Grammatical errors! Grammar can be confusing in any language and this is especially true of the English language. However, by taking the time to look over common grammatical errors, you will be able to avoid making them in your written and spoken language. In this section, we are going to look at various grammatical errors giving you the opportunity to ensure that you are able to omit these from your English and sound much more like a native speaker.
Grammatical Errors
What are Grammatical Errors?
Grammar is the study of words and how they work together to form sentences. It includes the rules about how tostructure a sentence. A grammatical error is simply a mistake in writing. It is an error that goes against the rules. It can include a controversial usage of grammar because even the experts sometimes disagree on the best way to use the language. Grammatical errors are often overlooked or ignored. Someone may recognize the error, but still understand the message that was meant to be conveyed. There are times though, that grammatical errors can cause confusion.
Why LearnGrammar Mistakes?
Have you ever applied for a job that was perfect for you? You fit the requirements perfectly. You had the exact experience they wanted. You had great references. But you never heard back from them. One reason could have to do with grammatical errors. In other words, you made a mistake that you did not catch on your resume orcover letter. Unfortunately, your potential employer caught it and your resume went in the trash.
This happens all the time. In fact, some businesses use it as an initial screening tool. The application process is also not the only place that this occurs.Grammatical errors in businesscommunication (letters and email) can lead to lost contracts, lost clients, and ultimately lost revenue for your employer. They also damage your credibility.
有人会抓住你所有的语法错误吗ors? No, absolutely not. But there are people out there who are savvy enough about grammar to notice the mistakes. There are enough of them to make a grammar check during your proofreading important.
Types ofGrammatical Errors
Grammatical errors can be broken down into several common categories.
Sentence Fragments
All sentences need to have a subject and a verb.Fragmentsoccur when one is missing. This is often because the writer is trying to express a different idea.
For example:
- The new mayor was inexperienced. A time of confusion.
- After I finish my homework.
Run-on sentences
Arun-on sentenceis when the writer joins two independent clauses and does not use aconjunction.
For example:
- The boxes need to be stacked, do it right away.
- It is important to have auto insurance because you may get into a vehicle crash and be responsible for damages to the other person’s car.
Commonly Confused Words
Sometimes words have similar spelling but mean different things. Some examples are:
- Advice – Advise
- Affect – Effect
- Alright – All right
- Desert – Dessert
- Forth – Fourth
- Loose – Lose
- Peace – Piece
- Personal – Personnel
- Plain – Plane
- Poor – Pore – Pour
- Than – Then
- Who – Whom
- Write – right
Explore more:Commonly Confused Words
Homophones
Some words sound the same but have different meanings and different spellings. Two of the most common examples are:
Two –too – To
- Two: is the number 2
Please get two apples from the cabinet.
- Too: means also, or extremely,
Get the bananas too.
- To: is used to show motion
I am going to the store.
Explore more:Homophones
There – their– They’re
- There: usually has to do with location. Remember that the word “here” is contained in it.
The store is over there.
- Their: usually shows that something belongs to someone. Remember that there is an “I” in the word.
They are leaving after they get their coats.
- They’re: means they are.
They’re not coming to the party tonight.
双关语ctuation
双关语ctuation involves using punctuation marks and spacing in your text. The reader may not recognize exactly what your mistake is, but they will usually realize that there is a problem. Some of the most common punctuation mistakes are:
Incorrect use of the apostrophe: People frequently add anapostrophein places where it is not needed. Apostrophes indicate possession: something that belongs to someone. There are a handful of rules about when and where to use them.
Commas:Commasseparate parts of the sentence but are frequently used incorrectly. Many people forget them entirely, while others overuse them. As with the apostrophe, there are about 10 rules for comma use.
Colons and Semi-colons:Colonsprecede lists, quotations, or explanations.Semi-colonshelp link two independent clauses. The quick rule for using semi-colons? Don’t do it unless you are absolutely clear on the rules!
Common Grammar Mistakes
Learn a useful list of common grammar mistakes you might be making – and how to avoid and correct them with example sentences and ESL printable worksheets.
Examples of 170+ common grammatical errors in English and how to correct them.
Incorrect: I havea good newsfor you.
Correct: I havegood newsfor you
Incorrect: Worry kills morethe menthan work.
Correct: Worry kills morementhan work.
