Introduction to the importance of mastering English grammar

Mastering English grammar is an essential skill that can make a huge difference in both personal and
professional life. Good grammar skills are crucial in conveying ideas effectively, building credibility
and trust, and avoiding misunderstandings. Grammar mistakes can be embarrassing and can even be
a deal-breaker in certain situations such as job interviews, business meetings, or academic
presentations.

Moreover, in today’s digital age, where written communication is a vital part of our daily routine,
having good grammar skills is more important than ever. Whether it’s writing emails, social media
posts, or blog articles, using correct grammar helps to create a positive impression and engage the
audience.

However, mastering English grammar is not an easy task, and it requires consistent effort and
practice. In this guide, we will take a step-by-step approach to help you identify common grammar
mistakes and learn how to avoid them. We will cover the fundamentals of English grammar,
including parts of speech, sentence structure, punctuation, and common errors to watch out for. By
the end of this guide, you will have a solid foundation in English grammar, which will help you
communicate more effectively and confidently in any situation.

How to Identify Errors in English using these Steps

Time needed: 10 minutes

Locating errors in English grammar is an important skill that can be very helpful in both professional
and personal situations. With practice and the right tools, it can become much easier. Here is a step-
by-step guide to help you locate errors in English grammar:

1. Read through the text

Read through the text slowly and carefully, looking for potential errors in grammar. Pay attention to
the tenses, subject-verb agreement, and word order.

2. Check for subject-verb agreement

Identify the subject and verb in each sentence to make sure that the subject and verb agree in
number (singular or plural).

3. Check verb tense

Make sure that the verb tense is consistent throughout the text. The tense used in the sentence is
appropriate for the context. For example, if the text is in the past tense, all verbs should be in the
past tense.

4. Check for the correct word order

Make sure that the order of words in the sentence makes sense and follows proper grammar rules.

5. Check for spelling errors

Use spell-check and double-check the spelling of any words that you are unsure of.

6. Ensure that pronouns are used correctly

Make sure that pronouns are used to refer to the correct antecedent and match in number and
gender.
 7. Look out for a pronoun-antecedent agreement

Ensure that pronouns have antecedents that agree in number and gender.

8. Check for modifiers

Ensure that modifiers are placed correctly and modify the correct word or phrase.

9. Punctuation check

Look out for punctuation errors such as comma splices, run-on sentences, and misplaced
apostrophes.

10. Spell check

Run a spell check to ensure that there are no spelling errors in the text.

11. Read out loud

Reading the text out loud can also help you locate errors in grammar, as you will be able to hear any
mistakes that you may have missed while reading silently.

12. Ask someone else to read the text

Ask a friend or colleague to read the text and identify any errors that you may have missed.

13. Use online tools

There are many online tools available that can help you check for grammar errors, such as
Grammarly or Hemingway.

14. Review the text backward

Another helpful tip is to review the text backward, starting with the last sentence and working your
way to the beginning. This helps you focus on each sentence individually and can help you catch any
errors that you may have missed while reading in normal order.

15. Seek feedback

Finally, it can be very helpful to ask someone else to review your work and provide feedback on any
errors they find. This can be a teacher, colleague, or friend who is proficient in English grammar.

16. Proofread

Proofread your work carefully to catch any errors you may have missed.

By following these steps, you can easily locate errors in English grammar and improve your writing
skills. You can also make the necessary corrections.

Common Errors in English Grammar

English grammar can be tricky, even for native speakers. There are several common errors that
people make without even realizing it. One of the most common errors is the misuse of
homophones. Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and
spellings, such as “there,” “their,” and “they’re.” Mixing these up can lead to confusion and
misunderstandings in written and spoken communication.
Another common error is subject-verb agreement. This means that the subject and the verb in a
sentence must agree in number. For example, “The cat jumps over the fence” is correct, while “The
cat jump over the fence” is incorrect.

Punctuation is another area where many people struggle. Using commas, semicolons, and colons
correctly can drastically change the meaning of a sentence. For example, “Let’s eat, grandma”
and “Let’s eat grandma” have very different meanings.

Finally, prepositions can be tricky to use correctly. Many people use “of” instead of “have” in
phrases like “could of” or “would of,” which is incorrect. It should be “could have” and “would have.”

By being aware of these common errors and practicing using them correctly, you can improve your
English grammar and avoid common mistakes in written and spoken communication.

Understanding parts of speech and sentence structure

Grammar is an essential element of the English language, and understanding the basics of parts of
speech and sentence structure is vital in mastering it. As a beginner, it is easy to get lost in the
complexity of the English language, but breaking it down into its fundamental building blocks can
make it much easier to comprehend.
Knowing the parts of speech – nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and
interjections – and understanding their functions in a sentence is crucial in constructing
grammatically correct sentences.
Additionally, understanding the structure of a sentence – subjects, predicates, phrases, and clauses –
will also help to ensure that your sentences are coherent and understandable.
One common error that many people make is the incorrect placement of modifiers, such as
adjectives and adverbs. Misplacing a modifier in a sentence can change its meaning entirely, so it’s
important to understand where they are placed in a sentence.
By mastering the basics of parts of speech and sentence structure, you will be able to construct clear
and concise sentences that are grammatically correct, making your writing more effective and
professional.

Table of parts of speech along with their corrections

Parts of Speech
Corrections
Errors

Confusing “there,”
“their,” and There refers to a place, their is possessive, and they’re is a contraction of “they are.”
“they’re”

Confusing “your”
Your is possessive, while you’re is a contraction of “you are.”
and “you’re”

Confusing “its” and

Its is possessive, while it’s is a contraction of “it is.”
“it’s”

Confusing “affect” Affect is a verb meaning to influence, while effect is a noun meaning result or outcome.
Parts of Speech
Corrections
Errors

and “effect”

Using “alot” instead

A lot is two words.
of “a lot”

Using “who” instead

Who is used for the subject of a sentence, while whom is used for the object.
of “whom”

Using “me” instead

I is used as the subject of a sentence, while me is used as the object.
of “I”

Using “lay” instead Lay is a transitive verb meaning to put something down, while lie is an intransitive
of “lie” verb meaning to recline.

