Common Mistakes in English Grammar

Introduction

English grammar can be tricky, and even the most experienced writers and speakers can make mistakes. In this blog article, we will explore some of the most common errors people make in English grammar, along with examples to help you understand and avoid them.

Mistake #1: Subject-Verb Agreement

One common mistake is failing to match the subject and verb correctly in a sentence. This error often occurs when the subject and verb are separated by other words or phrases.

• Incorrect: The cat, together with the dogs, are chasing the squirrel.
• Correct: The cat, together with the dogs, is chasing the squirrel.

A handy tip to avoid this mistake is to identify the subject of the sentence and make sure the verb agrees with it.

Mistake #2: Misusing Apostrophes

Apostrophes are commonly misused, particularly when indicating possession or forming contractions.

• Incorrect: The book's were on the shelf.
• Correct: The books were on the shelf.

Remember, apostrophes should only be used to show possession or to indicate the omission of letters in contractions.

Mistake #3: Confusing "Its" and "It's"

The words "its" and "it's" cause confusion for many English learners. "Its" is a possessive pronoun, while "it's" is a contraction of "it is" or "it has".

• Incorrect: The dog lost it's collar.
• Correct: The dog lost its collar.

Remember, if you can substitute "it is" or "it has" in a sentence, then "it's" is the correct choice.

Mistake #4: Run-On Sentences

Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses are incorrectly joined together without proper punctuation or conjunctions.

• Incorrect: I went to the store I bought some milk and bread.
• Correct: I went to the store and bought some milk and bread.

To correct a run-on sentence, make sure to separate the independent clauses with proper punctuation or use a conjunction like "and" or "but".

Linguix Grammar Checker

When it comes to avoiding grammar mistakes, a useful tool to have is the Linguix grammar checker. This powerful tool can help identify and correct errors in your writing, allowing you to enhance the quality and clarity of your work.

By being aware of these common grammar mistakes and incorporating the use of tools like the Linguix grammar checker, you can significantly improve your writing skills and enhance your overall proficiency in the English language.