Top 31 Grammar Mistakes Explained
Whenever developing documents, communicating knowledge, contacting coworkers, or sending a cv or cover letter, proper language is critical. Clean and formal writing that is devoid of grammar errors may assist boost the competence of the materials you write. Understanding frequent grammar problems will help you solve them swiftly and enhance your material while looking for jobs created or producing crucial papers.
Here is the list of the top 31 grammar mistakes explained for your understanding.
1. Misspelling a word
When typing, it’s simple to misspell a word or miss off a character. Double-check your spelling after you complete a piece of writing by reviewing it or utilizing a technological tool to assist you look for problems. Example, peice of pie is wrong and the right is a piece of pie.
2. Using the incorrect word
Looking for the perfect term does not always result in its discovery. You might select a term that seems or sounds very similar but it does not have a similar meaning. For example, “loose” indicates “not tight,” yet “loss” denotes “to misplace anything.”
3. Unneeded comma
Commas are used to distinguish and organize thoughts. Even though a statement contains numerous concepts, a comma may not be required.
4. A succession of commas
While numbering the succession of items in a statement, use commas to divide the list elements. Due to the Oxford comma rule, the last item in the list is accurate either with or without a comma. Use Oxford commas consistently throughout your text if you chose to use them. If necessary, you may also reference a style guide to assist direct the comma usage.
5. Spliced comma
A typical error is to employ a comma to connect two separate clauses (topic sentence). A semicolon can be used to connect two separate sentences.
6. Introductory commas
Commas are required to separate an opening clause. This implies that if you begin a statement with a phrase that wants to set up the rest of the sentence, you must include a comma before continuing the sentence.
7. A comma is missing in a complex statement.
A comma can be used to join two separate sentences, but it requires the assistance of a coordinating conjunction. The much more prevalent coordinating conjunctions are and, but, and or.
8. Uncertain pronouns
Pronouns stand in for nouns in sentences. Pronoun use may be problematic when there are numerous topics in a phrase, so make absolutely sure it’s obvious to whoever you’re talking to when you employ a pronoun.
9. Making use of quotation marks
Whenever you want to share someone’s precise words, use quotation marks preceding and following the quote. When the quotation comes at the conclusion of your sentence, you insert a semicolon within the quote. If not, a comma within the quotation can be used to finish the phrase.
10. Capitalization
Specific words are capitalized every time they are used. For example, pronouns and proper nouns should always be capitalized.
11. Missing words
Check if your content has all articles, small words, and conjunctions to get a clear sentence. Check if you miss words by proofreading the sentence.
12. Changing the tenses of verbs
While writing, strive to maintain the same verb tense throughout the work. Changing or shifting the verb tense in the midst of a writing piece is a typical error.
13. Possession against Plurality
The addition of an apostrophe plus a “s” to a word indicates possession, however, it does not make the word multiple. In some circumstances, an apostrophe plus a “s” may be used to indicate possession.
14. Run-on sentence
When splitting several concepts into their own sentences or linking independent clauses with a comma and a conjunction, you may avoid run-on sentences.
15. Pronoun agreement
Pronoun correct form should match with subject’s preferred pronoun. They or their words are also used in case you are not aware of the preferred pronoun
16. Hyphens
Hyphens are most commonly used to make a one-word adjective from two words or to join figures.
17. Sentence fragments
Utilize the fragment as a dependent clause that you connect to a whole phrase.
18. Subject-verb agreement
A sentence’s subject and verb should match together for a correct sentence.
19. Misplaced modifiers
An adjective is a must to use before a modifying word when you describe the right object.
20. There is no analogous structure.
Humans frequently comprehend things much better when they are organized into patterns. It is critical to adopt regular patterns in the construction of your lists and sentences while writing.
21. Sentences that are overly wordy
Try to produce a sentence that is short so that a reader can find it easy to read instead of a lengthy one.
22. Semicolon vs colon
Using them appropriately can increase the readability of your work.
23. Their, there and they’re
Understand these words’ differences when you write a sentence since they sound similar but their meanings are different.
24. It’s and its
Also, it’s prevalent to replace the contraction it is with its to indicate ownership.
25. Affect vs effect
The effect is a noun and the affect is a verb, so use it appropriately and if not meaning gets changed.
26. “Of” rather than “have”
Use “of” in specific sentences instead of “have” and if not it is wrong.
27. Who versus that
Use who when discussing someone. Use it when defining an item.
28. Passive voice
The object of the sentence comes first in the passive voice.
29. then and than
Use “then” to demonstrate what happens next, and “than” to compare two things.
30. Titles of written or generated works
Capitalizing all words in a title is a common task. However, exceptions for articles, conjunction, and prepositions come first or end.
31. Writing numbers
Numbers less than ten are usually spelled out, while there are certain exemptions for items like ages or dimensions. Millions or trillions numbers are exceptions because we use the figure when it is above 10. Check for special guidelines if you’re employing a specific citation style. It is critical to be accurate either with figures or words while reporting numbers.