Confusing “then”
Then refers to time, while than is used for comparisons.
and “than”

Using “fewer”
Fewer is used for countable items, while less is used for non-countable items.
instead of “less”

Confusing “who”
Who refers to people, while that refers to objects or animals.
and “that”

Using “like” instead

Like is used to compare nouns, while as is used to compare actions or verbs.
of “as”

Using “who” instead

Whose is used to show possession, while who refers to people.
of “whose”

Using “its” instead of

Its is possessive, while it’s is a contraction of “it is.”
“it’s”

Confusing Principal refers to a person in charge or the main amount of money,

“principal” and
“principle” while principle refers to a belief or value.

Using “between”
Between is used for two items, while among is used for three or more.
instead of “among”
 Parts of Speech
Corrections
Errors

Using “further” Further is used for abstract or figurative distances, while farther is used for physical
instead of “farther” distances.

Using “imply”
Imply means to suggest, while infer means to deduce or conclude.
instead of “infer”

Confusing “accept”
Accept means to receive, while except means to exclude.
and “except”

Confusing “advice”
Advice is a noun meaning guidance, while advise is a verb meaning to give guidance.
and “advise”

Confusing “cite” and

Cite means to quote or refer to, while site refers to a location.
“site”

Confusing
“compliment” and Compliment means to praise, while complement means to complete or enhance.
“complement”

Using “it’s” instead

Its is possessive, while it’s is a contraction of “it is.”
of “its”

Confusing “into” and

Into indicates movement or transformation, while in to is used to describe
“in to”

Table of Parts of Speech Errors and Correction

Common Errors in Sentences Structure

Sentence Errors Corrections

Break the sentence into smaller, more manageable sentences or

Run-on sentences
add appropriate punctuation and conjunctions.

Sentence fragments Add the missing subject, verb, or both to create a complete sentence.

Misplaced modifiers Move the modifier closer to the word or words it modifies.

Dangling modifiers Rewrite the sentence to include the word or words being modified.
Sentence Errors Corrections

Rewrite the sentence to ensure that each part is grammatically

Faulty parallelism
parallel.

Lack of subject-verb
Make sure the subject and verb agree in number.
agreement

Use the same verb tense throughout the sentence unless there
Confusing verb tenses
is a clear reason to change it.

Confusing active and passive Use active voice whenever possible to make the sentence
voice clear and concise.

Double negatives Remove one of the negative words to create a positive sentence.

Confusing singular and

Make sure the verb and noun agree in number.
plural nouns

Use the correct pronoun and make sure pronouns are used
Confusing pronouns
consistently throughout the sentence.

Confusing adjectives and Use an adjective to modify a noun and an adverb to modify a verb
adverbs or adjective.

Use the correct preposition and make sure prepositions are used
Confusing prepositions
consistently throughout the sentence.

Use the correct conjunction and make sure conjunctions are used
Confusing conjunctions
consistently throughout the sentence.

Confusing subordinating Use the correct subordinating conjunction and make sure it is used
conjunctions correctly to introduce a subordinate clause.

Confusing coordinating Use the correct coordinating conjunction and make sure it is used
 Sentence Errors Corrections

conjunctions correctly to join two independent clauses.

Use the correct relative pronoun and make sure it is used

Confusing relative pronouns
consistently throughout the sentence.

Confusing commas Use commas correctly according to the rules of punctuation.

Confusing semicolons Use semicolons correctly according to the rules of punctuation.

Confusing colons Use colons correctly according to the rules of punctuation.

Table of Errors in Sentence Structure

Identifying subject-verb agreement errors

One of the most common errors in English grammar is subject-verb agreement errors. These errors
occur when the subject and verb in a sentence do not agree in number. The subject of a sentence is
the person, place, or thing that is doing the action, while the verb is the action being performed. It’s
important to ensure that the subject and verb are in agreement in terms of singular or plural form, as
this can affect the meaning of the sentence.
For example, “The dogs barks” is incorrect subject-verb agreement because “dogs” is plural and
“barks” is singular. The correct sentence would be “The dogs bark”. Similarly, “She don’t like
chocolate” should be corrected to “She doesn’t like chocolate” because “she” is singular and “don’t”
is plural.

To identify subject-verb agreement errors, it’s important to first identify the subject and verb in the
sentence. Once you have done this, check that they are in agreement in terms of singular or plural
form. If they are not, make the necessary corrections to ensure that the sentence is grammatically
correct.
Practicing subject-verb agreement is essential to mastering English grammar. By paying attention to
this common error and making the necessary corrections, your writing will become more polished
and professional.

Table of Subject-Verb Agreement Errors

Subject-Verb Agreement Errors Examples Corrections

The subject and verb don’t agree The dogs barks

The dogs bark loudly.
in number. loudly.

A singular subject is paired with a The team are playing

The team is playing well.
plural verb or vice versa. well.
Subject-Verb Agreement Errors Examples Corrections

The herd is grazing in

Using a collective noun as a the The committee meet every Wednesday.
singular when it should be plural.
field.

Using “there” as the subject of a

There’s five cars in
sentence and failing to make
the There are five cars in the parking lot.
the verb agree with the true
parking lot.
subject.

Failing to make the verb agree

with the subject when the The dog and the cat
The dog and the cat chase the mouse.
subject is a compound subject chases the mouse.
joined by “and”.

Failing to make the verb agree

Neither the dog nor
with the subject when the
the Neither the dog nor the cat like the water.
subject is a compound subject
cat likes the water.
joined by “or” or “nor”.

Failing to make the verb agree

The herd is grazing in
with the subject when the Learning a new language is difficult.
the field.
subject is a collective noun.

