Common Grammatical Errors

Mistakes involving contractions: Remember that words with apostrophes are shortened
versions of two words (i.e., contractions). This rule also applies to “you’re” and “they’re.”

o They’re vs. Their vs. There

Avoid is getting confusing these. It is easy to commit this error, as these words are
homophones – words thayt sound the same or have the same pronunciation.
o The’re is a contraction for “they are.”
Example: They’re heading to the store.
o Their is a possessive pronoun. Use this word to refer to an object that is owned by a
group.
Example: They are heading to the store with their husbands.
o There refers to a place place to which you are pointing.
Example: Their children are waiting over there.
o Its vs. It’s
“Its” shows an animal, event, or object taking ownership of something.
Example: This sandwich is past its expiration date.

On the other hand, “it’s” with an apostrophe is a contraction of “it is.”

Example: It’s a beautiful day to be happy.

Sentences that make incomplete comparisons resulting in vagueness. Always be

clear; use nouns to indicate what you’re comparing. Otherwise, the reader will be frustrated.

EXAMPLE: Jillian looks happier and more motivated.

What is wrong with this sentence?

o It has two modifiers in the comparative degree, but it lacks a noun to tell the reader what
or who Jillian is being compared with. The first modifier is “happier;” the other is “more
motivated.”
o Without a clarifying noun, we cannot tell who Jillian is happier than; and we cannot tell
what she is more motivated about. As a result, the sentence is vague.

Let’s edit this sentence. Anyone know how we make the meaning clear?

Jerry looks happier and more motivated than he did before he went on vacation.

Jillian looks happier and more motivated than she was five months ago.
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In the second sentence, the change does not compare Jillian to another person in the present;
instead, it compares her to her past self.

Inappropriate use of the passive voice

What is the passive voice?

This error is committed so often that it has become de rigueur – this means people use it
because doing so is in fashion. Good writers (and the best speakers) use the active voice. Using
the passive voice is not necessarily a grammatical mistake; however, a better alternative to
using the passive voice is to use the active voice.

In the active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action; this makes
sentences clear and direct.

Here are some positive and negative examples:

o Passive voice: The book was read by the student.

o Active voice: The student read the book.

Tips to help you use the active voice:

o Identify the subject: Make sure the subject of your sentence is performing the action.
o Use strong verbs: Choose verbs that clearly convey the action.
o Be concise: Active voice often results in shorter, more straightforward sentences.
o Use advanced grammar checkers or settings in your favorite word priocessing application
to detect and correct passive sentences in your text

Passive sentences occur when the object of the sentence starts the sentence instead of
appearing at the end. The result is a weak, dull, and unclear piece of writing that doesn’t have a
subject.

Experienced writers appreciate the fact that active voice construction results in more engaging
writing.

As a rule, ensure that every sentence you write is active. Use the passive voice only
when it is essential to highlight the action instead of who’s doing it.

Negative and Positive Example:

o The car was driven by her son (passive).

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o Her son drove the car (active).

Dangling Modifiers

A dangling modifier is a word, modifier, or phrase that describes a word in a sentence that is not
clearly defined.

Example: Sick of all the games, their relationship finally came to an end.

Who is sick of all the games? One might assume that the “relationship” is sick of all the games
because it’s the closest noun to the modifier. Here’s the correct sentence.

Sick of all the games, Mary decided to end the relationship.

“Mary” is being modified by the modifier “sick of all the games.”

It’s also much better to flip the sentence structure around.

Mary decided to end the relationship because she was sick of all the games.

Referring to a Brand or Entity as ‘They’

Calling a business or brand “they” is a sign of a bad writing habit. Although it makes sense
because a company, though it is composed of several people, is still ONE company (singular).

“He” or “she” sounds wrong when the antecedent is genderless. Use “it” instead.

Example: FedEx reports a decline in its profit due to labor shortages.

It might seem strange to refer to FedEx as “it” or “its,” but it will sound more natural once you’re
used to it.

Possessive Nouns

Possessive nouns typically include an apostrophe and an S. But where should you put the
apostrophe?

Example:

Most of the student’s papers are missing.

