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Common English Errors Learn common mistakes in
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7 Grammar Errors that Drive British People CRAZY These are the grammar mistakes and phrases that drive British people crazy. 1 year ago 3.4K Views
9 Cringe-Worthy Grammar Bloopers Nearly Everybody Makes Nearly all of us make some of these embarrassing grammar mistakes without even realizing it. Check out the list to see if you’re aware of these flubs. 2 years ago 3.2K Views
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101 Common Errors in English – Do You Make These
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1. There Vs. Their Vs. They’re 1. There Vs. Their Vs. They’reThe first
refers to a place, the second to something owned by a group and the third is a
contraction. While we all know what they mean and what they are used for, we often
tend to use them incorrectly in our sentences. You must check your text for
these errors as they change the meaning of the sentence.Here’s an
example of the correct usage of these three words:They’re going to go there to eat because they heard their food is awesome.
2. You’re Vs. Your 2. You’re Vs. Your‘You’re’ means
being something, while ‘your’ means owning something. ‘You’re’ is a contraction
and ‘your’ is a possessive pronoun.For example:You ate all
that food. You’re definitely very hungry.Your
food is waiting for you at the table.
3. Its Vs. It’s 3. Its Vs. It’sThis is a
common English mistake that even the best of the writers make when . Its is possessive. On the
other hand, it’s is a contraction of it is.For example:That is its box.It’s
going to be a great party.
4. Incomplete Comparisons 4. Incomplete ComparisonsMany of us
make the mistake of making incomplete comparisons. If you are using comparative
words for something, then you must compare it to something.For example:My car is better,
stronger
and faster.Your car is
better, stronger and faster than what? You are comparing your car to something,
but you just left the sentence halfway there. When using comparative words, you
must always clarify what you are comparing it with so that your sentence is
complete.
5. Passive Vs. Active Voice 5. Passive Vs. Active Voice tend to use a
lot of passive voice in their writing. Passive voice is when you put the object
of the sentence at the beginning and the subject at the end. Active voice, on
the other hand, has the object at the end and the subject at the beginning of
the sentence.Passive voice makes a sentence clunky and vague, whereas active voice makes it short and easy to understand.For example:The ball
was thrown by him. Passive Voice.He
threw the ball. Active Voice.Do you see how changing the place of the subject and object changes the complexity of the sentence? Use as much active voice in your sentences as you can.
6. Dangling Modifiers 6. Dangling ModifiersDangling
modifiers are phrases or words that modify a word that isn’t clearly stated in
the sentence. We often make the mistake of using dangling modifiers in our
sentences. In these sentences, it isn’t clear what is being modified.For example:At
the age of seventeen, my mother took me to New York.The phrase, ‘at
the age of seventeen’, is a dangling modifier here. It changes the
meaning of the sentence altogether. The sentence implies that his mother took
him to New York when she was seventeen. However, what the wants to say is that
his mother took him to New York when he was seventeen.This can be
avoided simply by adding a few more words to the sentence or rearranging it.For example:At the age of
seventeen, I was taken to New York by my mother.OrWhen I was
seventeen, my mother took me to New York.
7. Referring to an Entity or a Brand as ‘They’ 7. Referring to an Entity or a Brand as ‘They’Another common
mistake many people make is referring to a business, entity or brand as ‘they’.For example:To keep up
with their
increasing demand, Coca Cola installed a new manufacturing plant.Here the word
‘their’
is used incorrectly. The correct sentence is,To keep up
with its
increasing demand, Coca Cola installed a new manufacturing plant.A brand,
business or entity should always be referred to as ‘it’.
8. Possessive Nouns 8. Possessive NounsPossessive
nouns mostly have an apostrophe. However, many people place the apostrophe in
the wrong place.For example,All of the kid’s
bags were blue in color.In this
sentence, ‘all’ implies that we are talking about more than one kid.
However, ‘kid’s’ suggests that there is only one. This can be really
confusing for the reader. In addition, it is also a grammatical mistake.Here are some
general rules to follow when it comes to placing apostrophes.An apostrophe comes after the s when the noun is plural.If the noun is singular, the apostrophe comes
before the s.If the noun is singular and ends in an s, then the apostrophe comes after the s.
9. Effect Vs. Affect 9. Effect Vs. Affect‘Affect’
is a verb which means the act of changing. On the other hand, ‘effect’
means the change itself. Using these two words interchangeably is a common
mistake that many people make.For example:This incident
had a great effect on me.This incident affected
me greatly.
