Mastering English grammar can be challenging, and even proficient speakers make mistakes from time to time. Here are ten common English grammar mistakes and explanations on how to avoid them, accompanied by examples.
1. Subject-Verb Agreement
Mistake: Mismatching subjects and verbs in number (singular vs. plural).
Example: “She go to the store every Sunday.” (Incorrect)
Correction: “She goes to the store every Sunday.” (Correct)
In this sentence, the subject “she” is singular, so the verb should be singular as well (“goes”).
2. Incorrect Use of Apostrophes
Mistake: Misusing apostrophes, especially in possessive nouns and contractions.
Example: “Its raining outside.” (Incorrect)
Correction: “It’s raining outside.” (Correct)
Example: “The cat licked it’s paw.” (Incorrect)
Correction: “The cat licked its paw.” (Correct)
“It’s” is a contraction for “it is” or “it has,” while “its” is a possessive pronoun.
3. Their, There, and They’re
Mistake: Confusing the homophones “their,” “there,” and “they’re.”
Example: “They’re going to there house.” (Incorrect)
Correction: “They’re going to their house.” (Correct)
“Their” is a possessive adjective, “there” refers to a place, and “they’re” is a contraction for “they are.”
4. Run-On Sentences
Mistake: Combining independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
Example: “She loves to read she goes to the library every week.” (Incorrect)
Correction: “She loves to read; she goes to the library every week.” (Correct)
Alternatively: “She loves to read, and she goes to the library every week.” (Correct)
Independent clauses should be separated by a period, semicolon, or conjunction.
5. Comma Splices
Mistake: Using a comma to join two independent clauses without a conjunction.
Example: “He went to the store, he bought some milk.” (Incorrect)
Correction: “He went to the store, and he bought some milk.” (Correct)
Alternatively: “He went to the store; he bought some milk.” (Correct)
A comma alone cannot join two independent clauses.
6. Incorrect Use of Me, Myself, and I
Mistake: Misusing “me,” “myself,” and “I.”
Example: “She gave the book to John and I.” (Incorrect)
Correction: “She gave the book to John and me.” (Correct)
Example: “My friend and myself went to the movies.” (Incorrect)
Correction: “My friend and I went to the movies.” (Correct)
Use “I” as a subject, “me” as an object, and “myself” for emphasis or reflexive actions.
7. Misplaced Modifiers
Mistake: Placing descriptive words or phrases too far from the words they modify, causing confusion.
Example: “She almost drove her kids to school every day.” (Incorrect)
Correction: “She drove her kids to school almost every day.” (Correct)
The first sentence implies she “almost” did something else (e.g., took the bus), while the corrected version clarifies she drove nearly every day.
8. Incorrect Comparatives and Superlatives
Mistake: Using incorrect forms of comparatives and superlatives.
Example: “She is more prettier than her sister.” (Incorrect)
Correction: “She is prettier than her sister.” (Correct)
Example: “He is the most tallest in his class.” (Incorrect)
Correction: “He is the tallest in his class.” (Correct)
For one-syllable adjectives, use “-er” for comparatives and “-est” for superlatives.
9. Double Negatives
Mistake: Using two negatives in a sentence to convey a single negative idea.
Example: “I don’t need no help.” (Incorrect)
Correction: “I don’t need any help.” (Correct)
Example: “She can’t hardly believe it.” (Incorrect)
Correction: “She can hardly believe it.” (Correct)
Double negatives often create a positive meaning or add unnecessary confusion.
10. Confusing Less and Fewer
Mistake: Using “less” instead of “fewer” and vice versa.
Example: “There are less apples in the basket.” (Incorrect)
Correction: “There are fewer apples in the basket.” (Correct)
Example: “He has fewer patience than his brother.” (Incorrect)
Correction: “He has less patience than his brother.” (Correct)
Use “fewer” for countable nouns (e.g., apples) and “less” for uncountable nouns (e.g., patience).
Conclusion
Understanding and avoiding these common grammar mistakes can greatly enhance your English writing and speaking skills. Consistent practice and attention to detail will help you improve and maintain proper grammar usage. By paying close attention to subject-verb agreement, correct use of apostrophes, proper homophone usage, and other key areas, you can communicate more clearly and effectively. Remember, even native speakers make these mistakes, so patience and practice are crucial.