Failing to make the verb agree Someone has left

with the subject when the their Someone has left his or her book on the desk.
subject is an indefinite pronoun. book on the desk.

Failing to make the verb agree

with the subject when the Mathematics are my
Mathematics is my favorite subject.
subject is a singular noun ending favorite subject.
in -s.

The Adventures of
Failing to make the verb agree
Tom The Adventures of Tom Sawyer was written
with the subject when the
Sawyer were written by Mark Twain.
subject is a title or name.
by Mark Twain.
Subject-Verb Agreement Errors Examples Corrections

Failing to make the verb agree

with the subject when the subject The dog who chases
The dog who chases his tail is funny.
is a relative pronoun such as his tail are funny.
“who” or “which”.

Failing to make the verb agree

That he is coming
with the subject when That he is coming early is good news.
early are good news.
the subject is a noun clause.

Failing to make the verb agree

with the subject when the subject Learning a new
To learn a new language is difficult.
is a phrase that comes before the language are difficult.
verb.

Failing to make the verb agree

with the subject when One in five of the
One in five of the students is absent.
the subject is a fraction or students are absent.
percentage.

Failing to make the verb agree

Jogging every day
with the subject when the
are good for your Jogging every day is good for your health.
subject is a gerund or infinitive
health.
phrase.

Failing to make the verb agree

with the subject when
In the park runs a
the subject is a prepositional In the park runs a man.
man.
phrase that comes before the
verb.

Failing to make the verb agree

with the subject when the Ten miles are too far
Ten miles is too far to walk.
subject is a noun of direction or to walk.
distance.

Failing to make the verb agree Never have I seen so Never have I seen so many happy people.
with the subject when many
 Subject-Verb Agreement Errors Examples Corrections

the subject is an inverted people who are

sentence. happy.

Failing to make the verb agree

with the subject when There goes the bus
here goes the bus that is always late.
the subject is a word or phrase that are always late.
that comes after the verb.

Failing to make the verb agree

with the subject when the

subject is a noun that refers to a The group of people

The group of people is very talented.
group of people, are very talented.

but the writer is emphasizing

individuals within the group.

Table of Sentence Structure Errors

Avoiding noun-pronoun agreement errors

When it comes to English grammar, one common error that many people make is failing to ensure
that their nouns and pronouns agree with one another. This can often lead to confusion and make it
difficult for your audience to understand what you are trying to say.
To avoid this error, it’s important to understand the basic rules of noun-pronoun agreement.
Essentially, this means that singular nouns should be paired with singular pronouns (e.g. “he” or
“she”), while plural nouns should be paired with plural pronouns (e.g. “they”).
For example, consider the sentence “Someone left their umbrella in the office”. While this may seem
like a perfectly reasonable sentence, it is actually incorrect because the singular noun “someone”
does not agree with the plural pronoun “their”. Instead, it would be more correct to say “Someone
left his or her umbrella in the office”, or simply “Someone left an umbrella in the office”.
By taking the time to ensure that your nouns and pronouns agree with one another, you can improve
the clarity of your writing and avoid common grammar mistakes.

Table of noun-pronoun agreement errors

Noun-Pronoun Agreement Errors Examples Corrections

Him and me went to the

Using the wrong pronoun case He and I went to the store.
store.

Using the wrong pronoun to refer All of the students have

The team won its game. It was very happy.
to a collective noun their own books.
Noun-Pronoun Agreement Errors Examples Corrections

Using a singular pronoun to refer All of the students have

Using the wrong pronoun in case
to plural nouns or vice versa their own books.

Using a pronoun with an unclear The teacher told the The teacher told the student that the
antecedent student that he was wrong. student was wrong.

Using a pronoun that doesn’t

Each student should do
agree in gender with its Each student should do his or her own work.
their own work.
antecedent

Using a pronoun that doesn’t

The dog barks, but they are
agree in number with its The dog barks, but it is not dangerous.
not dangerous.
antecedent

Using a pronoun to refer to a He wanted to buy the car, He wanted to buy the car, but the car
noun that is not yet introduced but it was too expensive. was too expensive.

Using a pronoun that is too vague Jane gave her dog to Sally, Jane gave her dog to Sally, but Sally
or ambiguous but she didn’t want it. didn’t want it.

Using a pronoun that doesn’t When a person goes to the When a person goes to the store, he or
agree in person with its store, they should bring a
antecedent list. she should bring a list.

The teacher gave the The teacher gave the students their books,
Using a pronoun to refer to a
students their books, and
noun that is not the closest and then she gave them a lecture
then she lectured for an
antecedent
hour. for an hour.

Using a pronoun to refer to a The group of students left The group of students left its books on
plural noun that is not a group their books on the table. the table.

Using a pronoun to refer to a The committee made their

The committee made its decision.
singular noun that is a group decision.

Using a reflexive pronoun when John and myself went to

John and I went to the store.
it’s not needed the store.
 Noun-Pronoun Agreement Errors Examples Corrections

Using an indefinite pronoun that

Each of the girls should do
doesn’t agree in number with its Each of the girls should do her best.
their best.
antecedent

Using a possessive pronoun when

The cat chased it’s tail. The cat chased its tail.
it’s not needed

Using an object pronoun when a Me and John went to the

John and I went to the park.
subject pronoun is needed park.

Using a subject pronoun when an The teacher gave the book

The teacher gave the book to him and me.
object pronoun is needed to he and I.

Using a pronoun to refer to a Tom and his brother went Tom and his brother went to the store.
noun that has multiple possible to the store. He bought a
antecedents candy bar. Tom bought a candy bar.

