Grammar is the foundation upon which clear communication is built. At English Editorial Solutions, we know that even small grammatical errors can impact the effectiveness of your message. So, with that in mind, let’s explore the top 10 grammar mistakes we frequently encounter and learn how to spot and correct them.
1. Their, There, They’re Confusion
How to Spot: Look for sentences where these words are used interchangeably.
How to Correct:
“Their” indicates possession
“There” refers to a place
“They’re” is a contraction of “they are”
Example: “They’re going to their house over there.”
2. Your vs You’re
How to Spot: Check sentences using “your” or “you’re.”
How to Correct:
“Your” shows possession
“You’re” means “you are”
Example: “You’re going to love your new book.”
3. Incorrect Use of Semicolons
How to Spot: Look for semicolons used between incomplete clauses.
How to Correct: Use semicolons to join related independent clauses (see our earlier article on independent clauses).
Example: “I love grammar; it helps me communicate clearly.”
(For a deep dive into the proper use of semicolons, see our dedicated article published 5 August.)
4. Misplaced Commas
How to Spot: Check for unnecessary commas or missing commas in compound sentences.
How to Correct: Use commas to separate independent clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions.
Example: “I went to the store, and I bought some milk.”
5. Passive Voice Overuse
How to Spot: Look for sentences where the subject is acted upon by the verb.
How to Correct: Rephrase to make the subject perform the action.
Example:
Passive: “The ball was thrown by John.”
Active: “John threw the ball.”
6. Misuse of Apostrophes in Plurals
How to Spot: Check for apostrophes used to form plurals.
How to Correct: Use apostrophes for possession or contractions, not for plurals.
Example: “The 1990s (not 1990’s) were a great decade.”
7. Fewer vs Less
How to Spot: Look for “less” used with countable nouns.
How to Correct: Use “fewer” for countable nouns and “less” for uncountable nouns.
Example:
Correct: “Fewer people attended the event.”
Correct: “We need less sugar in our diet.”
(For a complete look at this topic, see our earlier article published 14 August.)
8. Improper Parallel Structure
How to Spot: Check lists or series for consistent grammatical form.
How to Correct: Ensure all items in a list or series follow the same grammatical structure.
Example:
Incorrect: “She likes hiking, swimming, and to ride bikes.”
Correct: “She likes hiking, swimming, and riding bikes.”
9. Ending Sentences with Prepositions
How to Spot: Look for sentences ending with prepositions like “at,” “with,” or “to”.
How to Correct: While not always grammatically incorrect, restructure for formality if needed.
Example:
Informal: “Who did you go with?”
Formal: “With whom did you go?”
10. Mixing Up Commonly Confused Words
How to Spot: Watch for commonly confused word pairs like “accept/except,” “affect/effect,” or “principle/principal.”
How to Correct: Learn the distinct meanings and usage of each word.
Example:
“His principles guide his actions as school principal.”
“The effect of the new policy will affect all employees.”
Mastering these common grammar mistakes will significantly improve your writing. Remember, effective communication is about more than just avoiding errors—it’s about clarity, precision, and impact. At English Editorial Solutions, we’re committed to helping you refine your writing skills and produce polished, error-free content.
We’re also standing by to assist with all of your proofreading and editing needs should you require an expert eye to go over your work. So, feel free to get in touch today and let us help you elevate your writing to new heights!