct These English Grammar Mistakes?
By understanding the usage behind these grammar mistakes, no one can stop you from becoming a grammar nazi. To progress, you must learn the correct as well as incorrect grammar usage behind each word. Here is a further explanation behind all the common mistakes and how they should be used correctly.
1. Who vs Whom
The main difference between these two is that ‘who’ is used as the subject of a sentence whereas ‘whom’ is used as the object of the sentence. Here are some examples which will help you avoid making this mistake.
Example: Who will be the host of tomorrow’s party?
Example: To whom should I address this email?
2. Your vs You’re
Both ‘your’ and ‘you’re’ are homophones. This means that they both sound the same when spoken but both have different meanings. Nonetheless, ‘Your’ is a possessive pronoun. It means that something belongs to a singular second person. While ‘you’re’ is a contraction of you are.
Example: You forgot your earphones at the office yesterday.
Example: You’re expected to be in the office by 10 am.
3. Who’s vs Whose
‘Who’s’ is for to who is. Whereas, the word ‘Whose’ is a possessive form of who, which is a relative pronoun.
Example: Who’s ready for the English exam on Friday?
Example: Whose laptop is this?
4. Affect vs Effect
‘Affect’ is used as a verb which means ‘to cause an effect’. The word ‘effect’ is a noun that symbolises the result that has happened.
Example: What effect does the cold have on you?
Example: The passing of her rabbits affected her a lot.
5. That vs Which
The word ‘that’ is used to introduce a clause which adds necessary information to a sentence. The word ‘which’ is used to introduce something that adds details but isn’t important to the sentence.
Example: One of my cats, the one that ate a rock needs to see the vet immediately.
Example: My other cat, which is a German Shepherd, also needs to see the vet.
6. Then vs Than
The word ‘then’ is used in the future tense where something/ an action will occur. Whereas, the word ‘Than’ is used for comparing people or things.
Example: First we’ll go over the coursework; then we’ll study.
Example: My brother is taller than me.
7. Me vs I
Both ‘I’ and ‘Me’ are first-person singular pronouns. The usage of ‘I’ in the sentence is done when you’re the subject of the sentence. ‘Me ‘ is used in the sentence when you (yourself) are the subject in the sentence.
Example: It was almost midnight, so I didn’t stop to pick up my clothes.
Example: You want me to come with you?
8. Less vs Fewer
‘Less’ is used in sentences to describe an abstract or uncountable amount of items. ‘Fewer’ is used for something/items that can be counted.
Example: The students had less time to work on the assignment.
Example: Fewer people used disposable plates to eat at the function.
9. May vs Might
Generally, ‘may’ is used in the present tense to ask for permission and to indicate that something is likely to happen. ‘Might’ is used in the past tense to describe that things will most probably not happen.
Example: May I bring a glass of water for you?
Example: There might be some time left for questions at the end of the discussion.
10. A lot vs Allot vs Alot
The word ‘A lot’ can be both a pronoun and an adverb. It speaks of something that happens ‘often’ or in ‘large amount’ While ‘allot’ is a verb which means ‘to distribute’. Finally, ‘alot’ is not a word. It should be avoided in writing.
Example: There are a lot of fish in the ocean.
Example: Each student was allotted one seat each.
11. Like vs Such as
‘Like’ is used to make a comparison while ‘such as’ is used to provide examples.
Example: That couch has black and white spots like a Dalmatian dog.
Example: We have many pizza toppings, such as pepper, capsicum, pineapple etc.
12. Farther vs Further
‘Farther’ is for literal distance. ‘Further’ on the other hand, is used when something is happening in a lot of quantity.
Example: The island is quite near than it looked farther.
Example: We want no further communication with him.
13. Who vs That
‘Who’ is used for a person. ‘That’ is used to symbolise an inanimate object or can be used for a group of people.
Example: My sister is the one who solved the mystery.
Example: We’re part of the organisation that promotes climate change.
14. Each and every
‘Each’ is used in sentences when one wants to talk about individual items in a group. On the other hand, ‘every’ is used to talk about two or three items or groups as a whole.
Example: Each of my children makes me Mother’s Day cards every year.
Example: Every one of my coworkers is going to the corporate dinner.
15. More than vs Over
‘More than’ indicates the literal quantity of things which are being talked about. ‘Over’ describes an object’s physical position or a figurative amount larger than the other one as mentioned in the sentence.
Example: He owns more than 10 pants.
Example: She came over to my house.
16. Past vs Passed
‘Past’, as the word suggests is used for something that has already taken place. This word can be a noun, a preposition, an adjective or a preposition. ‘Passed’ is a verb.
Example: My grandmother used to tell us stories in the past.
Example: The Mercedes passed on our right.
17. Based off vs Based on
‘Based off’ is a new word that is currently not considered grammatically correct, but will, one day. Till then, ‘based on’ is the correct word which should be used. However, both these words are used to indicate the facts or circumstances that led to a particular conclusion.
Example: Based on today’s weather forecast, I have decided to carry an umbrella with me.
18. Passive Voice
Using passive voice in sentences isn’t inherently incorrect but many writers use it when the active voice would be more clearer and accurate.
Example: Dinner was prepared by me.
19. Commas (,)
Commas are one of the most used punctuation marks, so it becomes very easy that they might be used incorrectly. They are used to create short pauses within sentences, such as for lists.
Example: I went to the grocery store to buy vegetables, tissue rolls, and milk.
20. Semicolons (;)
Semicolons are frequently used in English sentences to separate independent clauses. They’re also used to separate a list of items that are used in a serial order along with their punctuation.
