Most Common Grammar Mistakes and How to Fix Them

21 Jan 2026

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Did you know that grammar rules have changed significantly over time? For example the word whom was once essential in formal writing but today it is becoming less common. Language is constantly evolving and while some grammar rules stay the same, others shift with the times. A single misplaced comma, a subject verb mismatch, or an incorrect pronoun can alter the meaning of the sentence. There are some of the common grammatical errors in student writing that makes an huge impact on clarity and professionalism to lowered grades and a loss of credibility.

Most Common Grammar Mistakes that Everyone Makes

If you are a student then grammar might seem like a small part of writing but it is actually the foundation of clear communication. Whether you are an English learner or a native speaker everyone has slipped up in some way when it comes to grammar. One must understand these grammar errors is the first step toward improving your writing. Let's explore some of the most frequent grammar mistakes and you can avoid them to boost your writing skills. English writing improvement for learners is essential to mastering the language for their academic writing.

Sentence Structure

Sentence structure errors in student text can greatly impact the clarity of your writing. Poor sentences construction may confuse the readers and make the argument disrupt.

Sentence Fragments

A sentence fragment is an unfinished sentence that doesn't have a main part. It usually happens when a dependent part of a sentence is mistakenly written as standalone sentence.

Incorrect: While walking to the store.

Correct: While walking to the store, I saw a car accident.

Sentence Sprawl

Sentence sprawl occurs when a sentence becomes overly long due to excessive conjunctions or a lack of proper punctuation. It makes it hard for the reader to follow the main idea.

Incorrect: I went to the store to get some milk and eggs and then I ran into my friend and we chatted for a bit and then I went home because I was really tired and it was getting late.

Correct: I went to the store to get milk and eggs. Then I ran into my friend, and we chatted for a bit. Afterward, I went home because I was tired, and it was getting late.

Faulty Parallelism

Parallelism refers to using the same pattern of words or structure within a sentence to ensure balance. Sometimes it is hard to correct them in your writing, so you can use a free grammar checker UK.

Incorrect: She likes swimming, to run, and hiking.

Correct: She likes swimming, running, and hiking.

Incorrect Word Order

English sentences typically follow a subject-verb-object (SVO) structure. Incorrect word order occurs when the words are arranged in a way that makes the sentence confusing or grammatically incorrect.

Incorrect: A book on the table is lying.

Correct: A book is lying on the table

Excessive Wordiness

Excessive wordiness involves the use of unnecessary words or phrases that clutter your written sentences. It can also makes your writing more difficult to read.

Incorrect: Due to the fact that he was tired, he decided to go to bed early.

Correct: Since he was tired, he decided to go to bed early

Overusing Passive Voice

While passive voice is sometimes required, overusing it can make writing less direct and harder to read. Passive constructions often obscure the subject performing the action.

Incorrect: The book was read by the teacher.

Correct: The teacher read the book.

Double Negatives

Double negatives occur when two negative words are used in the same sentence, often resulting in an unintended positive meaning.

Incorrect: I don't need no help.

Correct: I don't need any help.

Modifiers

Modifiers are words or clauses that provide more information about another element in the sentence. Misplaced and dangling modifiers plays a huge role in causing confusion in a sentence.

Misplaced Modifiers

A misplaced modifier occurs when the modifier is placed in a position that makes it seem like it's describing the wrong word or phrase.

Incorrect: She almost drove the car for five hours.

Correct: She drove the car for almost five hours.

Dangling Modifiers

A dangling modifier happens when the word or phrase the modifier is supposed to describe is missing from the sentence, creating confusion.

Incorrect: While walking to the store, the rain started.

Correct: While walking to the store, I noticed that the rain started.

Faulty Modifiers

Faulty modifiers occur when the modifier does not clearly or logically relate to the noun it's intended to modify, leading to confusion or illogical sentences.

Incorrect: Running late, the bus was missed by John.

Correct: Running late, John missed the bus.

Pronouns

Pronouns are super helpful because they replace nouns from saving the sentences from getting repetitive. But pronoun misuse and antecedent agreement errors can make the writing unclear.

Unclear Pronoun Reference

An unclear pronoun reference occurs when it's not immediately clear to which noun the pronoun refers.

Incorrect: When Sarah met Jane, she was tired.

Correct: When Sarah met Jane, Sarah was tired.

Incorrect Pronoun Case

An incorrect pronoun case error occurs when a pronoun is used in the wrong grammatical form, such as using the object form of a pronoun in a subject position.

Incorrect: Me and him went to the store.

Correct: He and I went to the store.