Using a pronoun to refer to a

One should always do their
noun that is non-specific or One should always do one’s best.
best.
generic

Table of Noun-Pronoun Agreement Errors

Choosing the correct verb tense

Choosing the correct verb tense is crucial when it comes to mastering English grammar. Using the
wrong tense can completely change the meaning of a sentence, leading to confusion and
misunderstandings. Additionally, the use of consistent tense throughout a piece of writing is
important to maintain coherence and clarity.
One of the most common errors in verb tense is the confusion between the present perfect and past
simple tenses. The present perfect tense is used to describe an action that was completed in the past
but has relevance to the present, while the past simple tense is used to describe a completed action
in the past with no connection to the present.
For example, “I have eaten breakfast already” (present perfect) implies that the action of eating
breakfast is relevant to the current time, while “I ate breakfast yesterday” (past simple) simply states
that the action happened in the past.
Another common error is the confusion between the present continuous and present simple tenses.
The present continuous tense is used to describe an action that is currently happening, while the
present simple tense is used to describe a habitual or permanent action.
For example, “I am studying grammar right now” (present continuous) implies that the action is
happening at the exact moment of speaking, while “I study grammar every day” (present simple)
implies that the action is habitual.
Mastering verb tenses is essential for clear communication in written and spoken English. It takes
practice and attention to detail, but with the right guidance and resources, anyone can learn to use
verb tenses correctly and effectively.

Table of Verb-Tense Errors Agreement

Verb-Tense Errors Agreement Errors Examples

Using the wrong tense with a past

Yesterday, I eat sushi for lunch.
time frame

Using the wrong tense with a present

She works at the library since last year.
time frame

Using the present perfect tense

I have breakfast at 7 AM.
when it’s not appropriate

Using the past perfect tense when

They had already left before he arrived.
it’s not appropriate

Using the present continuous tense

I am having a headache.
instead of the present simple tense

Using the present simple tense

instead of the present continuous He always interrupt me when I am speaking.
tense

Using the wrong tense with

If I would have known, I would have come earlier.
conditional statements

Using the past simple tense instead

I did my homework already.
of the present perfect tense

Using the wrong tense with reported

He said he will come tomorrow.
speech

Using the wrong tense with future

Next week, I will go on vacation.
time frames

Table of Verb-Tense Agreement Errors

Using correct punctuation

When it comes to writing in English, using correct punctuation is just as important as using correct
grammar. Punctuation is what helps to clarify the meaning of a sentence, and it can be the difference
between a sentence that makes sense and one that doesn’t.
The most common punctuation marks in English are the period, comma, semicolon, colon, question
mark, exclamation mark, and quotation marks. Each of these punctuation marks has its own specific
use, and it’s important to understand when and how to use them correctly.
For example, using a period at the end of a sentence indicates that the sentence is a complete
thought.

Commas are used to separate items in a list or to separate clauses in a sentence. Semicolons are
used to join two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning. Colons are used to
introduce a list or an explanation. Question marks are used at the end of a sentence that asks a
question, and exclamation marks are used to indicate strong emotion. Quotation marks are used to
indicate direct speech or a quotation.
It’s important to remember that punctuation can change the meaning of a sentence. For
example, “Let’s eat, Grandma!” means something very different from “Let’s eat Grandma!” In the
first sentence, the comma indicates that the speaker is addressing their grandmother, while in the
second sentence, it sounds like the speaker is suggesting they eat their grandmother!
By taking the time to learn and master correct punctuation, you can ensure that your writing is clear,
concise, and easy to understand. In turn, this will help you to communicate your ideas effectively and
make a strong impression on your readers.

Table of Punctuation Errors

Punctuation Errors Examples This is a well-known problem.

I went to the store and I went to the store and bought some milk,
Missing comma in a
bought some milk bread
compound sentence bread, and cheese.
and cheese.

Incorrect use of apostrophes

The dog’s leash was lost. The leash of the dog was lost.
in possessive nouns

I like pizza, my favorite

Using a comma splice I like pizza. My favorite topping is pepperoni.
topping is pepperoni.

Using quotation marks

She said “I love pizza”. She said, “I love pizza.”
incorrectly

This is a well-known
Incorrect use of hyphens This is a well known problem.
problem.

I can’t believe it! This is

Overusing exclamation marks I can’t believe it. This is amazing.
amazing!

She went to the store

Using ellipses incorrectly She went to the store and bought some milk.
and…
 Punctuation Errors Examples This is a well-known problem.

I have three favorite

Using a colon instead of a
colors: blue, green and I have three favorite colors; blue, green, and purple.
semicolon
purple.

Missing or misplaced You’re going to love this

You’re going to love this book!
apostrophes in contractions book!

Using a dash instead of a She had a two-year old

She had a two-year-old child.
hyphen child.

Table of Punctuation Errors

Eliminating run-on sentences and sentence fragments

Run-on sentences and sentence fragments can be confusing for readers and make your writing
appear unprofessional. To eliminate them, it’s important to understand what they are and how to
identify them.
A run-on sentence is a sentence that contains two independent clauses without proper punctuation
or conjunctions. An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete
thought. For example, “She loves to dance, she takes classes every week.” This is a run-on sentence
because it contains two independent clauses joined by a comma with no conjunction. To fix this, you
can separate the two clauses into two separate sentences or add a conjunction such as “and” or
“but” to join them properly.
A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence that is missing either a subject, verb, or complete
thought. It can also be a dependent clause that is not connected to an independent clause. For
example, “Going to the store.” This is a sentence fragment because it doesn’t have a subject or verb.
To fix this, you can add a subject and verb such as “I am going to the store” or connect it to an
independent clause such as “I am going to the store to buy groceries.”
Eliminating run-on sentences and sentence fragments will make your writing clearer and more
concise. It’s important to proofread your writing carefully to catch any errors before publishing or
submitting your work.

Table of Run-On Sentences Errors

Run-On Sentences
Examples Corrections
Errors

I went to the store, I

Comma splice I went to the store. I bought some bread.
bought some bread.

She is smart she always

Fused sentence She is smart. She always gets good grades.
gets good grades.

Missing conjunction We should go to the park, We should go to the park because it’s a beautiful day.
 Run-On Sentences
Examples Corrections
Errors

it’s a beautiful day.

