Grammatical accuracy is essential in every field where written communication is used. Whether it’s an essay, email, blog post, report, newsletter, or proposal, grammar errors can make your write-up worthless. Along with credibility loss, you may have to bear many other problems due to linguistic blunders in your writing. That’s why it’s necessary to avoid them at all costs.
However, to prevent errors, you must first know what types of common grammatical mistakes may sneak into your writing. If you know about just basic flaws, don’t worry; we will introduce you to some advanced yet common grammar errors in this article. Along with illustrating every error with examples, you will also learn how to fix each of them. So, let’s get started.
Run-On Sentences
A common mistake that you may make while writing is leaving two clauses unconnected. This error is usually called a run-on sentence. Those who do not have sufficient linguistic knowledge mostly fall victim to this mistake. The presence of this blunder makes it hard for the reader to relate to ideas presented in a sentence.
Solution:
An effective technique to avoid writing run-on sentences is to learn the use of connecting words and punctuation. Apart from that, tools like an online grammar checker can also help identify this error and help to learn how to make suitable corrections. Such advanced tools act as your learning partners and assist you in improving your command over grammar.
Example:
Incorrect: He loves bike riding he goes for a ride every day.
Correct: He loves bike riding, so he goes for a ride every day.
Subject-Verb Agreement
Another widely committed grammar mistake is subject-verb agreement. Even professionals fall victim to this error sometimes. So, if experts with years of experience can make this mistake unintentionally, you are no exception. Therefore, always watch out for sentences where you make a disagreement between the subject and the verb.
Solution:
The main thing you need to identify during or after writing is whether the subject is singular or plural. Keep in mind that singular subjects always come with singular verbs. The same is the rule for the plural ones.
Example:
Incorrect: The list of dispatched orders are on the table.
Correct: The list of dispatched orders is on the table.
Dangling And Misplaced Modifiers
Dangling modifier may be a new term for you. However, the fact is that it’s one of the most common grammar flaws that people commit unintentionally. It normally occurs when you use a modifying word with something that it doesn’t exactly relate to. In contrast, a misplaced modifier describes the quality of the wrong thing.
Solution:
Make sure the modifier is next to the word it describes. Also, ensure that the modifier truly justifies the quality of the thing. If you normally fail to use the modifier correctly, you can identify the errors related to it later in the proofreading phase. A free grammar checker can also improve your ability to catch and correct dangling or misplaced modifiers.
Examples:
Incorrect: Running down the street, the bag slipped from his hands.
Correct: Running down the street, he dropped the bag.
Sentence Fragment
When writing in a rush, you might miss including the subject, object, or even the verb. When you do so, your statement doesn’t convey a complete thought. In English grammar, this type of mistake is commonly known as a sentence fragment. If you wish for every sentence to be perceived correctly, make sure you avoid this error at all costs.
Solution:
Never forget to include the subject, verb, and object in your sentence to complete a thought. Also, connect dependent clauses with independent ones. In case you miss any of them, perform a comprehensive proofreading of your content and identify all the sentences containing this blunder. Then, fix this issue on the spot.
Example:
Incorrect: Had a great meeting yesterday.
Correct: He had a great meeting yesterday.
Misused Homophones
Words with similar sounds but different meanings often cause linguistic errors in your writing. While it’s not a pure structural mistake, it can lead to major confusion. For instance, if you write “there” instead of “their,” you can estimate how the meaning and context will change. So, avoid making homophone errors in your writing.
Solution:
Expand your vocabulary and learn a few pairs of homophones daily, especially those that are used commonly. The more you get familiar with such words, the lower the chances of you misusing them in your content.
Example:
Incorrect: I saw her; she was going too the store.
Correct: I saw her; she was going to the store.
Apostrophe Misuse
An apostrophe is no doubt a small punctuation mark; it can confuse the reader if used incorrectly. Also, the absence of an apostrophe where necessary can also make the sentence unclear, leaving the reader puzzled. So, whenever you want to show possession in a statement, make the right use of the apostrophe.
Solution:
A simple rule for using apostrophes correctly is to remember to place it before “s” where possession needs to be shown. However, if a noun already ends with an “s,” there is no need to add another “s” at its end. Instead, just place the apostrophe after the noun.
Example:
Incorrect: Jenifer book has been lost.
Correct: Jenifier’s book has been lost.
