English grammar can seem tricky — even for advanced learners. Whether it’s mixing up tenses, confusing prepositions, or forgetting articles, grammar mistakes can make you sound less confident when speaking or writing.
But here’s the good news: you can fix most grammar problems easily once you understand how they work and practice them the right way.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common English grammar mistakes and show you how to correct them — step by step. Let’s dive in!
1. Misusing Verb Tenses
One of the most common mistakes English learners make is using the wrong verb tense.
❌ Wrong: Yesterday I go to the market.
✅ Correct: Yesterday I went to the market.
The word “yesterday” tells us it’s a past action, so we must use the past tense of “go” → “went.”
✅ Tip:
Always look for time indicators in the sentence — like yesterday, last week, now, already, tomorrow.
They help you choose the correct tense.
2. Forgetting the “s” in Third Person Singular
This one’s a classic! Many learners forget to add “s” or “es” to verbs when the subject is he, she, or it in the present tense.
❌ Wrong: She work hard every day.
✅ Correct: She works hard every day.
✅ Tip:
Remember:
-
I work
-
You work
-
He/She/It works
-
We work
-
They work
🧠 Think of it like this: the “s” is small, but it makes a big difference in sounding natural!
3. Mixing Up “a,” “an,” and “the”
Articles can be confusing, but they follow simple logic.
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Use “a” before consonant sounds: a cat, a book, a teacher
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Use “an” before vowel sounds: an apple, an hour, an idea
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Use “the” when talking about something specific or known: the sun, the car we bought, the best movie
❌ Wrong: I saw an cat in the garden.
✅ Correct: I saw a cat in the garden.
✅ Tip:
If the listener knows exactly what you mean → use “the.”
If not → use “a” or “an.”
4. Confusing Prepositions
Prepositions are tiny but mighty — and often tricky.
Here are some of the most common mix-ups:
| ❌ Wrong | ✅ Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I’m good in English. | I’m good at English. | Use “at” for skills. |
| She’s married with a doctor. | She’s married to a doctor. | “Married to” is correct. |
| I’ll see you in next week. | I’ll see you next week. | No preposition needed before “next/last.” |
✅ Tip:
Prepositions don’t always translate directly from your language.
Learn them in phrases, not as single words:
→ interested in, depend on, afraid of, look for, etc.
5. Using the Wrong Word Order in Questions
English questions often follow a specific pattern:
(Question Word) + Auxiliary + Subject + Main Verb
❌ Wrong: Why you are late?
✅ Correct: Why are you late?
❌ Wrong: Where she goes?
✅ Correct: Where does she go?
✅ Tip:
When asking a question, the verb “to be” (am/is/are/was/were) comes before the subject.
For other verbs, use do/does/did to form the question.
6. Double Negatives
In English, two negatives make a positive — so avoid using double negatives in one sentence.
❌ Wrong: I don’t need no help.
✅ Correct: I don’t need any help.
✅ Tip:
Use “any” instead of “no” with negative sentences.
I don’t have any money.
She didn’t see anyone.
7. Using Adjectives Instead of Adverbs
Adjectives describe nouns, while adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
❌ Wrong: He runs quick.
✅ Correct: He runs quickly.
✅ Tip:
Most adverbs end in “-ly” — but watch out for exceptions like fast, hard, and well.
He works hard.
She sings well.
8. Confusing Countable and Uncountable Nouns
Some nouns can be counted (like books), and some cannot (like water or advice).
❌ Wrong: I have many informations.
✅ Correct: I have much information.
✅ Quick guide:
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Countable nouns: many, few, a lot of, several
-
Uncountable nouns: much, little, a bit of, a lot of
🧠 Pro tip:
Uncountable nouns never take “s”:
→ advice, furniture, money, news, knowledge, luggage
9. Overusing “Very”
“Very” is useful, but native speakers often use stronger adjectives instead.
❌ Wrong: It’s very cold today.
✅ Better: It’s freezing today!
✅ Examples:
-
Very tired → Exhausted
-
Very happy → Thrilled
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Very big → Huge
-
Very good → Excellent
Using richer adjectives helps you sound fluent and expressive.
10. Forgetting Subject–Verb Agreement
Always make sure your subject and verb match in number (singular or plural).
❌ Wrong: The students was in class.
✅ Correct: The students were in class.
❌ Wrong: My brother and I is studying English.
✅ Correct: My brother and I are studying English.
✅ Tip:
Identify the subject first — then choose the correct verb form.
He walks (singular)
They walk (plural)
💬 Final Thoughts
Mastering grammar isn’t about memorizing hundreds of rules — it’s about understanding patterns and using them regularly.
Start by focusing on your most common mistakes and correcting them one by one.
With time, practice, and a bit of patience, you’ll find yourself writing and speaking English with confidence and clarity.
Remember: Every mistake is a step toward mastery. Keep learning, keep improving!
🔹 FAQs
1. How can I improve my grammar quickly?
Read, write, and listen to English every day. Practice exercises and correct your mistakes immediately.
2. What are the best apps for grammar practice?
Try Grammarly, British Council LearnEnglish, or English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy.
3. Should I study grammar before speaking?
Not necessarily! Learn both together — grammar rules make speaking clearer, but practice builds fluency.
4. How do I avoid repeating grammar mistakes?
Write your mistakes in a notebook, review them often, and practice using the correct form in new sentences.
5. Is grammar still important in everyday English?
Yes! While informal speech can be flexible, correct grammar helps you sound professional, intelligent, and confident.