Using only a comma I like pizza, I also like

I like pizza, and I also like sushi.
and no conjunction sushi.

I need to buy some milk; I

Using a semicolon
also need to buy some I need to buy some milk. I also need to buy some bread.
instead of a period
bread.

Using a coordinating I like playing soccer but I

conjunction without a also like playing I like playing soccer, but I also like playing basketball.
comma basketball.

Using a conjunctive
I’m tired, therefore I’m
adverb without a I’m tired; therefore, I’m going to bed.
going to bed.
semicolon

Using a subordinating After I finish my

conjunction without a homework I’m going to After I finish my homework, I’m going to watch TV.
comma watch TV.

I went to the store,

bought some milk, bread, I went to the store and bought some milk, bread,
Using too many ideas
and cheese, and then
in one sentence and cheese. Then I went home to make dinner.
went home to make
dinner.

Using a dependent
clause without an Because it’s raining. Because it’s raining, I’m staying inside.
independent clause

Table of Run-on Sentences errors

Avoiding commonly confused words

One of the biggest challenges in mastering English grammar is avoiding commonly confused words.
These are words that sound alike or have similar spellings but have very different meanings. Using
them interchangeably can lead to misunderstandings and even make you appear unprofessional or
careless.
Some common examples of these words include “affect” and “effect,” “there,” “their,” and
“they’re,” “your” and “you’re,” “its” and “it’s,” and “then” and “than.”
To avoid using these words incorrectly, it’s important to understand their individual meanings and
usage. You can use online resources, such as dictionaries and grammar guides, to learn the
differences and practice using them correctly in context.
Another useful tip is to proofread your writing carefully and double-check the usage of any
commonly confused words. Reading your work aloud can also help you spot errors and ensure that
your writing flows smoothly.
Remember, mastering English grammar takes time and practice. By paying attention to commonly
confused words and making a conscious effort to use them correctly, you can improve your writing
and communication skills and avoid embarrassing mistakes.

Table of Commonly Confused Words

Confusing Words Examples Corrections

The medicine had an effect on my

Affect/Effect The medicine affected my headache.
headache.

They’re going to meet us there

There/Their/They’re The dog wagged its tail.
with their car.

Your dog is so cute! You’re a great

Your/You’re They are going to meet us there in their car.
owner.

Its/It’s The dog wagged its tail. The dog wagged it’s tail.

Then/Than I would rather stay in then go out. I would rather stay in than go out.

To/Too/Two I am going to the store. I ate too much.

Who/Whom Who is going to the party? Whom did you invite to the party?

Accept/Except I will accept the offer. Everyone is going except for John.

Lie/Lay I need to lie down for a bit. Lay the book on the table.

Farther/Further He ran farther than I did. Let’s discuss this further.

Table of Commonly Confused Words Errors

Tips for improving your English grammar skills

Improving your English grammar skills can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be
both enjoyable and rewarding. Here are some tips to help you master your English grammar skills:

1. Start with the basics – Before you can move on to more complex grammar rules, you need
to have a solid grasp of the basics. This includes understanding parts of speech, sentence
structure, and punctuation.
 2. Read widely – One of the best ways to improve your English grammar is by reading widely.
This will help you to become familiar with how grammar is used in context and will expose
you to different writing styles.

3. Practice, practice, practice – The key to mastering any skill is practice. Make a conscious
effort to use correct grammar in your writing and speech. You can start by writing short
paragraphs, correcting your mistakes, and then rewriting them correctly.

4. Use online resources – There are many free online resources available to help you improve
your English grammar. Websites like Grammarly and English Grammar 101 offer
comprehensive guides and quizzes to help you test your knowledge.

5. Get feedback – Ask a friend or a teacher to read your writing and provide feedback on your
grammar. Getting feedback is an important part of the learning process and can help you
identify areas where you need to improve.

By following these tips, you can improve your English grammar skills and become a more confident
writer and speaker. Remember, mastering grammar takes time and effort, but with persistence, you
can achieve your goals.

Resources for further learning and practice

Congratulations on completing this comprehensive guide to mastering English grammar! Now that
you have learned about spotting and avoiding common errors, it’s time to put your knowledge into
practice.
There are many resources available for further learning and practice, both online and offline. Here
are a few options to consider:

1. Online grammar exercises: Websites like Grammarly and English Grammar Online offer a
wide range of exercises to practice different aspects of English grammar. These exercises are
often interactive and provide immediate feedback, making it easier to track your progress.

2. Grammar books: If you prefer learning from a book, there are many grammar
books available that cover different aspects of English grammar. Some popular options
include “The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation” by Jane Straus and “English Grammar
in Use” by Raymond Murphy.

3. Language exchange programs: Practicing your grammar skills with a native speaker is a great
way to improve your overall language skills. Websites like italki and Verbling offer language
exchange programs that connect you with native speakers for conversation practice.

4. Writing groups: Joining a writing group or workshop can be a great way to practice your
grammar skills while also receiving feedback on your writing. Look for local groups in your
area or online communities that focus on writing in English.
Remember, mastering English grammar takes time and practice. By utilizing these resources,
you can continue to improve your skills and become a more confident English speaker and
writer.

Conclusion and the Benefits of Mastering English Grammar

In conclusion, mastering English grammar is a crucial aspect of effective communication, not just in
written language but also in verbal communication. By having a good grasp of grammar, you can
avoid common errors that can lead to confusion, misinterpretation, and an overall lack of clarity in
your message.
Not only does mastering English grammar help you to communicate more effectively, but it also
helps to boost your credibility and professionalism. Proper grammar usage shows that you take pride
in your work and are committed to delivering high-quality content or communication.
Moreover, mastering English grammar can provide you with an advantage in academic pursuits, job
interviews, and even personal relationships. Being able to articulate your thoughts and ideas clearly
and concisely is a valuable skill in all areas of life.
In short, mastering English grammar is a skill that can benefit you in many ways. It can improve your
communication, help you to avoid common errors, boost your credibility and professionalism, and
provide you with an advantage in various aspects of life. Therefore, it’s worth investing time and
effort into developing this skill, and with the step-by-step guide provided in this post, you can start
improving your grammar today.