10. Me
Vs. I 10. Me
Vs. IMany writers
make the mistake of incorrectly using ‘me’ and ‘I’ in sentences. While we
understand what the two words mean, we still use them incorrectly in sentences.For example,‘Jack and me
went to the movies’.Here the
correct pronoun should be ‘I’ and not ‘me’.The correct
sentence will be,‘Jack and I
went to the movies’.A simple trick
to get it right is to eliminate all other subjects from the sentence and then
read it to see if it sounds right.In this
example, if you remove Jack, you are left with ‘Me went to the movies’, which
sounds completely wrong. You can always find the right pronoun by using this
trick.
11. To
Vs. Too 11. To
Vs. TooTo is used to
describe an action, a recipient or a destination. Too, on the other hand, is an
alternative to ‘as well’ and ‘also’. We often forget to add the additional ‘o’
when we are writing in a hurry.For example: ‘He too delivered the books to his teacher’.
12. Dos
and Don’ts 12. Dos
and Don’tsUsing the
apostrophe at the right place can be confusing when we are writing “do’s
and don’ts”.
While these words don’t completely follow the rules of grammar, most people
tend to follow the APA style.So, unless you
are following some other format of writing, “do’s and don’ts”’
must be written like this.
13. e.g.
Vs. i.e. 13. e.g.
Vs. i.e.e.g. is a
short form for ‘example given’ while i.e. is used for ‘that is’ or ‘in other
words’. Many people make the mistake of using it interchangeably. Therefore,
you must check for text for this common error in English before you send it
through to someone or publish it.
14. Peak
Vs. Peek Vs. Pique 14. Peak
Vs. Peek Vs. PiqueThis is
another common mistake many people make. People use these words interchangeably
when they mean completely different things.Peek means taking a quick look at
something.Peak refers to a sharp point,
usually mountains.Pique means to instigate or provoke.Be careful
when using any of these words in your writing and make sure that you are using
the right spelling.
15. That
Vs. Who 15. That
Vs. Who‘Who’
is used when you are describing a person, while ‘that’ is used to describe
an object. Many people confuse the two when using them and often end up using
the wrong word in the wrong place.For example:Amy is the
doctor who works night shifts.This is the
car that
broke down.
16. Whose
Vs. Who’s 16. Whose
Vs. Who’s‘Whose’
assigns ownership of something to someone. Who’s, on the other hand,
is a contraction for who is. It is used for the identification of a living
being.For example:Whose
book is this?Who’s
going to the store with me?
17. Who
Vs. Whom 17. Who
Vs. Whom‘Who’
is used for the identification of a living pronoun. ‘Whom’
is used to describe someone who is at the receiving end of something.For example:Who
is this girl?Whom
did you hire for this job?
18. A
lot Vs. Alot Vs. Allot 18. A
lot Vs. Alot Vs. AllotFirst things
first, ‘alot’ is not a word. Many people use it
in their writing, but it is wrong. ‘A lot’ refers to a vast number of
things. Allot, on the other hand, means setting something aside for a task.For example:There are a lot
of fruits in the market.They allot
half of their time to training and development sessions.
19. In
to Vs. Into 19. In
to Vs. Into‘Into’
indicates movement. ‘In to’ can be used in a variety of
situations because ‘in’ and ‘to’ can be used in different ways in a sentence.For example:She walked into
the house calmly.They were
called in to a meeting.
20. Lose
Vs. Loose 20. Lose
Vs. LooseLose
means ‘failing, unable to find something or simply failing to hold or keep’. Loose
means ‘not tightly attached, held or fastened’. Lose is a verb, while loose is
an adjective.For example:Don’t lose
your friend.The shirt looks loose on him.
21. Then Vs. Than 21. Then Vs. Than‘Then’
is used to locate actions in time, while ‘than’ is a conjunction used for
comparisons.For example:She is a
better singer than her sister.We went to a restaurant
and then
we had food.
22. Comma Usage 22. Comma UsageCommas must be
used correctly in the text. There are many things to consider when putting a
comma in a sentence. has created a complete guide on comma usage. Read it to understand
how it’s done.
23. Ensure
Vs. Insure Vs. Assure 23. Ensure
Vs. Insure Vs. AssureWhile all
these words are used for ‘making an outcome sure,’ they cannot be used
interchangeably.Ensure is to
make certain. For example, ‘Please ensure you’re free to take me to the
doctor next Monday’.Assure means
saying something with confidence or making a promise. For example, ‘I assure
you that I’ll be on time for the event.’Insure means
to protect against some risk. For example, ‘You must get your new car insured’.
