Grammar can be one of the trickiest parts of learning English. Even advanced learners occasionally stumble over common grammar errors. Let’s look at some of these frequent mistakes and how to fix them.
1. Subject-Verb Agreement
One of the most common errors is failing to make the subject and verb agree in number. For example:
Incorrect: “She go to the gym every day.”
Correct: “She goes to the gym every day.”
Tip: Ensure the verb matches the subject in number and person. Singular subjects take singular verbs, while plural subjects take plural verbs.
2. Incorrect Use of Prepositions
Prepositions can be confusing. Many learners use the wrong preposition or omit it altogether.
Incorrect: “I am good in math.”
Correct: “I am good at math.”
Tip: Learn prepositional phrases as fixed expressions (e.g., good at, interested in) to avoid confusion.
3. Misplaced Modifiers
Modifiers are words or phrases that add information. If they are not placed correctly, they can change the meaning of a sentence.
Incorrect: “She almost drove her kids to school every day.”
Correct: “She drove her kids to school almost every day.”
Tip: Place modifiers as close as possible to the word they are modifying to avoid ambiguity.
4. Confusion Between ‘Few’ and ‘Less’
Few is used with countable nouns, while less is used with uncountable nouns.
Incorrect: “I have less friends.”
Correct: “I have fewer friends.”
Tip: Countable nouns take few or fewer, while uncountable nouns take less.
Mastering these common grammar points will help you sound more natural and confident when speaking or writing in English.