Incorrect: We learn notat the school, but in life.
Correct: We learn notat school, but in life.
Incorrect: He senta wordthat he would come soon.
Correct: He sentwordthat he would come soon.
Incorrect: I have readthe Shakespeare’s King Lear.
Correct: I have readShakespeare’s King Lear.
Incorrect: You cannot seta footin this house.
Correct: You cannot setfootin this house.
Incorrect: It’s not good togo to the bedlate.
Correct: It’s not good togo to bedlate.
Incorrect: He isDanielin judgment.
Correct: He isa Danielin judgment.
Incorrect: It wastough decisionto make.
Correct: It wasa tough decisionto make.
Incorrect: A little spark kindlesgreat fire.
Correct: A little spark kindlesa great fire.
Incorrect: The clock hasstruck seven hours.
Correct: The clock hasstruck seven.
Incorrect: There is noplacein the hall.
Correct: There is noroomin the hall.
Incorrect: We came bythe 4:30 o’clock train.
Correct: We came bythe 4:30 train.
Incorrect: He left with hisbelonging luggage.
Correct: He left with hisluggage.
Incorrect: I gladlyavail ofyour offer.
Correct: I gladlyavail myself ofyour offer.
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Incorrect: The girl wants toget herself married.
Correct: The girl wants toget married.
Incorrect: This option is preferablethanany other.
Correct: This option is preferabletoany other.
Incorrect: Women commitlesscrimes than men.
Correct: Women commitfewercrimes than men.
Incorrect: I want alittlequantity of milk.
Correct: I want asmallquantity of milk.
Incorrect: Give aliterallytranslation of the passage.
Correct: Give aliteraltranslation of the passage.
Incorrect: Life is long if you knowhow use it.
Correct: Life is long if you knowhow to use it.
Incorrect: Don’tgo inthe sun.
Correct: Don’tgo out inthe sun.
Incorrect: I know himgood.
Correct: I know himwell.
Incorrect: They had no sooner arrivedthenthey were arguing.
Correct: They had no sooner arrivedthanthey were arguing.
Incorrect: He asked methatwhy I had not gone to the party.
Correct: He asked me why I had not gone to the party.
Incorrect:My sister’s all the bookshave been stolen.
Correct:All mysister’sbookshave been stolen.
Incorrect:On whatyou are here ?
Correct:Whatare you herefor?
Incorrect: Tell mewhy did you do that ?
Correct: Tell mewhy you did that.
Incorrect:I, you and hewill do it together.
Correct:You, he and Iwill do it together.
Incorrect: Exercise is goodboth forwork as well as health.
Correct: Exercise is goodforwork as well as health.
Common Grammar Mistakes/ Grammatical Errors in English | Image 2
Incorrect: Shedida request for some water.
Correct: Shemadea request for some water.
Incorrect: Openthe last but one pageof the book.
Correct: Openthe last page but oneof the book.
Incorrect: I am in favorto stopwork now.
Correct: I am in favorof stoppingwork now.
Incorrect:Those who are absent, I shall punish them.
Correct:I shall punish those who are absent.
Incorrect: I’m really excited togood news from you.
Correct: I’m really excited toget your good news
Incorrect: Ifeel myself feverish.
Correct: Ifeel feverish.
Incorrect:他找了个借口to be late.
Correct:他找了个借口for being late.
Incorrect: Herose equalto the occasion.
Correct: He是equalto the occasion.
Incorrect:Are your work busy ?
Correct:Do you have a busy job ?
Incorrect: Sheleft a bit in a hurry.
Correct: Sheleft in a bit of a hurry.
Incorrect: I’lldate her outthis Friday.
Correct: I’lltake her out on a datethis Friday.
Incorrect: If someday we meet, would weagain start?
Correct: If someday we meet, would westart again?
Incorrect:I am difficultto learn Chinese.
Correct:It is difficultfor me to learn Chinese.
Incorrect: Thailand iscoming into rainy weather.
Correct: Thailand isin the rainy season now.
Incorrect:What time of a day nowin your country?
Correct:What is the time nowin your country?
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Incorrect: You cantry it more…
Correct: You cantry a few times…
Incorrect: Hewent to abroad继续他的研究。
Correct: Hewent abroad继续他的研究。
Incorrect: Today, I’llcut my hair.
