English is a global language spoken across diverse cultures and professions. While it’s incredibly useful, it can also present challenges, especially when it comes to grammar. Whether you’re learning English as a second language or refining your writing, grammatical mistakes are easy to make. Some are minor, while others can lead to serious miscommunication.
In this guide, we explore the 20 most frequent grammar errors and explain how to correct them—with practical examples to help you write and speak English more confidently.
1. Confusing Tenses
Learners often misuse English tenses. Here’s a quick refresher:
- Present Simple: I work every day.
- Present Continuous: She is working on her project now.
- Present Perfect: I have worked here for five years.
- Past Simple: I worked there last year.
- Past Continuous: I was working when you called.
- Past Perfect: I had worked before I moved.
2. Adverbs vs. Adjectives
- Incorrect: She sings beautiful.
- Correct: She sings beautifully.
Adjectives modify nouns; adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
3. Your vs. You’re
- Your: Shows possession (e.g., Your car is outside.)
- You’re: Contraction of “you are” (e.g., You’re invited.)
Test it: If you can say “you are,” use you’re.
4. Misplaced Apostrophes
- Singular possession: The boy’s toy.
- Plural possession: The girls’ books.
- Contraction: Can’t (cannot)
Avoid: Apple’s to mean more than one apple.
5. There / Their / They’re
- There: Location Put it over there.
- Their: Possession Their house is big.
- They’re: They are They’re going out.
6. Two / Too / To
- Two: Number I have two siblings.
- Too: Also or excessively I’m coming too. It’s too hot.
- To: Preposition or infinitive I’m going to work.
7. Incomplete Comparisons
- Incorrect: She’s faster.
- Correct: She’s faster than her brother.
Always include both elements being compared.
8. Adjectives and Adverbs (Again)
Combine with #2 to avoid repetition.
- Incorrect: I feel real tired.
- Correct: I feel really tired.
9. Misplaced Modifiers
- Incorrect: He almost drove for the entire day.
- Correct: He drove for almost the entire day.
Keep modifiers close to the words they describe.
10. Pronoun Agreement
- Incorrect: Each of the students must submit their form.
- Better: Each student must submit their form. (Modern usage accepts singular “they”)
11. Fewer vs. Less
- Fewer: Countable Fewer books.
- Less: Uncountable Less water.
12. Double Negatives
- Incorrect: I don’t want no help.
- Correct: I don’t want any help.
13. Subject-Verb Agreement
- Incorrect: The team are winning.
- Correct: The team is winning.
14. Redundancy
- Incorrect: I need new shoes because I want to buy new shoes.
- Correct: I need new shoes.
15. Punctuation Errors
- Let’s eat Grandma vs. Let’s eat, Grandma
- Use commas, apostrophes, colons, and semicolons correctly.
16. Between vs. Among
- Between: Two items Between the two houses.
- Among: More than two Among the five teams.
17. Time and Money: Less vs. Fewer
- Less: Less money/time.
- Fewer: Fewer coins/tasks.
18. Double Comparatives
- Incorrect: More better.
- Correct: Better.
19. Who vs. Whom
- Who: Subject — Who is coming?
- Whom: Object — Whom should I ask?
Tip: Replace with he/she (use who) or him/her (use whom).
20. Overusing Passive Voice
- Passive: The book was read by her.
- Active: She read the book.
Use passive voice sparingly for clarity.
Conclusion
Mastering English grammar takes time, but understanding common errors can significantly improve your clarity and confidence. Use this list as a quick reference to catch and correct mistakes in everyday writing and speaking. Keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re an essential part of learning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the most common grammar mistakes made by English learners?
Some of the most frequent grammar mistakes include incorrect verb tenses, confusion between similar words (e.g., their/there/they’re), subject-verb disagreement, and misuse of punctuation marks.
2. How can I improve my English grammar quickly?
Practice consistently! Read English books, listen to native speakers, write daily, and use grammar-checking tools like Grammarly or Hemingway. Also, review common mistakes like the ones in this article to avoid repeating them.
3. What’s the easiest way to spot grammar mistakes in my writing?
Read your work aloud, use online grammar tools, or ask someone to proofread it. Also, refer to grammar checklists like the one in this article.