24. Less
Vs. Fewer 24. Less
Vs. FewerFewer is used
for things that are quantifiable. On the other hand, less is used for things
that aren’t quantifiable.For example:‘less
traveling’ and ‘fewer road trips’.
25. Incorrect
Plural Forms 25. Incorrect
Plural FormsSome words can
be changed into their plural form by adding an s at the end of the word, for
instance, boys, girls, cars, etc. However, there are
other words that don’t follow this simple rule. Many of us use in our writing. Here are some examples:The plural
form of furniture is ‘pieces of furniture’ and not
‘furnitures’.The plural
form of equipment is ‘equipment’ and not ‘equipments’.The plural
form of goose is ‘geese’ and not ‘gooses’.
26. Compliment
Vs. Complement 26. Compliment
Vs. ComplementWhile both
these words are pronounced exactly the same, they have completely different
meanings. Complements means something that enhances or completes something
else.Compliment
refers to praising or admiring someone.For example:They complement
each other and make a perfect couple.He complimented
me on my hard work.
27. Further
Vs. Farther 27. Further
Vs. FartherFurther and
farther are often used interchangeably by writers when they mean different
things.Further is
used for nonphysical distances. It is also often used figuratively.Farther refers
to physical distance.For example:They are
moving further away from their goals.Move a little farther
on the same street to reach your destination.
28. Correct
Capitalization of Titles 28. Correct
Capitalization of TitlesThe capitalization format you use depends on the you are following. If you want to make things simple, you can use this tool. It gives you different writing style options to choose from and even capitalizes the heading for you.
29. Among
and Between 29. Among
and Between‘Between’
is used for things that are clearly separated. On the other hand, ‘among
is used for things that aren’t clearly separated.For example:Choose between
a blue and black shirt.Choose among
all your shirts.
30. While
Vs. Whereas 30. While
Vs. WhereasWhile means ‘during that time’ or ‘at the same time’. Whereas means ‘on the other hand’. Both these words are commonly misused while writing.For example:Amy likes reading whereas Britney likes watching .She took a
relaxing bath while the kids were asleep.
31. First-Come,
First-Serve 31. First-Come,
First-ServeUsing the term
“first-come, first-serve” is a common
English mistake that even native speakers make. It is not first-come,
first-serve. Using this would mean that the first person who arrives will serve
everyone. The right idiom is, first-come, first-served.
32. Using
Irregardless 32. Using
IrregardlessIrregardless
is not a word. Many people use it when they actually mean to use regardless.
Using irregardless in place of regardless is a common English error that one
should be careful about when English.
33. Leading
Off Each Paragraph with a Linking Word 33. Leading
Off Each Paragraph with a Linking WordUsing firstly,
secondly, thirdly, and so on is plain boring. If you read English newspapers
and other publications, you will notice that none of them use these linking
words at the start of each paragraph. Using them will make you look like a
non-native speaker.Therefore,
don’t overdo the usage of these linking words and definitely don’t use them at
the beginning of each sentence.
34. Piece
Vs. Peace 34. Piece
Vs. PeaceMany writers
also make the mistake of not using the right spellings for piece and peace. ‘Piece’
means a part of something, whereas ‘peace’ means tranquility. They
cannot be used interchangeably as they mean completely different things.
35. Not
Capitalizing Proper Nouns 35. Not
Capitalizing Proper NounsProper nouns,
regardless of where they are used in the sentence, must always be capitalized. So,
you must capitalize the names of people and places. In addition, the names of
days should also be capitalized.Common nouns,
on the other hand, don’t have to be capitalized.
36. Using
Incorrect Tenses 36. Using
Incorrect TensesTenses can be
a nightmare for people who are learning English. However, they become super
easy once you get the hang of them. Using the right tenses is the most
important part of making a correct sentence. If you don’t use the right tense,
the entire meaning and time frame of the sentence can be affected.Therefore, you
must learn your tenses and use them correctly when in
English.
37. Using
Wrong Articles 37. Using
Wrong ArticlesMany of us also
get confused when using articles in our sentences. Here’s the basic rule of
using articles:Use ‘a’ or
‘an’
when referring to singular count nouns. For example, a
girl, an apple.Use ‘the’ for
the nouns that you want to make specific. For example, the girl, the
apple.However, there
are some to this rule as well that you must keep in mind.