Correct: I’llhave my hair cuttoday.
Incorrect:Did China come into rain season?
Correct:Is it the rainy season in China?
Incorrect:How was your sleeping昨天吗?
Correct:Did you have a good sleep昨天吗?
Incorrect:为什么don’t stay more time here?
Correct:为什么don’t you stay a little longer?
Incorrect: You like ice cream,isn’t it?
Correct: You like ice cream,don’t you?
Incorrect: It is ahigh pay job.
Correct: It is ahigh-payingjob.
Incorrect: I can’t get over howyou look well.
Correct: I can’t get over howwell you look.
Incorrect:How muchis the temperature?
Correct:Whatis the temperature?
Incorrect: Don’tfeel anger with me!!! I’m just kidding.
Correct: Don’tbe mad at me!!! I’m just kidding.
Incorrect: I havebeen abroad 10 years.
Correct: I havebeen abroad for 10 years.
Incorrect:Howdoes helike?
Correct: What does helook like?
Incorrect: Lilian is living far awaywithChina.
Correct: Lilian is living far awayfromChina.
Incorrect: Are you asaler, Jame?
Correct: Are you asalesman, Jame?
Common Grammar Mistakes/ Grammatical Errors in English | Image 4
Incorrect: Whichkindof that car?
Correct: Whichtypeof car is that ?
Incorrect:How are youthis week ?
Correct:How have youbeen this week ?
Incorrect: There’s an异常alto every rule.
Correct: There’s an异常to every rule.
Incorrect: How can I explain if you keepto but in?
Correct: How can I explain if you keepbutting in?
Incorrect: I’ll go out afterthe dinner.
Correct: I’ll go out afterdinner.
Incorrect: We makethe breadwith the flour.
Correct: We makebreadwith flour.
Incorrect:The experienceis the mother of wisdom.
Correct:Experienceis the mother of wisdom.
Incorrect:He has decided to step down asthe captainof the team.
Correct:He has decided to step down ascaptainof the team.
Incorrect:Never tell tales out ofthe school.
Correct: Never tell tales out ofschool.
Incorrect:They study inthe England.
Correct: They study inEngland.
Incorrect:More people today die ofthe cancer.
Correct: More people today die ofcancer.
Incorrect:I like to playthe football.
Correct: I like to playfootball.
Incorrect:The pinkis my favorite color.
Correct:Pinkis my favorite color.
Incorrect:Although it’s raining,butshe stillgoout.
Correct: Although it’s raining, she stillgoesout.
Incorrect:You may not realizethathow important time is.
Correct: You may not realize how important time is.
Common Grammar Mistakes/ Grammatical Errors in English | Image 5
Incorrect:Linda’s work ismore perfectthan Jamie’s.
Correct: Lind’s work isbetter than/superior toJamie’s.
Incorrect:I don’t have enough money to buynew bicycle.
Correct: I don’t have enough money to buya new bicycle.
Incorrect:Why do you needhundreddollars ?
Correct:为什么do you needahundreddollars ?
Incorrect:He hasgood knowledge of English grammar.
Correct: He hasa good knowledgeof English grammar.
Incorrect:I often go totheateron the weekend.
Correct: I often go tothe theateron the weekend.
Incorrect:Your advice isgreatsignificance.
Correct: Your advice isof greatsignificance.
Incorrect:The event is bound toattractingwide press coverage .
Correct: The event is bound toattractwide press coverage .
Incorrect:Please persuade himdon’t do that.
Correct: Please persuade himnot to do that.
Incorrect:I saw themto work.
Correct: I saw themwork.
Incorrect:She lookscheerfullytoday.
Correct: Shelley lookscheerfultoday.
Incorrect:The lights his room’sare on.
Correct:The lights of his roomare on.
Incorrect:Either of the plansareequally dangerous.
Correct: Either of the plansisequally dangerous.
Incorrect:Don’t pretendto not recognizeme.
Correct: Don’t pretendnot to recognizeme.
Incorrect:Heneither hastalent nor the desire to learn.
Correct: Hehas neithertalent nor the desire to learn.
Incorrect:OnlyI and my friendwere at the concert.
Correct: Onlymy friend and Iwere at the concert.