We hope you found our step-by-step guide to mastering English grammar helpful. English grammar
can be daunting, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can avoid common errors and improve
your writing skills over time. Whether you are a native speaker or learning English as a second
language, we hope that you found our tips useful and that you will continue to practice and improve
your grammar skills. Keep learning and keep practicing, and soon you will be a grammar expert!

Spotting Errors in English FAQs

What is the best way to spot errors in English grammar?

Answer: The best way to spot errors in English grammar is to carefully proofread your writing and
check for common mistakes, such as subject-verb agreement errors, punctuation errors, and run-on
sentences. It’s also helpful to familiarize yourself with English grammar rules and practice using them
correctly.

How can I improve my ability to identify grammatical errors?

Answer: To improve your ability to identify grammatical errors, consider reading and analyzing well-
written texts to get a better sense of proper grammar usage. Additionally, practice writing and
reviewing your own work, and seek feedback from others who can identify errors and provide
guidance on how to improve.

What are the most common grammatical errors in English?

Answer: Some of the most common grammatical errors in English include subject-verb agreement
errors, incorrect word usage, punctuation errors, and run-on sentences. It’s important to familiarize
yourself with these common mistakes and work to avoid them in your writing.

How can I avoid common grammar mistakes in my writing?

Answer: To avoid common grammar mistakes in your writing, it’s important to proofread your work
carefully and check for errors in subject-verb agreement, word usage, punctuation, and sentence
structure. Additionally, seek feedback from others and consider using grammar-checking tools to
catch errors you may have missed.

What are some tools or resources available for identifying grammar errors?

Answer: There are many tools and resources available for identifying grammar errors, including
grammar-checking software, online writing communities, and writing style guides. It’s important to
use reliable resources and tools to ensure that you are identifying errors correctly and improving
your writing skills.

What are some of the most challenging grammar rules to master?

Answer: Some of the most challenging grammar rules to master include the correct use of verb
tenses, punctuation, and sentence structure. It’s important to take the time to study and practice
these rules to improve your writing and avoid common mistakes.

How can I identify errors in verb tenses?

Answer: To identify errors in verb tenses, it’s important to understand the different verb tenses and
how they are used in English. Pay attention to the subject of the sentence and the time frame being
referenced to ensure that the verb tense is correct.

What is the difference between active and passive voice, and how can I spot errors in their use?

Answer: Active voice refers to a sentence where the subject is performing the action, while passive
voice refers to a sentence where the subject is being acted upon. To spot errors in their use, pay
attention to the sentence structure and make sure the subject is clearly performing the action in an
active voice.

What is a run-on sentence, and how can I avoid making this mistake in my writing?

Answer: A run-on sentence is a sentence that is too long or contains multiple ideas that are not
properly connected. To avoid making this mistake, make sure to use proper punctuation and break
up long sentences into smaller, more manageable ones.

What are some of the most common errors in the use of apostrophes, and how can I avoid making
these mistakes?

Answer: Some of the most common errors in the use of apostrophes include using them incorrectly
in possessive nouns or contractions. To avoid making these mistakes, make sure to use apostrophes
only where they are needed and take the time to understand the proper usage rules.

Module 2

Paraphrasing vs. Summarizing (Differences, Examples, How To)

It can be confusing to know when to paraphrase and when to summarize. Many

people use the terms interchangeably even though the two have different meanings and uses.

Today, let’s understand the basic differences between paraphrasing vs. summarizing and when to
use which. We’ll also look at types and examples of paraphrasing and summarizing, as well as how to
do both effectively.

Let’s look at paraphrasing first.

Summarize Paraphrase Quote

A brief, smaller Written in your own words, Using quotes to support an idea.
version. using your own voice and
 style.

What is paraphrasing?

It refers to rewriting someone else’s ideas in your own words.

It’s important to rewrite the whole idea in your words rather than just replacing a few words
with their synonyms. That way, you present an idea in a way that your audience will understand
easily and also avoid plagiarism.

It’s also important to cite your sources when paraphrasing so that the original author of the work
gets due credit.

When should you paraphrase?

The main purpose of paraphrasing is often to clarify an existing passage. You should use paraphrasing
when you want to show that you understand the concept, like while writing an essay about a specific
topic.

You may also use it when you’re quoting someone but can’t remember their exact words.

Finally, paraphrasing is a very effective way to rewrite outdated content in a way that’s relevant to
your current audience.

How to paraphrase effectively

Follow these steps to paraphrase any piece of text effectively:

 Read the full text and ensure that you understand it completely. It helps to look up words
you don’t fully understand in an online or offline dictionary.

 Once you understand the text, rewrite it in your own words. Remember to rewrite it instead
of just substituting words with their synonyms.

 Edit the text to ensure it’s easy to understand for your audience.

 Mix in your own insights while rewriting the text to make it more relevant.

 Run the text through a plagiarism checker to ensure that it does not have any of the original
content.

Example of paraphrasing

Here’s an example of paraphrasing:

 Original: The national park is full of trees, water bodies, and various species of flora and
fauna.

 Paraphrased: Many animal species thrive in the verdant national park that is served by lakes
and rivers flowing through it.

What is summarizing?

Summarizing is also based on someone else’s text but rather than presenting their ideas in your
words, you only sum up their main ideas in a smaller piece of text.
It’s important to not use their exact words or phrases when summarizing to avoid plagiarism. It’s best
to make your own notes while reading through the text and writing a summary based on your notes.

You must only summarize the most important ideas from a piece of text as summaries are essentially
very short compared to the original work. And just like paraphrasing, you should cite the original text
as a reference.