Punctuation

Punctuation is the key to making writing more clear but common punctuation mistakes in student writing. These small errors can change the meaning of your arguments understand how to fix them in your writing.

Omitted Commas

Sometimes, writers forget to include commas where they are needed, causing confusion or making sentences difficult to follow.

Incorrect: Before the meeting we need to prepare the materials.

Correct: Before the meeting, we need to prepare the materials.

Superfluous Commas

Superfluous commas are commas that are inserted unnecessarily, which can disrupt the flow of a sentence.

Incorrect: She, went to the shop to buy groceries.

Correct: She went to the shop to buy groceries.

Comma Splices

A comma splice occurs when two separated clauses are mistakenly joined by just a comma, without a conjunction or semicolon.

Incorrect: She studied all night, she didn't pass the test.

Correct: She studied all night, but she didn't pass the test.

Apostrophe Errors

Apostrophes are often misused, either by adding them to plural nouns (e.g., "apple's" instead of "apples") or omitting them in possessive forms (e.g., "James book" instead of "James's book").

Incorrect: The cats toy is missing.

Correct: The cat's toy is missing.

Word Choice

Word choice and syntax errors can affect the tone, clarity and accuracy of writing. Writers must carefully choose the right words to express their thoughts clearly.

Words Easily Confused

There are many pairs of words in English that sound the same but have different meanings. Misusing these words can make writing unclear.

Incorrect: Their going to the park.

Correct: They're going to the park.

Misspellings

Spelling errors can detract from the credibility of the writer and confuse readers.

Incorrect: I recieved your message.

Correct: I received your message

Incorrect Word Choice

Incorrect word choice happens when a writer uses a word that doesn't fit the context or doesn't convey the intended meaning.

Incorrect: She made an extreme decision to leave

Correct: She made a drastic decision to leave.

Agreement and Consistency

Subject-verb agreement mistakes happen when the subject and verb do not match in number or person. Similarly keeping pronouns consistent helps avoid confusion about your writing context.

Subject-Verb Agreement Errors

Subject-verb agreement refers to matching the subject with the correct form of the verb (singular or plural).

Incorrect: The team are playing well.

Correct: The team is playing well.

Incorrect Pronoun Case

Incorrect pronoun case errors happen when a pronoun is used in the wrong context (subject, object, or possessive).

Incorrect: Him and I are going to the store.

Correct: He and I are going to the store.

Clarity and Precision

This is one on the most common mistake that students make because each one of you must have face writing clarity and coherence issues once in their life while writing English projects.

Unclear Pronoun Reference

An unclear pronoun reference happens when it's not obvious what noun the pronoun is referring to, which can lead to confusion.

Incorrect: John told Peter he was wrong.

Correct: John told Peter that John was wrong.

Excessive Wordiness

Excessive wordiness can make writing convoluted and harder to understand.

Incorrect: In my opinion, I think that the decision was not a good one.”

Correct: I think the decision was bad.

Incomplete Comparisons

Incomplete comparisons occur when the sentence introduces a comparison but fails to finish it, leaving the reader hanging.

Incorrect: My sister is taller than my brother.

Correct: My sister is taller than my brother is.

So these are some of the English grammar mistakes to avoid as a student to make your writing more clear that can make you stand out in your academics.

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How Do Grammar Mistakes Impact Students' Grades?

Grammar errors can crucially affect your grades, especially when it comes to clarity, formality and meeting specific grading criteria. In the below pointer you will learn some common reasons of grammar errors in essays and assignments:-

• Clarity and Communication:-Poor grammar can make your writing unclear that might lead to misinterpretation of your ideas to readers.

• Effect on Formality:- The academic writing mistakes students make in their work makes their writing sound casual and they will be unable to maintain a formal tone.

• Rubrics and Grading Criteria:-Most professors use rubrics that assess grammar as part of your grade that is why consistent mistakes may lead to lost points.

• Language Proficiency Considerations:-Mistakes can reflect your overall language proficiency that may lower your perceived ability especially if you are a ESL student.

You can also seek English assignment help for academic writing grammar tips to spot errors so that you will meet the grading criteria to score higher marks.

Final Thoughts

The small errors that are mentioned above can affect your grades because it makes your writing unclear for the readers. Mastering grammar not only improves your writing but also enhances your credibility and professionalism. Most of the students face tense consistency problems in essays and they find it challenging to spot errors in their writing if you are one of them you can consider seeking assignment help UK. Expert service can guide you through the complexities of grammar that helps you to avoid these mistakes. With the right support, you can craft a high quality academic work and achieve higher grades.

Read more: An Ultimate Guide on What Is a Concentration Gradient

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