The Most Common Grammar Mistakes You Don't Even Know You're Making
Published 6th of August, 2022
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You may not even know you're making these common grammar mistakes, but they could be hurting your writing (and your credibility) nonetheless. Check out this list of the most common grammar goofs and see how many you're guilty of!
Grammar is one of those things we know we should know better. But the reality is that school was a long time ago for many of us. A lot of us either didn't quite nail certain grammar concepts while we were at school. Or bad habits have crept in over the years since we haven't had a teacher correcting our work all the time.
You might wonder why grammar is important. If the people you're communicating with understand you well enough, does it really matter if you make the odd grammar mistake? In fact, poor grammar can actually change the meaning of what you're trying to say. It can also make you look less credible and professional.
Luckily, you can use a grammar checker tool these days to correct anything you write. Using a tool like this will also help you learn along the way, so maybe you won't make the same mistakes next time. But what are the most common grammar mistakes that people make? Here are some of the top things to look out for.
Its and It's
One of the most common mistakes people make is confusing its and it's. Its is a possessive pronoun, meaning belonging to it. It's is a contraction of it is or it has.
Here's an example:
-The cat licked its paw. (possessive pronoun)
-It's been a long day. (contraction of it is)
Apostrophes
Apostrophes are another common source of confusion for many people. They can be used for two main things: to show possession and to create contractions.
When you're showing possession, you need to add an apostrophe and an s. For example:
-The cat's paw was wet. (showing possession)
-The dog's toys were all over the place. (showing possession)
However, when you're creating a contraction, you just need to add an apostrophe in place of the missing letter or letters. For example:
-I'm going to the park. (contraction of I am)
-You're not going to believe this. (contraction of you are)
-They're coming over for dinner tonight. (contraction of they are)
-Who's got the remote? (contraction of who has)
-I'd like a coffee, please. (contraction of I would)
-You'd better not be late. (contraction of you had)
-They'll be here soon. (contraction of they will)
Singular or Plural Apostrophes
On the topic of apostrophes, another mistake people often make is using them when they pluralize something. Remember, you only need to use an apostrophe when you're showing possession or creating a contraction.
For example, people often write:
-I have two brother's. (incorrect)
-You need to bring your own cup's. (incorrect)
-The cat slept through the storm's. (incorrect)
When in fact, you should just write:
-I have two brothers. (correct)
-You need to bring your own cups. (correct)
-The cat slept through the storms. (correct)
-You also need to remember to put an apostrophe after an 's' in certain contexts, when a word already has an 's' at the end. For example:
-The class's assignment was due today. (correct)
-The glass's handle was broken. (correct)
Affect and Effect
Another common mistake is confusing affect and effect. Affect is a verb meaning to influence something. Effect is a noun meaning the result of something.
Here's an example:
-The medicine will affect your heart rate. (verb)
-The medicine had the desired effect. (noun)
-You can also use effect as a verb, but it has a different meaning. It means to bring something into existence.
For example:
-He will effect change in the company. (verb)
-The new law goes into effect next week. (verb)
To and Too
Another common mistake is confusing to and too. To is a preposition meaning toward. Too means also or excessively.
Here's an example:
-I'm going to the store. (preposition)
-I'm too tired to go to the store. (also)
-This shirt is too small. (excessively)
-You can also use to as an adverb meaning excessively.
For example:
-He was talking to me, but I wasn't listening. (excessively)
-I'm too tired to go to the store. (excessively)
There / They're / Their
There, they're, and their are often confused because they are pronounced the same. There means that place. They're is a contraction of they are. Their means belonging to them.
Here's an example:
-I left my keys over there. (that place)
-They're going to the store later. (contraction of they are)
-Their car is parked out front. (belonging to them)
You're / Your
Similarly, you're and your are also often confused because they are pronounced the same. You're is a contraction of you are. Your means belonging to you.
Here's an example:
-You're going to the store later, right? (contraction of you are)
-Is this your coat? (belonging to you)
Adjective or Adverb
Adjectives describe, identify, and quantify people or things and usually go in front of a noun. They don't usually change if the noun is plural. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs and usually come after the verb.
For example:
-He's a slow driver. (adjective)
-He drives slowly. (adverb)
-We're having a great time. (adjective)
-We're having too much fun. (adverb)
-You're working hard today. (adjective)
-You're working really hard today. (adverb modifying the adjective 'hard')
-They're very happy. (adjective)
-They're unusually happy. (adverb modifying the adjective 'happy')
This should help to clear up some of the confusion around these common grammar mistakes. Just remember, when in doubt, use a grammar checker, consult a dictionary or style guide. And don't be afraid to ask for help from a friend or colleague if you're still unsure.