What Are Common Grammatical Errors in Writing?
Ever wondered why some grammatical errors keep appearing despite countless proofreading sessions? fourteen leading experts, a Founder and CEO and an Editor-in-Chief, share their perspectives on this common issue. The article begins with the importance of checking subject-verb agreement and concludes with tips on ensuring the correct use of homophones. Discover 14 valuable insights from professionals in the field.
- Check Subject-Verb Agreement
- Distinguish Between Affect and Effect
- Use Semicolons Correctly
- Avoid Misusing Its and It's
- Differentiate Similar-Sounding Words
- Correct Its Versus It's
- Spot Your Versus You're
- Use Its and It's Properly
- Avoid Your and You're Confusion
- Fix Misplaced Modifiers
- Watch for Homonym Errors
- Ensure Subject-Verb Agreement
- Differentiate Their, There, and They're
- Use Correct Homophones
Check Subject-Verb Agreement
As someone reviewing thousands of tutor profiles on UrbanPro, I've noticed that subject-verb agreement errors are surprisingly common, even among experienced educators. Last month, I spotted a profile stating 'Each of the students has different learning styles' when it should be 'has,' since 'each' is singular. I now encourage our tutors to read their descriptions aloud before submitting them, as this simple trick helps catch these tricky agreement issues.
Distinguish Between Affect and Effect
One mistake I see often is mixing up "affect" and "effect." It's a small error, but it can change the meaning of a sentence entirely. "Affect" is a verb that means to influence, while "effect" is a noun, referring to the result of an action.
What makes this error challenging is the nuance. In fast-paced writing, it's easy to rely on instinct rather than stopping to double-check word choice. I've made this mistake myself when juggling multiple projects. It's frustrating because it feels like something you should instinctively get right, yet it can slip through unnoticed until someone points it out.
To avoid this, I've built a habit of reading sentences aloud during edits and using tools to flag common mix-ups. Writing is a balance of creativity and precision, and small errors remind us how important it is to slow down and approach the process thoughtfully.
Use Semicolons Correctly
As the founder of Superbly Scripted, a platform dedicated to using the power of writing for healing, I often notice the incorrect use of semicolons. Many writers either overuse them or use them where commas or periods would be more appropriate. For example, a sentence like, "She loves the calm; her brother prefers the hustle," should have a conjunction instead.
Semicolons are powerful connectors, bridging related independent clauses without requiring a conjunction. When they are used correctly, they can add depth and subtlety to writing. However, misusing them can make writing feel stilted or confusing, especially in narratives that aim to resonate emotionally, as we promote at Superbly Scripted.
In our workshops, I emphasize understanding the role of each punctuation mark, demonstrating how properly placed semicolons can improve storytelling by creating a rhythm that mirrors natural speech. This technique is particularly important for reflective writing, where clarity and emotional resonance are crucial.
Avoid Misusing Its and It's
As an SEO specialist who writes and edits frequently, one common grammatical error I often encounter is the misuse of "its" versus "it's." Many writers mistakenly use "it's" (a contraction for "it is" or "it has") when they mean "its" (the possessive form). For example, saying "The website updated it's layout" instead of the correct "The website updated its layout."
To avoid this mistake, I recommend using a quick substitution trick: replace "it's" with "it is" or "it has" in your sentence. If it doesn't make sense, then "its" is likely the correct choice. Tools like Grammarly can also help catch these errors, but a strong grasp of grammar rules will always serve you well, especially in professional writing.
Differentiate Similar-Sounding Words
One common grammatical error I often see is misusing words that sound or look similar. Examples include they're/there/their, you're/your, and perhaps the most egregious, the trifecta of peek/peak/pique. Writers frequently use peek (to see) or peak (highest point) interchangeably as well as in place of pique (to stimulate interest), risking the latter's obsolescence. This confusion appears in blogs, social media, and advertising copy—though, thankfully, I've yet to see it on a billboard.
Correct Its Versus It's
One common grammatical error I see all the time is the misuse of "it's" vs. "its." People often mix them up, using "it's" (a contraction for "it is" or "it has") when they mean "its" (a possessive pronoun).
For example: The company increased its revenue this year.
The trick? If you can replace "it's" with "it is" or "it has" and the sentence still makes sense, you're good to go. Otherwise, you want "its." Simple, but so many people trip over it!
Spot Your Versus You're
I keep spotting folks mixing "your" and "you're." It's a small slip, but it can change the meaning of a sentence entirely. "Your" shows ownership-"your book," "your idea"-while "you're" is short for "you are." I've seen even the most careful writers stumble over this one, usually when they're typing fast or not double-checking. It's a tiny fix, but getting it right helps keep the reader focused on the content, not the error.
