Common Mistake: They Don (Don't)

One of the most common mistakes in English grammar is the incorrect use of the word "don" instead of "don't."

Let's examine this error in different contexts:

Subject-Verb Agreement

One situation where this mistake often occurs is in subject-verb agreement. When using the pronoun "they," we should always couple it with "don't" instead of "don." For example:

• Incorrect: They don to understand the concept.
• Correct: They don't (do not) understand the concept.

Negative Sentences

Another instance where this error arises is in negative sentences. Instead of using "don," we should utilize "don't" to indicate the negative form of the verb. For instance:

• Incorrect: They don know the answer.
• Correct: They don't (do not) know the answer.

Question Forms

Lastly, we should avoid using "don" in question forms. Instead, we need to use "don't" or "doesn't" depending on the subject. Examples include:

• Incorrect: Did you mean don or doesn't?
• Correct: Did you mean don't or doesn't?
• Incorrect: Did you mean don't or doesn't?
• Correct: Did you mean don't or doesn't?
• Incorrect: Did you mean don't or doesn't't?
• Correct: Did you mean don't or doesn't?

By paying attention to subject-verb agreement, negative sentences, and question forms, we can avoid the common mistake of using "don" instead of "don't."

Linguix grammar checker is a powerful tool that can help you identify and correct this error and many others in your English writing.