38. Plural
Forms of Countable and Uncountable Nouns 38. Plural
Forms of Countable and Uncountable NounsAnother common
error in English is using the wrong plural forms of countable and uncountable
nouns. Countable nouns can be counted. Uncountable nouns, on the other hand,
cannot be counted.Countable
nouns have plural forms, while uncountable nouns generally don’t have a plural
form.For example:Countable
Nouns: a woman or women, a dog or dogs, etc.Uncountable
Nouns: rain, gold, hair, flour, etc.
39. Not
Placing Question Marks at the End of a Question 39. Not
Placing Question Marks at the End of a QuestionIf you are
asking a question, then it must end with a question mark. Rhetorical questions,
on the other hand, may end in a question mark, an exclamation mark or a period.For example:Whose pencil
is this?How could you possibly do that!
40. Subject-Verb
Agreement Errors 40. Subject-Verb
Agreement ErrorsIf you are
using a singular subject, then the verb must also be singular. On the other
hand, a plural verb is used when you are using a plural subject in your
sentence. Subject-verb agreement errors are one of the most common errors in
English. One should be careful about them.For example:Incorrect: The
two best people in my life is my sister and brother.Correct: The
two best people in my life are my sister and brother.
41. Sentence
Fragments 41. Sentence
FragmentsA sentence
fragment is an incomplete sentence that doesn’t have an independent clause. It
may lack a complete verb, a subject or both. These fragments don’t make any
sense. They sometimes depend on the preceding sentence to make sense.Incorrect:
He gave her a beautiful gift. In spite of their fight.Correct:
In spite of their fight, he gave her a beautiful gift.
42. Missing
Comma 42. Missing
CommaWhen you are
inserting an introductory element in the sentence, then it must be followed by
a comma. This prevents confusion and gives the reader a slight pause before the
next element.Incorrect:
Before she could decide Amy pushed her into the pool.Correct:
Before she could decide, Amy pushed her into the pool.
43. Vague
Pronouns Reference 43. Vague
Pronouns ReferenceUsing vague
pronoun references confuses the readers about what or whom the pronoun refers
to.Incorrect:
When Amy found her baby, she was very happy.Correct:
Amy was very happy when she found her baby.
44. Accepted
Vs. Expected 44. Accepted
Vs. ExpectedMany people
also make the mistake of using accepted and expected wrongly. Accepted means to
accept something. Expected means to expect something. It is one of the most
commonly confused and misused words.For example:Incorrect: John expected Amy’s offer to
walk him home.Correct: John accepted Amy’s offer to
walk him home.
45. Using
Run-On Sentences 45. Using
Run-On SentencesRun-on
sentences are ones where two main clauses are connected without any
punctuation.Incorrect:
She tried sneaking him in her mother saw her.Correct:
She tried sneaking him in, but her mother saw her.
46. Using
Commas Unnecessarily 46. Using
Commas UnnecessarilyWhile using
commas in sentences is important, you also don’t have to insert them everywhere
unnecessarily.Incorrect:
She went to the neighbors, because she was scared.Correct:
She went to the neighbors because she was scared.
47. Comma
Splices 47. Comma
SplicesComma splices are
used to connect two separate sentences using a comma instead of a semicolon or
period. A comma splice is often created when writers use transitional words.For example:I wanted to
invite her to dinner, however, I decided not to ask her.
48. Breathe
Vs. Breath 48. Breathe
Vs. Breath‘Breath’
is a noun and ‘breathe’ is a verb. Both these words are commonly confused and
misused even by native speakers.For example:He breathed
his last breath in his home.
49. Parallel
Structure 49. Parallel
StructureDisrespecting
parallel structure is also a common error that many people make in English.
Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words in the complete
sentence.Incorrect:
He asked me to write the report thoroughly, in an accurate manner and quickly.Correct:
He asked me to write the report thoroughly, accurately and quickly.
50. Principle
Vs. Principal 50. Principle
Vs. PrincipalPrincipal
refers to a person in charge. It is also used as an adjective, in which case it
means something important. Principle, on the other hand, means a firmly held
belief. These words cannot be used interchangeably and are one of the most
confusing words in English.He is the principal
of this college.The principal
reason for your failure is lack of motivation.He is a man of principles.
