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Master English: Avoid Common Grammar Mistakes!

Guide to common grammar mistakes in English.
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Common grammar mistakes in English often include confusion between similar words, tense errors, misplaced apostrophes, and issues with sentence structure. Avoiding them involves understanding key grammar rules and applying careful proofreading.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Your vs You’re
    ”Your” is possessive; “You’re” is a contraction of “you are.” Example: “Your book is here.” vs “You’re going to the party.” Avoid by remembering the contraction means “you are”. 3, 7

  • Misplaced Apostrophes
    Apostrophes show possession or contractions, not plurals. Correct: “Jane’s book.” Incorrect: “Janes book.” Avoid by only using apostrophes for possession or contractions. 7

  • Tense Errors (using base forms with did/didn’t)
    After “did” or “didn’t,” always use the base form of the verb: “I did not see” not “I did not saw.” Avoid by memorizing this basic rule. 4

  • Confusing Adjectives and Adverbs
    Using adverbs (usually ending in “-ly”) to modify verbs, not adjectives alone. Example: “He ran quickly,” not “He ran quick.” Avoid by checking if the word modifies a verb (use adverb) or a noun (use adjective). 1

  • Who vs Whom
    ”Who” is a subject; “whom” is an object. Example: “Who called?” vs “To whom did you speak?” Avoid by identifying the function of the pronoun in the sentence. 3

  • Fewer vs Less
    Use “fewer” for countable objects, “less” for uncountable. “Fewer dresses,” “less water.” Avoid misuse by determining if the noun is countable. 4, 7

  • Common Phrasal Verb Errors
    Examples like “came across a beggar” (correct) vs “came across with a beggar” (incorrect). Avoid by learning phrasal verb sequences. 4

  • Incomplete Comparisons
    Avoid phrases like “It was much hotter.” Add the comparison: “It was much hotter than yesterday”. 1

Tips to Avoid Grammar Mistakes

  • Learn and reinforce basic grammar rules consistently.
  • Practice writing and speaking regularly with attention to common errors.
  • Use grammar checkers or proofreading tools while writing.
  • Keep sentences simple when starting and gradually build complexity.
  • Have a dictionary or grammar guide accessible for quick reference. 8

These are some of the most frequent mistakes and recommended ways to avoid them for clearer communication in English writing and speaking. 7, 8, 1, 3, 4

Références

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