Example: Mark is taking ten credits this semester; his goal is to graduate early.
Example: I need the weather forecast for the following cities: London, Paris, Scotland; Perth and France.
21. Apostrophes (‘)
Apostrophes are used to create a few types of words.
22. Em dash (—) vs en dash (-) vs hyphen (–)
These three are often mixed up in the English language. ‘Em dash’ is used to function like a comma, parenthesis or a colon. They set off extra information such as examples, supplemental facts etc. ‘En dash’ is used to show a date or time in sentences. Meanwhile, a ‘hyphen’ is used to connect words.
Example (em dash): She is afraid of two things — spiders and senior prom.
Example (en dash): We’re open Monday-Saturday.
Example (hyphen): Antonio Luis–Rodríguez just finished writing his most attention–grabbing novel yet.
Common Grammar Mistakes to Avoid in English Writing
Here are some common grammar mistakes in English writing that you should avoid:
1. Subject-Verb Agreement
The subject and verb must agree in number (singular/plural).
- Incorrect: The list of items are on the desk.
- Correct: The list of items is on the desk.
2. Misplaced Modifiers
Place modifiers as close as possible to the words they modify to avoid confusion.
- Incorrect: She almost drove her kids to school every day.
- Correct: She drove her kids to school almost every day.
3. Incorrect Use of Commas
Avoid unnecessary commas, especially between compound predicates.
- Incorrect: I went to the store, and bought milk.
- Correct: I went to the store and bought milk.
4. Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices
Use a conjunction, semicolon, or period to separate independent clauses.
- Incorrect: She loves to read, she goes to the library often.
- Correct: She loves to read, so she goes to the library often.
5. Incorrect Pronoun Usage
Pronouns must agree in number and gender with the nouns they replace.
- Incorrect: Each of the students must submit their homework.
- Correct: Each of the students must submit his or her homework.
6. Inconsistent Tense Usage
Maintain the same tense within a sentence or connected sentences unless indicating a change in time.
- Incorrect: She was walking to the store and buys a drink.
- Correct: She was walking to the store and bought a drink.
7. Sentence Fragments
Ensure every sentence has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.
- Incorrect: Because she was tired.
- Correct: She went to bed early because she was tired.
8. Incorrect Use of Adjectives and Adverbs
Use adjectives to modify nouns and adverbs to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
- Incorrect: She runs quick.
- Correct: She runs quickly.
9. Using the Wrong Preposition
Prepositions can be tricky; learn which ones pair with specific verbs, adjectives, or nouns.
- Incorrect: She is good in math.
- Correct: She is good at math.
10. Double Negatives
Avoid using two negative words to express a single negation.
- Incorrect: I don’t need no help.
- Correct: I don’t need any help.
- Rule:
11. Confusing “Fewer” and “Less”
Use “fewer” for countable items and “less” for uncountable quantities.
- Incorrect: There were less people at the concert.
- Correct: There were fewer people at the concert.
12. Incorrect Parallel Structure
Ensure elements in lists or comparisons are in the same grammatical form.
- Incorrect: She likes dancing, to swim, and biking.
- Correct: She likes dancing, swimming, and biking.
13. Improper Capitalisation
Capitalise proper nouns, including names of specific places, people, and brands
- Incorrect: She visited the Eiffel tower in Paris.
- Correct: She visited the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Common Grammar Mistakes to Avoid While Speaking English
Here are some common grammar mistakes people often make while speaking English:
1. Incorrect Use of Articles (a, an, the)
While speaking, Articles are often omitted or used incorrectly.
- Common Mistake: “She is doctor.”
- Correct: “She is a doctor.”
2. Incorrect Word Order
A common issue while speaking is incorrect placement of verbs and subjects in questions.
- Common Mistake: “Why you are late?”
- Correct: “Why are you late?”
3. Confusing “Much” and “Many”
People often use “much” and “many” interchangeably. One must remember that “much” is used for uncountable nouns, and “many” for countable nouns.
- Common Mistake: “There are much people here.”
- Correct: “There are many people here.”
4. Using “Good” Instead of “Well”
One must always differentiate between “good” and “well” while speaking English. “Good” is an adjective, while “well” is an adverb.
- Common Mistake: “I am doing good.”
- Correct: “I am doing well.”
5. Incorrect Use of Comparatives and Superlatives
While saying something in English, one must remember that using both “more” and the “-er” form together is incorrect.
- Common Mistake: “She is more smarter than him.”
- Correct: “She is smarter than him.”
6. Overusing “Very” or “More” with Superlatives
Superlatives already express the highest degree, so “most” is redundant. Thus, one must not use most with superlatives.
- Common Mistake: “She is the most tallest girl.”
- Correct: “She is the tallest girl.”
7. Leaving Out Auxiliary Verbs in Questions
People often tend to miss auxiliary verbs (“are,” “is,” “do”) in questions while speaking.
- Common Mistake: “What you doing?”
- Correct: “What are you doing?”
Check out other blogs!
| 101+ One Word Substitutions PDF | List of Conjunctions |
| Editing Exercises | Checklist for English-Speaking Books! |
| Precis Writing | Personification |
FAQs
Some of the most common mistakes made in English are: Present and Past tense, there/their/they’re, confusing similar spellings and words, overuse of adverbs and several others.
When writing a piece, one needs to check the finished piece and check for any grammatical errors like spelling mistakes, misinformation etc.
A sentence error in English grammar is when appropriate punctuation is not used correctly.
To advance your grammar knowledge and read more informative blogs, check out our Learn English page and don’t forget to follow Leverage Edu.
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