Common Mistakes in English Grammar and How to Avoid Them

Learning English is not very difficult, but many learners often repeat some common grammar mistakes. These mistakes can make sentences confusing or incorrect. By understanding these errors and practicing regularly, anyone can improve their English.


1. Subject–Verb Agreement Errors

Wrong: She go to school every day.
Correct: She goes to school every day.

👉 Rule: A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.


2. Misusing Tenses

Wrong: Yesterday I go to the market.
Correct: Yesterday I went to the market.

👉 Rule: Always use the correct verb form according to the time of action.


3. Confusion Between “Much” and “Many”

Wrong: I don’t have much friends.
Correct: I don’t have many friends.

👉 Rule: Use much for uncountable nouns (water, money) and many for countable nouns (friends, books).


4. Wrong Use of Articles

Wrong: She is best student in the class.
Correct: She is the best student in the class.

👉 Rule: Use a/an for general nouns and the for specific or unique nouns.


5. Confusing “In,” “On,” and “At”

Wrong: He is waiting in the bus stop.
Correct: He is waiting at the bus stop.

👉 Rule:

  • In → inside an area (in a room, in the park)
  • On → surface (on the table, on the wall)
  • At → specific point (at the bus stop, at the corner)

6. Wrong Word Order in Questions

Wrong: You are coming tomorrow?
Correct: Are you coming tomorrow?

👉 Rule: In questions, the auxiliary verb comes before the subject.


7. Mixing “Their,” “There,” and “They’re”

Wrong: There house is big.
Correct: Their house is big.

👉 Quick Tips:

  • Their → possession (Their car is new.)
  • There → place (The book is over there.)
  • They’re → contraction of they are (They’re happy today.)

How to Avoid These Mistakes

  1. Read more English books and articles → Exposure helps you notice correct grammar.
  2. Write daily → Practice makes grammar rules natural.
  3. Check your work → Always review sentences before finalizing.
  4. Learn from mistakes → Keep a notebook of errors and correct versions.

Conclusion

Grammar mistakes are common, but with practice and attention, they can be avoided. Focus on subject–verb agreement, correct tense usage, articles, prepositions, and confusing words. By following these tips, you will not only avoid mistakes but also gain confidence in both writing and speaking English.