Common Mistakes in English Grammar

English grammar can be tricky, and even native speakers can make mistakes from time to time. To help you avoid some of the most common errors, we have compiled a list of grammar mistakes that frequently occur in written and spoken English.

1. Subject-Verb Agreement

One common mistake is the lack of subject-verb agreement. This error often happens when the subject and verb do not match in terms of singular or plural form. For example:

• He need (needs) to revise his essay before submitting it.

The correct form of the verb in this case should be "needs," matching the third-person singular pronoun "he."

2. Confusing Homonyms

Homonyms are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Confusing them is a common source of errors in English. For example:

• Their (They're) going to the park for a picnic.

In this example, "their" is possessive, indicating ownership, while "they're" is a contraction of "they are," indicating an action.

3. Misusing Apostrophes

Apostrophes are often misused in English, particularly when indicating possession or forming contractions. For example:

• The dogs toy (dog's toy) is missing.

In this case, the apostrophe is necessary to show that the toy belongs to the dog.

4. Using Wrong Pronouns

Using the wrong pronouns is another common mistake. Pronouns must agree with their antecedents in terms of person, number, and gender. For example:

• Me and him (He and I) went to the movies.

In this instance, "He and I" is the correct usage as it matches the subject of the sentence.

5. Run-on Sentences and Fragments

Run-on sentences and sentence fragments are common mistakes that can affect the clarity and coherence of writing. For example:

• I went to the store but I forgot my wallet.

This sentence is a run-on and can be corrected by using proper punctuation or separating it into two independent clauses.

In conclusion, it is important to be aware of these common grammar mistakes in order to communicate effectively in written and spoken English. Whether you are a non-native speaker or a native speaker, Linguix grammar checker can help you identify and correct these errors, ensuring that your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.