Common Grammar Mistakes/ Grammatical Errors in English | Image 6
Incorrect:Lizzie approached me and held my hand,say, “Hello !”
Correct:丽齐走近我,他ld my hand,andsaid, “Hello !”
Incorrect:Shefound difficultto sustain the children’s interest.
Correct: Shefound it difficultto sustain the children’s interest.
Incorrect:I would have made a bigfaultonly you advised.
Correct: I would have made a bigmistakeonly you advised.
Incorrect:Hegoesbetter every day.
Correct: Hegetsbetter every day.
Incorrect:I’ve passed thehearingtest with a high score.
Correct: I’ve passed alisteningtest with a high score.
Incorrect:It was stillbrightoutside.
Correct: It was stilllightoutside.
Incorrect:Whocookedthis salad ?
Correct: Whomadethis salad ?
Incorrect:Different from me, she is proficient in Chinese.
Correct:Unlike me, she is proficient in Chinese.
Incorrect:Little children are difficultto understand that.
Correct:It is difficult for childrento understand that.
Incorrect:Don’t step inthe grass.
Correct:Keep offthe grass.
Incorrect:Iget my salarytwice a month.
Correct: Iget paidtwice a month..
Incorrect:Would you liketo drink?
Correct: Would you likesomething to drink?
Incorrect:What do youexpectina pig but a grunt?
Correct: What do youexpect froma pig but a grunt?
Incorrect:Iforgetmy hat in the house.
Correct: Ileftmy hat in the house.
Incorrect:Be careful or you’llhavea cold.
Correct: Be careful or you’llcatcha cold.
Common Grammar Mistakes/ Grammatical Errors in English | Image 7
Incorrect:Theheadofficeis in Tokyo.
Correct: Themain officeis in Tokyo.
Incorrect:He cannot readandwrite.
Correct: He cannot readorwrite.
Incorrect:This isthe wayhow I made it.
Correct: This is how I made it.
Incorrect:I introduce Mr. Smithto you !
Correct:May I introduce Mr. Smithto you !
Incorrect:Do you haveanypencil? Yes I haveit.
Correct: Do you haveapencil ? Yes, I haveone.
Incorrect:She is wearingblue jeans pants.
Correct: She is wearingblue jeans.
Incorrect:Last night I didn’tkeep my diary.
Correct: Last night I didn’twrite anything in my diary.
Incorrect:Hemadea world record.
Correct: Heseta world record.
Incorrect:The class’s students are 55.
Correct:There are 55 students in the class.
Incorrect:I don’t even understandmy mind.
Correct: I don’t even understandwhat I was thinking.
Incorrect:Ifeltgoodmood today.
Correct: Iam in a goodmood today.
Incorrect:My watchdoesn’t moveat all.
Correct: My watchisn’t running.
Incorrect:Wemoved house to Johorlast month.
Correct: Wemoved to Johorlast month.
Incorrect:He is ourcommonfriend.
Correct: He is ourmutualfriend.
Incorrect:It wasmy first time to go abroad.
Correct: It wasthe first time I had gone abroad.
Common Grammar Mistakes in English | Image 8
Incorrect:It isnot of only your business.
Correct: It isnone of your business.
Incorrect:Idoanything I canfor you.
Correct: Iwill doanything I can for you.
Incorrect:You should describe what has happeneddetailly.
Correct: You should describe what has happenedin detail.
Incorrect:It happened a few minutesbefore.
Correct: It happened a few minutesago.
Incorrect:Whereis the capital of Japan.
Correct:Whatis the capital of Japan?
Incorrect:Which of these two shirts do youprefer more.
Correct: Which of these two shirts do youprefer?
Incorrect:I’ve gotmanyhomeworksfor this week.
Correct: I’ve gota lot of homeworkfor this week.
Incorrect:I am sorry to have kept youwaited.
Correct: I am sorry to have kept youwaiting.
Incorrect:There is a strangerknockat the door.
Correct: There is a strangerknockingat the door.
Incorrect:After dinner, my mother suggestedto gofor a walk.
Correct: After dinner, my mother suggestedgoingfor a walk.
Incorrect:Would you mindto giveme a hand?
Correct: Would you mindgivingme a hand?
Incorrect:Iam marriednext month.
Correct: Iwillget marriednext month.
Incorrect:You can sitmy next seat.