Most of the students’ papers are missing.

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Both statements are correct but have different meanings. In the first sentence, the apostrophe is
placed before the S. It implies that there is only one student whose papers are missing. The
second sentence means many students have missing papers.

Here are the general rules for using possessive nouns to avoid poor grammar:

Add an apostrophe following the letter S if the noun is plural.

Place an apostrophe before the S for a singular noun.

Add an apostrophe after the S if you have a singular noun that ends with an S.

Possessive Nouns

Possessive nouns typically include an apostrophe and an S. But where should you put the
apostrophe?

Example:

Most of the student’s papers are missing.

Most of the students’ papers are missing.

Both statements are correct but have different meanings. In the first sentence, the apostrophe is
placed before the S. It implies that there is only one student whose papers are missing. The
second sentence means many students have missing papers.

Here are the general rules for using possessive nouns to avoid poor grammar:

Add an apostrophe following the letter S if the noun is plural.

Place an apostrophe before the S for a singular noun.

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Add an apostrophe after the S if you have a singular noun that ends with an S.

More Common Grammar Mistakes

Overusing Adverbs

The overuse of adverbs is one of many grammar errors you should avoid in your writing. It’s a
word that modifies a verb, adjective, or a fellow adverb. You should avoid using too many
adverbs, no matter how useful they are. However, completely avoiding adverbs is not
recommended in formal documents, including business and academic writing.

Avoiding adverbs is not recommended in formal documents, including business and academic
writing. It makes the writer look lazy and messy, especially when using filler adverbs and “-ly”
adverbs.

Here are some filler adverbs to avoid:

Really.

Highly.

Surely.

Totally.

Simply.

Most.

Just.

Slightly.

Misplacing Apostrophes

I’ve already mentioned misplacing apostrophes in possessive nouns. But there are other ways
you can misplace this punctuation.
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Remember that apostrophes indicate ownership or contracted words.

Example:

Can’t = Cannot.

Shouldn’t = Shouldn’t.

Always place the apostrophe where the missing letters of the contraction are. For example, it
should be “can’t” instead of “ca’nt” because the missing O in “cannot” is between the N and T.

Another rule to note is that you should never use apostrophes to make a word plural.

Two vs. Too. vs. To

These three words sound the same but should be used in different contexts. “Two” is a number
that comes after one.

Example: I accidentally paid two times.

“Too” shows a higher degree or an alternative to “in addition.”

Examples:

I’m too scared to try that ride.

Is he joining us too?

“To” is a preposition that indicates direction, contact, or purpose. You are likely to find this word
before an infinitive verb.
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Examples:

I’m going to her house this Monday.

Apply some polish to the wooden furnishings.

I want to purchase a dress for my graduation.

Here vs. Hear

“Here” and “hear” are also among the most classic grammar mistakes you might commit. The
first word is a modifier that points somewhere close. It means “in, on, or at this location.”

Example: I’m here inside the mall.

“Hear” is a verb meaning the act of perceiving sounds using one’s ear.

Example: I can’t hear your voice without the microphone.

Confusing Adjectives and Adverbs

The difference between adverbs and adjectives is often confusing and can result in a poor writing
style. Your text will sound uneducated and informal to your readers.

Example:

Incorrect: Thanks for the real good meal.

Correct: Thanks for the really good meal.

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Better: Thanks for the good meal.

“Real” is an adjective. But you need to use its adverb form because you’re modifying the
adjective “good” and not the noun “meal.”

However, “really” is a filler adverb, so it’s best to remove it altogether.

Here’s another example:

Incorrect: She rushed quick inside the room when the bell rang.

Correct: She rushed quickly inside the room when the bell rang.

Pronoun Disagreement

Sometimes, you think you have the perfect grammar until you find out you’re using the wrong
pronouns. Always check if your nouns and pronouns agree with each other, as not all grammar-
checking platforms detect these mistakes.

Remember that singular pronouns always use singular nouns. Plural pronouns, on the other
hand, go with plural nouns.

Example:

Incorrect: Each girl must greet everyone when he comes in.

Correct: Each girl must greet everyone when she comes in.

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