Use Its and It's Properly
One common grammatical error I often see is the misuse of "its" and "it's". Many writers confuse "its", the possessive form of "it" (e.g., "The guitar lost its strings"), with "it's", the contraction for "it is" or "it has" (e.g., "It’s been a long day").
This mistake can disrupt the flow of writing and confuse readers, especially in professional or marketing content. To avoid this, I recommend re-reading the sentence and expanding "it’s" to see if "it is" or "it has" fits the context. If it doesn’t, then "its" is likely correct.
Pay close attention to detail and proofread carefully. Tools like Grammarly can also help catch this error before publishing.
Avoid Your and You're Confusion
The most common grammatical error that I see is the confusion between "your" and "you're". The occurrence is so common that many professionals have fallen into the trap. Once, while preparing a pitch for a client, a colleague from the sales department expressed, "You're doing great!".
The client answered with the deal terms but also pointed out that the sentence was grammatically incorrect. Not that it was a deal-breaker for the client, but it was certainly embarrassing. The best remedy for correcting this error is to wait and reread your document before hitting the send button. Small tips like saying "you are" out loud in your mind can also show you whether it's going to work or not. A small mistake can earn you a big difference in attention to professionalism. A little rethinking can save your reputation and that of a deal.
Fix Misplaced Modifiers
A common grammatical error is misplaced or dangling modifiers. For example, "Running down the street, I heard the dog bark loudly."
Watch for Homonym Errors
One of the most common ones to look out for is homonyms, words that sound the same as the intended word. These are common errors since they are not flagged for spelling and often autocorrect can create new errors. So this would mean: "there" instead of "their," or "it's" instead of "its," or "lead" instead of "led." These are common ones, and this is the reason to hire a professional proofreader. In one book I am proofing, I found the word "tamarin" (the monkey) when the author meant "tamarind" (the fruit tree).
Ensure Subject-Verb Agreement
Even experienced writers frequently make the grammatical mistake of using subject-verb agreement incorrectly when working with compound subjects. For example, when two singular subjects are united by "and," they are typically regarded as plural, but occasionally authors use a singular verb by mistake. For instance, the statement "The manager and the team are excited about the project" rather than "The manager and the team is excited about the project" is inaccurate. With collective nouns, such as "team" or "group," authors may make a variant of this mistake by using a plural verb when the subject is regarded as single. Clarity and consistency in writing are ensured by paying attention to these small details.
Differentiate Their, There, and They're
Many grammatical mistakes have been made by people with backgrounds in writing, e-commerce marketing, and health. One mistake I see a lot is people mixing up "their," "there," and "they're." These words sound alike but mean different things, and using them wrong can make your work hard to understand. The word "their" is used here to mean "their yoga mats are the best quality." An example of "there" is "Every Tuesday, the yoga class is held there." Finally, "they're" is short for "they are." Say, "They're going to the wellness retreat this weekend." Remembering these differences will help you stay on track and not get lost in your work. It's also important to distinguish the uses of these words so you will not mislead your readers.
Use Correct Homophones
One grammatical error I often encounter is the misuse of homophones, like "there," "their," and "they're." As an artist who crafts both visuals and written content for Handshucked, clarity in communication is crucial. Missteps here can detract from the message I'm trying to convey through my art.
In design, especially when crafting product descriptions for pieces like my "Green Army Men Tee," the use of the correct homophone ensures the message aligns with the aesthetic appeal and quirks of my work. Each piece is intended to evoke a specific reaction, and improper grammar can muddle that intention.
A practical example comes from my "WTFishbowl" series, where conceptual humor pushes the limits of expression. Accurate use of language, including homophones, helps maintain the intended light-hearted tone and keeps the audience engaged without unnecessary distractions. Just as placement is key in graffiti, the right word is vital in writing.As a graphic artist who loves creating original art and designs, I often see a common grammatical error when reviewing texts and captions for our Handshucked artwork is the misuse of homophones. Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings, like "their," "they're," and "there." This is particularly noticeable in social media posts, where haste can lead to these slip-ups.
In my experience with designing humorous pieces like the "Lost Cat" or "WTFishbowl" series, I've learned that even a small grammatical misstep can undermine the intended humor or message. For instance, using "your" instead of "you're" can completely change what you're trying to convey, turning clever into confusing. Ensuring the grammar aligns with the artwirk's tone is crucial for clarity and comedy.
I've noticed that when working on projects like "Flying Saucer (Graffiti)," attention to detail is key, whether it's the stroke of a paintbrush or the choice of a word. The wrong choice can distract from the artwork's impact. Double-checking texts in my designs helps maintain professionalism and keeps the humor intact, similar to making sure every line and color complements the overall piece.
