5 Common Grammar Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Grammar. For many students (and even adults), it can feel like a confusing maze of rules that sometimes seem to contradict one another. Yet, understanding and using proper grammar is essential, especially as students begin to write more essays, fill out job applications, and prepare for exams. Parents who want to help their children improve, but might struggle with remembering all the grammar rules from their own school days. Don’t worry—you're not alone! Below are five common grammar mistakes people often make, along with easy ways to avoid them.
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1. Its vs. It’s
This is one of the most frequent grammar mix-ups. The confusion arises because both "its" and "it’s" look very similar, but they have completely different meanings.
Its is a possessive pronoun, meaning something belongs to "it."
It’s is a contraction, short for "it is" or "it has."
How to avoid the mistake: A quick trick to avoid mixing them up is to read the sentence out loud. If you can replace "it’s" with "it is" or "it has" and the sentence still makes sense, use the contraction. If the sentence sounds wrong with "it is," then the possessive "its" is the right choice.
2. Their vs. They’re vs. There
Here’s another tricky trio! These three words sound identical but have entirely different meanings:
Their is a possessive pronoun (just like "its"), meaning something belongs to them.
They’re is a contraction of "they are."
There refers to a place or a point in time.
How to avoid the mistake: Just like with "it’s" and "its," try reading the sentence out loud. If "they are" fits into the sentence, then "they’re" is correct. If you're talking about possession (something belonging to people), use "their." When pointing to a location, choose "there."
3. Your vs. You’re
Much like the "its" and "it’s" confusion, "your" and "you’re" tend to get mixed up. Luckily, they are easy to distinguish once you know the difference:
Your is a possessive pronoun, meaning something belongs to "you."
You’re is a contraction of "you are."
How to avoid the mistake: A simple rule of thumb is to substitute "you’re" with "you are." If the sentence works, then use the contraction. If it doesn’t, "your" is the correct choice.
4. Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement can trip up many students, especially in longer sentences where the subject and the verb are separated by several words. In English, the subject of the sentence must match the verb in number. That means a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.
How to avoid the mistake: Identify the subject of the sentence first and check whether it's singular or plural. Then, make sure the verb agrees with it. Remember:
Singular subjects need singular verbs (often with an "s" at the end of the verb).
Plural subjects need plural verbs (without an "s").
5. Comma Splices
A comma splice happens when two independent clauses (complete thoughts) are joined by just a comma. This is incorrect because a comma alone isn’t strong enough to separate two complete sentences.
How to avoid the mistake: There are a few ways to fix comma splices. You can:
1. Replace the comma with a period to create two separate sentences.
2. Use a conjunction (like "and," "but," or "so") after the comma to connect the clauses properly.
3. Use a semicolon to link the two related ideas.
Mistakes happen to everyone. Even the best writers can slip up with grammar rules. But with practice and by paying attention to these common errors, you can significantly improve your writing. For students, mastering these basics will make your essays and assignments clearer and more professional. For parents, understanding these rules means you'll be able to better guide your child as they work to improve their writing skills.
Remember, grammar isn’t about perfection; it’s about clarity and communication. If you understand the rules—and the reasons behind them—you’ll have the tools to write with confidence. So next time you’re editing a piece of writing, keep an eye out for these five common mistakes. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in the quality of your work.