51. Stationary
Vs. Stationery 51. Stationary
Vs. StationeryAnother
commonly confused pair of words is stationery and stationary.Stationary refers to something that isn’t moving. Stationery, on the other hand, is used for like paper, pen, pencil, etc.The earth is
not stationary.Please get me
some stationery
from the shop.
52. Invite
Vs. Invitation 52. Invite
Vs. Invitation‘Invite’
is a verb and ‘invitation’ is a noun. They cannot be used interchangeably.For example:He invited
me to his birthday party.He sent me an invitation
to his birthday party.
53. Advice
Vs. Advise 53. Advice
Vs. Advise‘Advice’
is a noun which means a recommendation or suggestion. On the other hand, ‘advise’
is a noun which means to suggest or recommend something to someone. Both of these
words mean different things and cannot be used interchangeably.For example:He advised
me to quit smoking.He gave me a
good piece of advice to quit smoking.
54. Weather
Vs. Whether 54. Weather
Vs. WhetherAnother
commonly confused and misused words pair is weather and whether.
‘Weather’
refers to atmospheric and climate conditions. ‘Whether’, on the other
hand, introduces alternative possibilities in a sentence.For example:The weather
is beautiful today.Whether
you choose this or that, you will still lose.
55. Desert
Vs. Dessert 55. Desert
Vs. Dessert‘Desert’
can be used as a noun and a verb. When used as a noun, it means a waterless and
barren land with no water. As a verb, it means to abandon or leave.‘Dessert’,
on the other hand, refers to sweet food that is usually served after a meal.For example:They are
planning to go to the Sahara Desert.Don’t leave
him deserted.
It would break his heart.My favorite dessert
is chocolate pie.
56. Future
Tense 56. Future
TenseIf you are
using the future tense in a sentence, then every element of the sentence must
reflect that. For example, you cannot say, ‘I will be going to the
office yesterday’. It’s wrong. You use future tense only when
something hasn’t happened yet. If you went to the office yesterday, it is in
the past now.If you will go
to the office tomorrow, you say, ‘I will be going to the office tomorrow’.
57. Literally
Vs. Figuratively 57. Literally
Vs. FigurativelyWe often
misuse these words. They mean completely opposite things. Literally means
‘really’ or ‘actually,’ while figuratively means ‘something that isn’t real’.
It is used to enlarge or exaggerate the meaning of something.For example:It is literally
200 degrees out there today.Figuratively
speaking, I’m melting in this heat.
58. Borrow
Vs. Loan 58. Borrow
Vs. LoanBorrow means
‘to take’ and loan means ‘to give’. These words cannot be used interchangeably.For example:Can you lend
me your book?You may borrow
my notes if you want.
59. Formal
Vs. Casual 59. Formal
Vs. CasualUnderstanding
formal and casual language is very important if you wish to make the right
conversations. For example, you cannot go and say, ‘Hey. What’s up?’ when you
walk in for a job interview. You have to be formal in such a situation.On the other
hand, using this same phrase when talking to a friend is completely fine.If you want to
speak or write formally, then avoid using contractions. Contractions are used
in casual speaking and writing.
60. Since
Vs. For 60. Since
Vs. ForAnother common
error in English is using the words ‘since’ and ‘for’ interchangeably.A Simple Tip:Use ‘for’ when
the period of time is already specified in the sentence. For example, I haven’t
met him for two months.Use ‘since’
when you have to calculate the time period yourself and just the starting point
is given. For example: ‘I haven’t met him since 2010’.
61. Married
to Vs. Married With 61. Married
to Vs. Married WithMany people
use the wrong preposition when they are referring to someone being married to
someone.The correct
preposition for married is ‘to’ and not ‘with’.For example:‘He is married to a chef’ and not ‘He is married with a chef’.
62. Using
‘Every’ with Singular and Plural Nouns 62. Using
‘Every’ with Singular and Plural NounsAs a rule of
thumb, only a singular noun is used with ‘every’.For example:Incorrect:
Every girls in this class is amazing.Correct:
Every girl in this class is amazing.
63. Using
Although and But Together 63. Using
Although and But TogetherIf you start a
sentence with ‘although’, you don’t have to add a ‘but’ to it.For example:Incorrect:
Although
we were tired, but we still went for shopping.Correct:
Although
we were tired, we still went for shopping.
64. Number
Vs. Amount 64. Number
Vs. AmountAnother
example of commonly misused words in English is ‘amount’ and ‘number’. ‘Amount’
is always used for uncountable nouns. ‘Number’, on the other hand, is used for
countable nouns.For example:I have watched
a number
of movies.We need a large amount of sand for this project.
