10 Top Most Common Grammatical Errors

What Are Grammatical Errors?

Grammatical errors occur when the rules of a language are violated. These rules govern sentence structure and word usage, ensuring clarity and coherence.

Sentence fragments and run-on sentences are typical errors. A fragment lacks a complete thought, while run-on sentences combine multiple thoughts without proper punctuation.

6 Different Types Of Grammatical Errors

Grammatical errors can make writing confusing and less effective. Understanding the different types of errors helps you avoid them and improve your communication. 

1. Subject-Verb Agreement

Ensuring subject-verb agreement is crucial for conveying the right meaning. 

Errors occur when the subject does not align with the verb in number, such as using "is" instead of "are" with a plural subject.

2. Incorrect Use of Apostrophes

Apostrophes are often misused, especially in contractions and possessive forms. Incorrect placement can alter the sentence's meaning, like confusing "its" with "it's."

3. Confusion Around Similar Words

Words that sound similar but have different meanings often lead to errors. 

For example, using "affect" instead of "effect" changes the context entirely.

4. Misuse of Abbreviations

Abbreviations require careful usage. 

They should be clear and easily understood within the context to avoid misinterpretation. 

Using "e.g." and "i.e." correctly is an example.

5. Punctuation Mistakes

Punctuation is a key component of proper grammar, guiding the reader through the text. 

Missing commas or misplaced periods can lead to confusion. 

This includes incorrect patterns like "it's raining; I'm staying in."

6. Run-On Sentences

Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses are joined without appropriate punctuation or a conjunction. 

This often makes the text difficult to read and understand. 

Using conjunctions or breaking the sentence into smaller ones can fix this issue.

Grammatical Errors Examples: The 10 Most Common Grammar Mistakes & How To Correct Them

Grammar mistakes can weaken your writing and make it harder to understand. Learning to spot and fix these common errors will help you write clearly and professionally. Tools like our free online grammar checker can help.

Here are ten examples of frequent grammar mistakes and tips to correct them.

1. Subject-Verb Agreement

Ensure subjects and verbs agree in number:

Incorrect: The boss have a plan.
Correct: The boss has a plan.

2. Comma Splices

Avoid linking independent clauses with only a comma:

Incorrect: I went home, I was tired.
Correct: I went home because I was tired.

3. Run-On Sentences

Run-ons occur when multiple independent clauses are not properly separated.

Split them with punctuation or conjunctions:

Incorrect: He loves to write he writes daily.
Correct: He loves to write, and he writes daily.

4. Dangling Modifiers

Modifiers should clearly refer to the word they are intended to modify.

Incorrect: Flying over the countryside, the barns looked tiny.
Correct: Flying over the countryside, she saw that the barns looked tiny.

5. Apostrophe Usage

Apostrophes show possession or form contractions.

Incorrect: Its a sunny day.
Correct: It's a sunny day.

6. Affect vs. Effect

'Affect' is a verb; 'effect' is a noun:

Her speech affected him deeply. The effect was profound.

7. Who vs. Whom vs. Whose vs. Who's

Use 'who' for subjects, 'whom' for objects, 'whose' for possession, 'who's' for 'who is' or 'who has'.

Who's coming with us? Whose book is this?

8. Misplaced Modifiers

Place modifiers near the word they modify to avoid confusion.

Incorrect: She almost drove her kids to school every day.
Correct: She drove her kids to school almost every day.

9. i.e. vs. e.g.

i.e. means 'that is,' whereas e.g. means 'for example.'

He enjoys outdoor activities, e.g., hiking and biking.

10. Incorrect Usage of Homophones

Words that sound alike but have different meanings often cause errors.

Ensure correct usage: there/their/they're; lose/loose.

They're going to lose their way.

Why You Should Avoid Making Grammatical Mistakes

Grammatical mistakes can make your writing unclear and less professional. It’s one of many common writing mistakes. Avoiding these errors helps you communicate your ideas clearly and build trust with your readers.

Build Credibility

Grammatical mistakes can significantly undermine the credibility of any written work. 

Maintaining proper grammar enhances writing skills, making content more convincing and reliable.

Communicate Effectively

Effective communication is closely linked to correct grammar. Errors can obscure the intended message, leading to misunderstandings. 

A well-constructed sentence ensures clarity and precise delivery of thoughts.

Keep Readers Focused

Writing mistakes can distract readers from the main message. 

Frequent errors may cause readers to focus more on the mistakes than the content itself, diminishing the writing’s impact.

Strengthen Professional Appeal

Employers and clients often seek individuals who can express themselves clearly. 

Grammatical mistakes may suggest a lack of attention to detail, potentially affecting professional opportunities.

Show Respect for Readers

Avoiding errors shows respect for the audience, indicating that the writer values their readers' time and effort by presenting clear and error-free content.

Demonstrate Academic Mastery

Correct grammar is essential in academic writing.

It demonstrates a command of the language and the ability to convey complex ideas effectively. 

Precision in grammar is often critical for meeting academic standards.

Improve Writing Flow

Grammar errors can interfere with the flow of writing, making it sound awkward or disjointed. 

Ensuring grammatical accuracy allows ideas to flow smoothly, creating a more pleasant reading experience.

Key Takeaways on Grammatical Errors

Grammar is key to clear communication. It helps avoid mistakes that can confuse readers and harm credibility. 

Issues like subject-verb disagreement, punctuation errors, or using the wrong word can make writing unclear. Using correct grammar improves readability, shows respect for your audience, and makes your message stronger. 

Tools like Hemingway can help spot and fix these errors, making your writing clear and easy to understand.

FAQs

Is It Grammar Errors Or Grammatical Errors?

Both "grammar errors" and "grammatical errors" are acceptable terms.

"Grammar errors" is often used in informal contexts, while "grammatical errors" is more formal and precise. Each term accurately refers to mistakes in sentence structure, punctuation, or word usage.

Using either term can depend on the context and audience.

In academic or professional writing, "grammatical errors" might be preferred for clarity and specificity. Those writing for general audiences can opt for either term, ensuring communication remains clear.

Is Using The Wrong Word A Grammatical Error?

Using the wrong word is indeed a grammatical error.

This type of mistake can include incorrect word choices due to homonyms or synonyms. For instance, mixing up "affect" and "effect" leads to confusion. Such errors often disrupt the sentence's intended meaning and the reader's understanding.

Careful attention to context and meaning can prevent these errors.

Tools like a grammar checker can highlight incorrect word usage, helping writers to choose the right words. Understanding the specific meanings of often-confused words is crucial for clear communication.

What Is The Correct Term For Wrong Grammar?

The accurate term for incorrect grammar usage is "grammatical error."

This term encompasses various mistakes, including subject-verb agreement issues, incorrect verb tense usage, and sentence structure problems.

Identifying errors is essential for maintaining clarity and professionalism.

The consistent use of correct terms, like "grammatical error," ensures effective communication and helps identify areas for improvement. Such understanding is vital in both written and spoken language.

What Is A Synonym For A Grammatical Error?

A common synonym for "grammatical error" is "syntax error."

While "syntax error" typically refers to sentence structure issues, it can also describe broader grammar mistakes.

Other terms include "linguistic error" or simply "error in grammar," though these are less frequent.

Each synonym carries slight nuances, suited to different contexts.

"Syntax error" is often used in both language studies and programming.

Choosing the right synonym depends on the specific type of error and the audience's familiarity with the terms.