Pronoun Mistakes
You often have to use pronouns in place of actual nouns to avoid repeating the names excessively. This practice is usually used to achieve clarity in text. However, if you make the mistake of using pronouns, you make the content unclear instead of bringing clarity to it. This blunder usually occurs when the pronoun doesn’t agree in number with the noun.
Solution:
Just like subject-verb agreement, a rule of thumb for the correct use of pronouns is to consider whether the noun is singular or plural. If it’s singular, you will have to utilize a singular pronoun with it. In contrast, if the noun is plural or more than one noun has been used in a sentence, you will obviously be required to use a plural pronoun.
Example:
Incorrect: Sara and Jack is topper of our college.
Correct: Sara and Jack are toppers of our college.
The Final Words
In short, grammar mistakes are common, but they can be avoided with regular practice and awareness. Now that you know what possible errors you can commonly make in your writing, you are better equipped to prevent them in your writing. That’s why familiarity with grammatical inaccuracies and their solutions helps you get a strong grip on the correct use of language.
Common Grammar Errors
Choose the correct sentence.
The verb agrees with the head noun 'list', which is singular.
the verb agrees with the head noun
The list of items is long.
Choose the correct article.
'Honest' opens with a vowel sound, so 'an' fits.
an before a vowel sound, a before a consonant sound
an honest man; a university
Choose the correct sentence.
'Cars' can be counted, so 'fewer' fits.
fewer for countable, less for uncountable
There are fewer cars today.
Choose the correct sentence.
One negative carries the meaning cleanly.
one negative per idea
I didn't see anyone.
Choose the correct sentence.
After a preposition, the object form 'me' is correct.
use 'me' as the object of a preposition
Between you and me, it's true.
Choose the correct sentence.
The opening phrase attaches to 'I', the one walking.
attach the modifier to the right subject
Walking home, I saw the moon.
Fix the agreement.
The list of items ___ on the desk.
The subject is the singular 'list', so the verb stays singular.
the verb agrees with the head noun, not the nearest noun
The list of items is on the desk.
Avoid the double negative.
I don't want ___.
One negative ('don't') already carries the meaning, so 'anything' keeps it grammatical.
one negative per clause
I don't want anything.
True or false?
'Me and him went to the game' is correct.
The subject needs 'He and I went to the game', not object pronouns.
use subject pronouns (he, I) as the subject
He and I went to the game.
Fix the agreement.
Each of the students ___ a locker.
'Each' is singular, so the verb stays singular despite 'students'.
'each', 'every', 'either' take a singular verb
Each of the students has a locker.
Countable or uncountable?
___ people came than we expected.
'People' is countable, so 'fewer' fits.
fewer for countable nouns; less for uncountable
Fewer people came than we expected.
Type the correct verb (was / were).
If I ___ you, I would apologize.
An unreal condition uses 'were' for every subject in the second conditional.
use 'were' in unreal conditions
If I were you, I would apologize.
Fix the agreement.
Neither of the answers ___ correct.
'Neither' is singular, so the verb stays singular.
neither, either, each take a singular verb
Neither of the answers is correct.
Choose the pronoun case.
Between you and ___, the plan worked.
After the preposition 'between', the object pronoun 'me' fits.
object pronouns follow prepositions
Between you and me, the plan worked.
True or false?
'I could of finished sooner' is correct.
The correct form is 'could have': 'I could have finished sooner.'
could have, not 'could of'
I could have finished sooner.
Fix the agreement.
There ___ many reasons to celebrate.
The plural subject 'reasons' takes the plural verb.
the verb agrees with the real subject
There are many reasons to celebrate.
Fix the agreement.
One of my friends ___ a doctor.
The subject is the singular 'one', so the verb stays singular.
the head noun 'one' takes a singular verb
One of my friends is a doctor.
Type the correct word (good / well).
She did ___ on the test.
'Well' is the adverb that describes how she did; 'good' is an adjective.
use the adverb 'well' after an action verb
She did well on the test.
Fix the agreement.
The team of players ___ ready for kickoff.
Acting as one unit, 'team' takes a singular verb.
a collective subject as one unit takes a singular verb
The team of players is ready for kickoff.
Fix the agreement.
Everyone ___ in the hall now.
'Everyone' is singular and takes a singular verb.
indefinite pronouns like everyone take a singular verb
Everyone is in the hall now.
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