65. Wrong
Verb Usage with ‘Did Not’ 65. Wrong
Verb Usage with ‘Did Not’Another common
error in English is the use of the wrong form of verb with ‘did not’. We always
use the base form of a verb with ‘did’ or ‘did not’.For example: ‘I didn’t see that coming’, ‘I did not mean to hurt you’.
66. Too
Vs. Enough 66. Too
Vs. EnoughEnough is
always used before nouns. Too, on the other hand, is used before adverbs and
adjectives.For example:‘I don’t have enough
money’‘This shirt is
too
small for me’
67. Gerunds 67. GerundsGerunds are verbs
that function as nouns. It is, in fact, a noun made from a verb when you add
‘-ing’ to it.For example:‘I love eating
steaks’ and not ‘I love to eat steaks’.‘I enjoy walking
in the rain’ and not ‘I enjoy to walk in the rain’.
68. Everyday
Vs. Every Day 68. Everyday
Vs. Every DayEvery day
means daily or each day. Everyday, on the other hand, means something that
happens every day or is commonplace.For example:He needs a car
for his everyday commute to work.He drinks
apple juice every day.
69. Apostrophe
with Things Shared by Two Persons 69. Apostrophe
with Things Shared by Two PersonsIf a
possession is shared by two people, then the apostrophe only comes after the
name of the second person.For example:Incorrect:
It is Amy’s and Amanda’s cat.Correct:
It is Amy and Amanda’s cat.
70. Well
Vs. Good (Happiness) 70. Well
Vs. Good (Happiness)If you want to
express happiness, then always use good.For example:I feel good.Her daughter
makes her feel good.
71. Well
Vs. Good (Quality) 71. Well
Vs. Good (Quality)If you want to
express someone or something’s quality, then you should use well.For example:She cooks well.The sewing
machine works well.
72. Singular
Nouns with ‘One of the…’ 72. Singular
Nouns with ‘One of the…’Another common
error many people make in English is using singular nouns with the phrase ‘one
of the….’. This phrase is always followed by a plural noun.For example:Incorrect:
One
of the girl was crying.Correct:
One
of the girls was crying.
73. Misplaced
Adverbs 73. Misplaced
AdverbsPlacing
adverbs in the wrong place can change the entire meaning of a sentence.For example:He almost
ate all the bread.He ate almost
all the bread.Both of these
sentences have different meanings. Therefore, be careful about where you place
the adverbs in your sentences to ensure that the right meaning is conveyed.
74. Incorrect
Usage of ‘A’ and ‘An’ 74. Incorrect
Usage of ‘A’ and ‘An’Many people get confused about using ‘a’ or ‘an’ with some words. Here’s a simple rule: if the start of a word is a vowel, use ‘an’ before it. On the other hand, if the beginning of the word sounds like a consonant, use ‘a’ before it.For example:An orangeAn appleA horse
75. Alternate
Vs. Alternative 75. Alternate
Vs. Alternative‘Alternate’
means something occurring in turns repeatedly. ‘Alternative’, on the
other hand, means something that is available as another choice or possibility.
These words cannot be used interchangeably and they have different meanings.For example:Salad is a
healthier alternative to junk food.America’s
government alternates between two parties.
76. Amiable
Vs. Amicable 76. Amiable
Vs. Amicable‘Amiable’
is used to describe someone who is gentle, friendly and kind. ‘Amicable’,
on the other hand, refers to settlements or agreements that are peacefully
reached by parties. These words cannot be used interchangeably and they have
different meanings.For example:He was greeted
by an amiable young gentleman.They reached an amicable settlement of their dispute.
77. Beside
Vs. Besides 77. Beside
Vs. Besides‘Beside’
means next to something, whereas ‘besides’ means in addition to. Using
these words interchangeably can change the meaning of the sentence.For example:He was sitting
beside
his sister.Besides
her she is also famous for her makeup skills.
78. Can
Vs. May 78. Can
Vs. May‘May ’is
used to express the possibility of something. ‘Can’ is used to express
the ability to do something. Many people confuse the two words and misuse these
words. They cannot be used interchangeably.For example:I can drive.It may rain
today.
79. Deathly
Vs. Deadly 79. Deathly
Vs. Deadly‘Deadly’
means something that can cause death. ‘Deathly’, on the other
hand, is used to describe something that is suggestive of death or resembles
death. Again, these words cannot be used interchangeably.For example:He looked deathly
pale.This is a deadly
weapon.
