Common mistakes in english
English is a beautiful language that is spoken by millions of people globally. Despite its popularity, English can be tricky to master, especially for non-native speakers. One common issue that people face while using English is making mistakes. English is a diversified language with many exceptions, and even native speakers can get tripped up in certain instances. Let’s take a look at some of the most common mistakes in English and how to avoid them.
1. Confusing homophones
Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Common examples include their/there/they’re, your/you’re, and its/it’s. These are homophones that people often mix up in writing, leading to confusion for the reader. To avoid this mistake, take a moment to double-check the spelling or usage of the word, before submission or sending out.
2. Subject-verb agreement
Subject-verb agreement ensures that the verb agrees in tense and number with the subject of the sentence. It’s a common mistake to make while writing, and it can confuse the reader if you don’t get it right. For example, saying «The boys are» instead of «The boys are» is incorrect, and vice versa. To avoid this mistake, make sure to match the verb in the sentence to the subject, and pay attention to their number (singular or plural).
3. Confusing punctuation marks
Many people struggle with using punctuation marks properly in their writing. Commas, hyphens, and apostrophes are often misused, leading to grammatical errors. For example, «Let’s eat, grandma!» is different from «Let’s eat grandma» because the former includes a comma used to clarify the sentence’s meaning. Similarly, people mistake «its» and «it’s» for each other and use apostrophes incorrectly. To avoid punctuation mistakes, read the sentence aloud to see if it makes sense and sensecheck the usage rules.
4. Confusing vocabulary
Using vocabulary with the wrong meanings leads to ambiguity and confusion. For example, using «loose» instead of «lose,» or «affect» instead of «effect.» In some instances, these words may seem interchangeable, but incorrect usage can alter the intended meaning of the sentence. To avoid vocabulary mistakes, have a dictionary or thesaurus nearby and consult them when in doubt. Read more to expand your vocabulary.
5. Overusing passive voice
Passive voice is when the object of the sentence becomes the subject of the sentence. For instance, «The cake was eaten by John» is structurally passive voice, while «John ate the cake» is active voice. Too much use of passive voice can make the writing dull, vague and less engaging. To avoid using passive voice, focus on writing active sentences that are clear cut and engage the reader.
In conclusion, mastering English requires time, practice, and patience. It’s natural to make mistakes, but by identifying and rectifying them, you can improve your writing and communication skills. Keep an eye out for homophones, punctuation marks, subject-verb agreement, vocabulary, and overusing passive voice. By paying attention to these common mistakes, you’re on your way to becoming a proficient writer in no time.