Correct: You can sitnext to me.
Incorrect:Whereareyou come from ?
Correct: Wheredoyou come from ?
Incorrect:Bill’snoafraid to express his opinions.
Correct: Bill’snotafraid to express his opinions.
Common Grammar Mistakes/ Grammatical Errors in English | Image 9
Incorrect:His life coulddangerous.
Correct: His life couldbe in danger.
Incorrect:Joanna waspainfulwhen her boyfriend left her.
Correct: Joanna wasin painwhen her boyfriend left her.
Incorrect:We are necessaryto keep these two issuesdistinct.
Correct:It is necessary保持这两个截然不同的问题。
Incorrect:Lorna likes the kitten. I like iteither.
Correct: Lorna likes the kitten. I like ittoo.
Incorrect:I will go but I have not finished my homeworktoo.
Correct: I will go but I have not finished my homework然而,.
Incorrect:版本onica is ahardstudent.
Correct: Veronica is ahard-workingstudent
Incorrect:I have never tried onsoa nice dress.
Correct: I have never tried onsucha nice dress.
Incorrect:Please give me adetailschedule of the meeting.
Correct: Please give me adetailedschedule of the meeting.
Incorrect:I likeorange.
Correct: I likeoranges.
Incorrect: Onehourare much too long for me to wait!
Correct:One houris much too long for me to wait!
Incorrect:The manager and the secretary是out.
Correct: The manager and the secretarywereout.
Incorrect:Neither I nor youcleanthe board.
Correct: Neither I nor youcleansthe board.
Incorrect:Many people prefer to buyMalaysiaproducts.
Correct: Many people prefer to buyMalaysianproducts.
Incorrect:My cousindeadin that accident.
Correct: My cousindiedin that accident.
Common Grammar Mistakes/ Grammatical Errors in English | Image 10
Incorrect:She bought twophotosalbums.
Correct: She bought twophotoalbums.
Incorrect:He has threeson-in-laws.
Correct: He has threesons-in-law.
Incorrect:Do you like to playthe volleyball?
Correct: Do you like to playvolleyball?
Incorrect:I looked atmein the mirror.
Correct: I looked atmyselfin the mirror.
Incorrect:James is amaturedman of forty.
Correct: James is amatureman of forty.
Incorrect:Your writing needs to beimproving.
Correct: Your writing needs to beimproved.
Incorrect:Since that incident, Ifollowedmy friend’s advice.
Correct: Since that incident, Ihave followedmy friend’s advice.
Incorrect:I think I will never find someoneasyou.
Correct: I think I will never find someonelikeyou.
Incorrect:I do not knowwhy did this happen.
Correct:我不知道why this happened.
Incorrect:Whythe postman did not come today?
Correct:为什么didn’t the postman cometoday ?
Incorrect:We’llget downat the next bus stop.
Correct: We’llget offat the next bus stop.
Incorrect:The shop isopenedevery day.
Correct: The shop isopenevery day.
Incorrect: The goldis a kind of precious metal.
Correct:Goldis a kind of precious metal.
Incorrect:She is tallercomparedtome.
Correct: She is tallerthanme.
Common Grammar Mistakes in English | Image 11
Incorrect:我将give to yousoon.
Correct: I’llgive it to yousoon.
Incorrect:Thanks for giving me usefuladvices.
Correct: Thanks for giving me usefuladvice.
Incorrect:Thanks for giving me usefuladvices.
Correct: Thanks for giving me usefuladvice.
Incorrect:Why don’t youtakea driving license?
Correct:为什么don’t yougeta driving license?
Incorrect: Get upearly is good for one’s health.
Correct:Getting upearly is good for one’s health.
Incorrect:My father will be hometoday afternoon.
Correct: My father will be homethis afternoon.
Incorrect:Ivery love drawing.
Correct: Ilove drawing very much.
Incorrect:What ofseason do you like best ?
Correct:Whichseason do you like best ?
Common Grammar Mistakes in English | Image 12
Grammatical Errors Video
170 Common Grammar Mistakes in English And How to Avoid Them with American English Pronunciation.
Grammatical Error: Common Grammar Mistakes Images
Commonly Confused Words
Last Updated on April 25, 2023
Which of the following statement is correct?
You’ve not been hearing people say it or you’ve not been hearing people saying it..