80. On
Vs. In 80. On
Vs. In‘On’
is used to indicate a specific day or part of the day when an event takes
place. ‘In’ is used in the case
of unspecific times during a day, season, month, year, etc.For example:He will start
working on June 5th.He came home on a
hot evening in July.We have
refreshing fruits in summer.The university
will open in March.He died in 1980.
81. No
One or Anyone with Didn’t 81. No
One or Anyone with Didn’tIncluding both
no one and didn’t in a sentence will make it a double negative. Double
negatives are not encouraged as they make the sentence confusing and difficult
to understand. Therefore, when you use didn’t in a sentence, use ‘anyone’
with it instead of ‘no one’.For example:Incorrect:
I didn’t
meet no one at the party.Correct:
I didn’t
meet anyone at the party.
82. If
I Was Vs. If I Were 82. If
I Was Vs. If I WereIf you are
wishing something for yourself, then you should always use ‘if I were’.For example:Incorrect:
If
I was a prince.Correct:
If
I were a prince.
83. Themself
Vs. Themselves 83. Themself
Vs. ThemselvesThemself is
not a word. Themselves is used to refer to a group of people or things that
have been previously mentioned in the clause as the subject.For example:Incorrect:
They will arrange a conveyance themself.Correct:
They will arrange a conveyance themselves.
84. Very
Vs. Really 84. Very
Vs. ReallyWhile both ‘really’
and ‘very’
can be used interchangeably in many cases, really must be used when you want to
emphasize an opinion or statement.For example,I really
wanted to go with my friends.I really
think that she will win this match.I really
want to be a part of this team.Very cannot be
used in these sentences.
85. Incorrect
Usage of Superlatives 85. Incorrect
Usage of SuperlativesSuperlatives
are used when you are comparing a certain quality of someone or something with
another. Many comparatives can be converted to superlatives simply by adding ‘-est’
to them. However, there are some exceptions to this rule as well.For example:The superlative
form of good is not goodest but best. Similarly, the superlative of bad is not
baddest but worst.When using
superlatives, you don’t have to add more before the quality. Simply add the
superlative form and it will do the job.For example:Incorrect:
She is most tall among her sisters.Correct:
She is the tallest among her sisters.
86. Forty
Vs. Fourty 86. Forty
Vs. FourtyMany people get confused when they have to write the spelling of ‘40’. The spelling of ‘40’ is ‘forty’ and not ‘fourty’.
87. Lighting
Vs. Lightning 87. Lighting
Vs. Lightning‘Lighting’
is used for the equipment that is used to produce light. ‘Lightning’, on the other
hand, is a natural electrical discharge accompanied by a bright flash of light.
These words cannot be used interchangeably and they have different meanings.For example:LED bulbs are
used for street lighting in our town.Thunder and lightning
scare me.
88. Pronounciation
Vs. Pronunciation 88. Pronounciation
Vs. PronunciationWhile the verb
form is ‘pronounce’, the noun form of the same word is ‘pronunciation’
and not ‘pronounciation’.
89. Wreck
Vs. Wreak 89. Wreck
Vs. Wreak‘Wreck’
means debris while ‘wreak’ means causing a large amount of harm or damage. These
words are often used interchangeably and confuse readers.For example:The storm wreaked
havoc in the city.The car was
reduced to a smoldering wreck.
90. Before
Vs. Ago 90. Before
Vs. Ago‘Ago’ is
used when a specific time is mentioned. ‘Before’ is used to describe a period
preceding some particular time or event.For example:Your mother
called ten minutes ago.They were
living in this house before they were murdered.
91. Uninterested
Vs. Disinterested 91. Uninterested
Vs. Disinterested‘Uninterested’ means a lack of interest in something. ‘Disinterested’ means not influenced by personal bias, prejudice or discrimination. Both of these words have different meanings and cannot be used interchangeably.For example:The banker
gave him a disinterested piece of advice.He is uninterested
in your story.
92. Either
Is Vs. Either Are 92. Either
Is Vs. Either AreIn most cases,
either is followed by a singular verb.For example, Either
Amy or Amanda is coming with us.However, when
there is one singular and one plural choice, then the verb should agree to the
nearer subject.For example: Either
the cup or plates are to be sold.
93. Waiting
on Vs. Waiting For 93. Waiting
on Vs. Waiting For‘Waiting on’ means to serve and ‘waiting for’ means to wait for something or someone.For example:She waited
on her in the restaurant.He waited for her at the airport.
