Top 20 English Grammar Mistakes Made by Beginners (and How to Avoid Them)

 

English Grammar

Learning any language, particularly English is a very thrilling affair, nevertheless beginners are mostly not able to move on with learning grammar and this is what slows up their learning process, this implies that they are not able to learn the most common grammatical mistakes. Being aware of such mistakes and what to do correctly to correct them may entirely accelerate the writing skills, or speaking skills, and confidence. This post will deconstruct the 20 English grammar errors by beginners, on top of that we have given examples and easy ways of correcting those errors.

You can also learn the basics of English grammar with help of our Basic English Grammar Guide or you can read our article about If clauses to have additional materials on the topic.

Confusing "your" and "you're"

-Your = possessive (whose book, i.e. possessing something)

-You're = you are (Continuous)

Wrong: Your going to school

True: You are attending school.

Mixing up "its" and "it's"

-Its = appetitive (Possession)

-It's = it is (Continuous)

This error is so widespread that it is even used by native speakers.

Incorrect plural forms

There are novices who give s to all.

False: Children are viewing game of Arsenal Vs Manchester City.

True: Kids are viewing game of Arsenal Vs Manchester City.

Refer to the list of irregular plural in this Grammar Rules Section.

Missing articles (a, an, the)

Articles are also problematic and learners who are not conversant with English find it problematic.

Major: An University of Arts and Languages.

True: University of Arts and Languages.

Wrong verb tense

Novices tend to talk of the past using the present tense.

Wrong: No I am going to hospital to see my aunt tomorrow.

True: I was at the hospital yesterday to see my Aunt.

In addition, it is worth using Grammarly: https://www.grammarly.com/blog/verb-tenses/

The misuse of much and many.

-Much - uncountable nouns (e.g. Money, salt, sugar, water, etc...

-Many - the nouns that are countable (e.g.: people, books, tables, etc.)

Wrong: I don't have many money

Right: I am not much of a money maker.

Confusing "in," "on," and "at"

Prepositions are the cause of numerous mistakes.

In = large areas (in America)

On = surfaces (on the table)

At = household locations (at home)

Double negatives

Wrong: I don't need no help

Correct: I don't need any help

Wrong word order

Error: I always take my breakfast at 2:00 PM.

True: I always have a breakfast at 2: 00 PM.

The use of He don't, rather than He doesn't.

Novices have the tendency of forgetting the subject-verb agreement.

False: He does not like to talk with me.

True: He does not want to chat with me.

Replacement of going to with will plans.

Wrong: I shall see my uncle later (when referring to a plan)

True: I will later go to meet my uncle.

Confusing "then" vs "than"

-Then = time or sequence

-Than = comparison

False: Ronaldo is taller than myself.

True: Ronaldo is taller than me.

Overusing "very"

Novices use too frequently rather than more vigorous adjectives.

Wrong: very big

Better: huge

And visit our article and find more tips on our how to use in spite and despite of.

Adding unnecessary "to"

Wrong: I want to eat rice to now

Correct: I want to eat rice now

Confusing "few" and "a few"

-Few = practically none (negative meaning)

-A few = some (positive meaning)

Wrong: I do not have many friends (that is to say you are lonely)

Correct: I have a few friends

Forgetting plural "s"

Wrong: She has two cup

Correct: She has two cups

Inappropriate comparatives and superlatives.

Wrong: more easier

Correct: easier

This is since easy - easier is automatic.

Using "me" instead of "I"

False: Me and John visited India.

True: I went to India with John.

Poor phrasing of question.

Novices usually translate directly out of their language.

Wrong: You are drinking tea?

Correct: Are you drinking tea?

Literal translations

Most learners literally translate the words in their native language giving rise to grammatical errors.

To prevent the same, refer to standard English texts. We have beginner lessons that are great at the British Council: https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/

The way to prevent these grammar errors.

Practice Daily

There is more benefit of short and regular practice. Attempt to read, write and speak English on daily basis.

Learn with Examples

In learning grammar, one must not just study the rules but provide examples and use.

Read More

Grammar is enhanced in the process of reading. Test books, blogs, or articles aimed at the students.

Use Trusted Resources

Such websites as the British Council and Grammarly provide high-quality learning resources to beginners.

It is expected that grammar issues are not easy to English learners as long as you correct yourself as quickly as possible. First, pay attention to the 20 bad things about this guide and ask our English Learning Hub to get more lessons, quizzes, and writing tips.