When should you summarize?

The main purpose of summarizing is to reduce a passage or other text to fewer words while ensuring
that everything important is covered.

Summaries are useful when you want to cut to the chase and lay down the most important points
from a piece of text or convey the entire message in fewer words. You should summarize when you
have to write a short essay about a larger piece of text, such as writing a book review.

You can also summarize when you want to provide background information about something
without taking up too much space.

How to summarize effectively

Follow these steps to summarize any prose effectively:

 Read the text to fully understand it. It helps to read it a few times instead of just going
through it once.

 Pay attention to the larger theme of the text rather than trying to rewrite it sentence for
sentence.

 Understand how all the main ideas are linked and piece them together to form an overview.

 Remove all the information that’s not crucial to the main ideas or theme. Remember,
summaries must only include the most essential points and information.

 Edit your overview to ensure that the information is organized logically and follows the
correct chronology where applicable.

 Review and edit the summary again to make it clearer, ensure that it’s accurate, and make it
even more concise where you can.

 Ensure that you cite the original text.

Example of summarization

You can summarize any text into a shorter version. For example, this entire article can be summarized
in just a few sentences as follows:

 Summary: The article discusses paraphrasing vs. summarizing by explaining the two
concepts. It specifies when you should use paraphrasing and when you should summarize a
piece of text and describes the process of each. It ends with examples of both paraphrasing
and summarizing to provide a better understanding to the reader.
Importance of Summarising and Paraphrasing
 They add credibility to your writing.
 They help in tracking the original source of your research.
 They deliver several perspectives on your research subject.
 They save time.
 They help you get to the point.
 They help you avoid plagiarism.
 They help you be original.
 They boost creativity.
 They improve your vocabulary.
 They help you be more organized.
 They help you use words with precision.

What Is a Misplaced Modifier?

A misplaced modifier is a word (or group of words) that does not link clearly to what it is intended
to modify. A misplaced modifier makes the meaning of a sentence ambiguous or wrong.

Examples of Misplaced Modifiers

In these examples, the misplaced modifiers are shaded:

 Lee only eats cakes.

(This is ambiguous if the intended meaning is that Lee eats nothing but cakes. This could mean Lee
does not do other things to cakes, e.g., bake them. Be careful with the word only, which is a type
of limiting modifier.)

 Talking quickly annoys people.

(This is ambiguous because we cannot be sure if quickly applies to talking or annoys people. This is
called a squinting modifier.)

 Having read your letter, my parrot has since died.

(This is wrong because "Having read your letter" does not apply to anything in the sentence. This is
called a dangling modifier.)

Real-Life Examples of Misplaced Modifiers

 We will not sell paraffin to anyone in glass bottles.

(Often, common sense tells us what the writer meant. Clearly, this is about paraffin in glass bottles
not people in glass bottles. However, placing your modifier too far away from the thing being
modified will do little to showcase your writing skills.)

 Andrew said after the holiday he intends to stop drinking.

(Here, it is unclear whether Andrew made this statement after the holiday or whether he intends to
stop drinking after the holiday.)

 Meticulous and punctual, her work ethic is admirable.

(Here, the modifier does not apply to anything in the sentence.)

Misplaced Modifiers in Jokes

Probably the most famous example of a misplaced modifier turns out not to be a misplaced modifier
at all.

 One morning I shot an elephant in my pyjamas. How he got into my pyjamas I'll never know.
(Writer and comedian Groucho Marx)

(This is not a misplaced modifier because the elephant was actually in his pyjamas.)

Here is a great example of a misplaced modifier from the film Hot Fuzz:

 "He was a hero at his last police station. He once shot a robber with a Kalashnikov."

"Great, where did he get that?"

"No, the robber had the Kalashnikov."

Why Misplaced Modifiers Are Important

A misplaced modifier makes your sentence ambiguous or wrong. You can avoid a misplaced modifier
by placing your modifier next to whatever it's modifying (or putting some distance between the
modifier and whatever it's not meant to be modifying).

Let's fix the examples above. In the corrected examples, the modifiers are shaded and the words
being modified are bold.

 Lee only eats cakes.

 Lee eats only cakes.

 We will not sell paraffin to anyone in glass bottles.

 We will not sell paraffin in glass bottles to anyone.

(These have been fixed by moving the modifiers (shaded) next to the words they modify (bold).)
  Talking quickly annoys people.

 Talking quickly is a sure way to annoy people.

 Andrew said after the holiday he intends to stop drinking.

 After the holiday, Andrew said that he intends to stop drinking.

(These have been fixed by rewording the sentences and putting some distance between the
modifiers and the text that is not being modified.)

 Having read your letter, my parrot has since died.

 Having read your letter, I would like to inform you that my parrot has since died.

 Meticulous and punctual, her work ethic is admirable.

 Meticulous and punctual, Jill has an admirable work ethic.

(These have been fixed by introducing the thing being modified (bold) into the sentence. Remember
that they were missing from the originals.)

Collocations
There are thousands of collocations and it impossible
to know them all.

Most students don’t take time to memorize them

since learning as you read and listen to English in
common situations is easier than going through a list.

Another approach that can help you learn more

collocation is studying them by topic.

What Type of Collocations are there?

There are 7 types of collocations made from

combinations of verbs, nouns and adjectives:

 adverb + adjective: Fully Aware

  adjective + noun: Regular Exercise
 noun + noun: Ceasefire Agreement
 noun + verb: Plane took off
 verb + noun: Commit Murder
 verb + expression with preposition: Run out
of Gas
 verb + adverb: Whisper Softly
These are example of collocation used in sentences:

 I found a replacement
 She wants to make money
 I am going to close the deal
Are Collocations Phrasal Verbs?

Phrasal verbs are not collocations since phrasal

verbs are made up of a verb + a preposition which
usually changes the meaning from that of the
original verb.