94. One
Another Vs. Each Other 94. One
Another Vs. Each Other‘Each
other’ is used when referring to two persons. On the other hand, ‘one
another’ is used when referring to three people or more.For example:They both love
each
other.All the family
members love one another.
95. Comparing
Two Qualities of the Same Person or Thing 95. Comparing
Two Qualities of the Same Person or ThingIf you are
comparing two qualities of the same person or thing, then we don’t use the
comparative ‘-er’. For example:Incorrect:
Amy is stronger than wise.Correct:
Amy is more strong than wise.
96. Senior
to Vs. Senior Than 96. Senior
to Vs. Senior ThanThe correct
preposition to be used with senior is ‘senior to’ and not ‘senior
than’.For example:Incorrect:
Amy is senior than Jake.Correct:
Amy is senior to Jake.
97. Neither
Nor 97. Neither
NorWhen using
neither nor in a sentence, there is no need to add an extra ‘not’. This is because neither nor makes the
statement negative, so an additional ‘not’ is not required.For example:Incorrect:
I don’t
eat neither ice cream nor chocolate.Correct:
I eat neither ice cream nor chocolate.
98. Habit
of Vs. Habit to 98. Habit
of Vs. Habit toThe correct
preposition for habit is ‘of’. The verb is then always
followed by ‘-ing’.For example:I have a habit
of listening to music while studying.She has a habit
of arriving late.
99. Admission
to Vs. Admission for 99. Admission
to Vs. Admission forThe correct
preposition for admission is ‘to’ and not ‘for’.For example:These tickets
will get you admission to the dolphin show.
100. Hard Vs. Hardly 100. Hard Vs. Hardly‘Hard’
means something that is tough or difficult. ‘Hardly’, on the other
hand, means rarely. Both words have different meanings and cannot be used
interchangeably.For example:Plumbing is a hard job.This is a hard surface.She hardly
comes on time.
101. Listen Vs. Listen to 101. Listen Vs. Listen toThe
preposition following intransitive verb ‘listening’ is ‘to’.For example:Incorrect:
She likes to listen music.Correct:
She likes to listen to music.These were 101 common errors in English that many people make.Do you make these errors, too?Let us know in the comments below. Also, check out our article on to create error-free content. X Search for: Search
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common errors in English grammar?
Pronoun errors are common in modern English, as writers try to avoid awkward phrasing or the implication of sexist language. Although this is an admirable goal, it is still important to learn the correct grammar and use it in more formal situations.
What are some common mistakes we make when conversing in English?
Since we’re not the native speakers, there are some common mistakes that we make whenever conversing in English. We’ve listed down 8 common mistakes made by us while we speak. Use of double negative. Since most of the us try to translate a sentence to English from our native language, thus, we end up adding double negative while speaking out.
How to avoid writing mistakes in English?
To avoid this mistake, you should know what each word means. Use “discreet” to describe something cautious, careful, showing good judgment. “Discrete” refers to an individual, distinct, or separate thing. Here’s another common writing mistake to avoid. Both verbs sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Do you make mistakes when learning English as a second language?
Anyone learning English as a Second Language will make mistakes along the way. It is inevitable. Don’t worry. I’ve made more than my share of speaking mistakes while studying foreign languages. The important thing is to learn from these mistakes so you become a more capable, confident speaker.
How many common errors in English grammar exercises are there?
There are 20 Common Errors in English Grammar Exercises quiz that will test you in a preposition, adjective, and some common grammar mistakes. There are 20 Questions about English grammar and prepositions, some of the adjectives too. You can write the correct sentence in the box and then reveal the answer to check your credibility.
Which is an example of an academic English mistake?
Academic English or Casual Texting Language Example Mistake: (In an academic paper) If u want to know my opinion tho, IDK who should be president. Tip: Try to break the habit of using text language to communicate your ideas. Write everything out completely. This text style is inappropriate language to use for academic purposes.
What are the most common mistakes of non-native English speakers?
But at the end of the day, it is always the small things. And the most typical mistake of non-native English speakers which I hear is usually the prepositions of time. Elementary? Yes. Making us confused?
Is it easy to make grammar mistakes?
And for many, it's grammar. It's not easy. Words and phrases that sound fine in your head can look like gibberish when written down -- that is, if you even realize you made a mistake in the first place. It's easy for little grammar mistakes to slip by, especially when you're self-editing.