For example:

 I bought a bunch of flowers for you =

Collocation
 You should buy into this company = Phrasal
Verb
List of Most Common Collocations
These are the most common collocations, they have
been divided by the verb they usually to make
learning them easier.

#1 Collocations with Have and Do

These are some of the most common collocations in

English with have and do

have Do

have a bath do business

have a drink do nothing

have a good time do someone a favour

have a haircut do the cooking

have a holiday do the housework

have a problem do the shopping

have a relationship do the washing up

have a rest do your best

have lunch do your hair

have sympathy do your homework

#2 Collocations with Take and Break

These are some of the most common collocations in

English with Take and Break

Take break

take a break break a habit

take a chance break a leg

take a look break a promise

take a rest break a record

take a seat break a window

take a taxi break someone’s heart

take an exam break the ice

take notes break the law

take someone’s place break the news to someone

take someone’s temperature break the rules

#3 Collocations with Pay and Save

These are some of the most common collocations in

English with pay and save
Pay Save

pay a fine save electricity

pay attention save energy

pay by credit card save money

pay cash save one’s strength

pay interest save someone a seat

pay someone a compliment save someone’s life

pay someone a visit save something to a disk

pay the bill save space

pay the price save time

pay your respects save yourself the trouble

#4 Collocations with Come and Go

These are some of the most common collocations in

English with come and go

come Go

come close go abroad

come complete with go astray

come direct go bad

come early go bald

come first go bankrupt

come into view go blind

come last go crazy

come late go dark

come on time go deaf

come prepared go fishing

come right back go mad

come second go missing

come to a compromise go on foot

come to a decision go online

come to an agreement go out of business

come to an end go overseas

come to a standstill go quiet

come to terms with go sailing

come to a total of go to war

come under attack go yellow

#5 Collocations with Make and Keep

These are some of the most common collocations in

English with make and keep

make Keep

make a difference keep a diary

make a mess keep a promise

make a mistake keep a secret

make a noise keep an appointment

make an effort keep calm

make furniture keep control

make money keep in touch

make progress keep quiet

make room keep someone’s place

make trouble keep the change

#6 Collocations with Catch and Get

These are some of the most common collocations in

English with catch and get

Catch Get

catch a ball get a job

catch a bus get a shock

catch a chill get angry

catch a cold get divorced

catch a thief get drunk

catch fire get frightened

catch sight of get home

catch someone’s attention get lost

 catch someone’s eye get married

catch the flu get nowhere

What is a Cliché?
Clichés are expressions, phrases, or ideas that are overused to such an extent
readers or audiences are tempted to roll their eyes or groan when they encounter
them. They’re not always ineffective though, especially in genres like comic books,
particular types of comedy, and mass-market novel genres, such as romance and
westerns.

A common cliché in romance novels, for example, is the notion and plot
device of love at first sight – the idea that two people can meet for the first time and
immediately fall deeply in love, often without knowing much about each other’s
personalities, values, or interests. It’s used frequently in literature, movies, and ads
and is sometimes used as a reference point by people in everyday conversations
about relationships.

Many writers who seek to maintain a sense of originality in their work would avoid
using it. Likewise, they would probably avoid a slightly contrasting cliché – opposites
attract.

Clichés also appear in advertisements, where some degree of them is expected to

establish a sense of familiarity, create a shared understanding, and lead to an
expected conclusion.

What Are Other Examples of Clichés?

All the below examples fall into the category of clichés:

● Actions speak louder than words: This saying suggests that someone’s actions
are more meaningful and truthful than what they say. It’s often used to emphasize
the importance of demonstrating one’s intentions through actions rather than writing
or talking.

● All’s fair in love and war: This idea implies that anything goes in matters of love
and conflict. It’s used to justify unethical or ruthless behavior by suggesting that there
are no rules in these situations.
● Don’t judge a book by its cover: This warning advises against forming opinions
about someone or something based solely on their appearance. It’s meant to
encourage people to look deeper and consider other factors before making
judgments.

When and How Not to Use Cliché

If you’re writing an essay like a statement of purpose for an academic position,
clichés should be avoided as they don’t provide an original, unique sense of who you
are as a person and what your experience and background have provided. In such
writing, it’s preferable not to revert to generalized statements. Instead, focus on the
aspects of your experience, argument, or plot that demonstrate individuality, life
experience, or contrast.

When trying to write without clichés in fiction, consider whether dramatic,

sensationalized, or stereotypical elements of your story are overplayed.

Redundancies in English
(grammar > grammar features > redundancies)

Redundancy is using more words than are necessary. A redundant sentence will
still mean the same thing if the extra word or words are removed.
The definition from Merriam-Webster is "an act or instance of needless
repetition."

Redundancy in English usually happens when an adjective is added to a verb or

noun that means the same thing. A speaker or writer is often trying to add
emphasis or attempting to thoroughly explain something when they make the
common mistake. In general speaking a redundancy might be overlooked, but it
could cause you problems in a school paper or business letter.

Less is More

A benefit to reducing redundancies in writing is that it helps make your writing

more clear and concise. Sentences that are wordy take longer to read. Looking for
redundant phrases in your paper or article is an important part of the editing
process. Don't slow down your reader. Help them quickly absorb the information
you are providing.

Pleonasms: Redundant Phrases

An obvious example: If you said something was "obviously obvious" that would be
redundant. No one (we hope) would ever use this particular phrase unless they
were being funny, but this blatant error gives you an idea of how redundancies
occur. Some redundancies that are nearly as ridiculous are used frequently in
English. Pleonasm is word that means a redundant phrase. An example
the Dictionary.com definition of pleonasm gives is "true fact." A fact is true by its
nature so the addition of the "true" adjective is not necessary.

The Purdue Owl has an article about eliminating unnecessary words to make your
writing more clear. It includes tips for finding redundant pairs and unnecessary
determiners and modifiers. Some examples of redundant pairs the Owl provides
include "basic fundamentals, end result, free gift" and "sudden crisis."