Even experienced writers make grammar mistakes from time to time. These small errors can have a big impact on how your message is perceived — whether you’re writing an email, a blog post, or a business proposal.
The good news? Most grammar mistakes are easy to fix once you’re aware of them. In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the most common grammar mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Your vs. You’re
The mistake:
Mixing up your (possessive) with you’re (contraction of “you are”).
Incorrect: Your going to love this article.
Correct: You’re going to love this article.
Tip to avoid:
Read the sentence out loud using “you are.” If it still makes sense, then “you’re” is correct.
2. Its vs. It’s
The mistake:
Confusing its (possessive) with it’s (contraction of “it is” or “it has”).
Incorrect: The dog wagged it’s tail.
Correct: The dog wagged its tail.
Tip to avoid:
If you can replace the word with “it is” or “it has,” use it’s. Otherwise, use its.
3. There vs. Their vs. They’re
The mistake:
Mixing up these three homophones:
- There refers to a place or is used with the verb “to be.”
- Their is possessive.
- They’re is short for “they are.”
Incorrect: Their going to the store over there.
Correct: They’re going to the store over there.
Tip to avoid:
Say the full version out loud (“they are”) to check. Also, double-check if the sentence needs possession (their) or direction/place (there).
4. Misplaced Apostrophes
The mistake:
Using apostrophes to make plurals or placing them in the wrong spot in contractions and possessives.
Incorrect: The cat’s are playing outside.
Correct: The cats are playing outside.
Incorrect: My brothers car is red.
Correct: My brother’s car is red.
Tip to avoid:
Apostrophes show ownership or create contractions. Never use them to make a noun plural.
5. Subject-Verb Agreement
The mistake:
Using a singular verb with a plural subject or vice versa.
Incorrect: The list of items are on the desk.
Correct: The list of items is on the desk.
Tip to avoid:
Find the subject of the sentence (not a word in the prepositional phrase). The verb must agree with the subject, not the object of the phrase.
6. Run-On Sentences
The mistake:
Combining two independent clauses without the right punctuation or connecting word.
Incorrect: She loves writing she does it every day.
Correct: She loves writing, and she does it every day.
Tip to avoid:
Separate ideas with a period, semicolon, or conjunction (like and, but, so).
7. Sentence Fragments
The mistake:
Writing a sentence without a subject or a verb, making it incomplete.
Incorrect: Because I wanted to write better.
Correct: I started reading more because I wanted to write better.
Tip to avoid:
Make sure every sentence has at least one subject and one verb and expresses a complete thought.
8. Incorrect Use of Commas
The mistake:
Either leaving out necessary commas or placing them where they don’t belong.
Incorrect: Let’s eat grandma.
Correct: Let’s eat, grandma.
Tip to avoid:
Use commas to separate elements in a sentence, especially when they clarify meaning. When in doubt, read the sentence out loud and listen for natural pauses.
9. Dangling Modifiers
The mistake:
Using a descriptive phrase that doesn’t clearly connect to the subject of the sentence.
Incorrect: Walking through the park, the flowers were beautiful.
Correct: Walking through the park, I noticed the flowers were beautiful.
Tip to avoid:
Make sure the modifier clearly and logically refers to the right subject.
10. Too vs. To vs. Two
The mistake:
Misusing these similar-sounding words:
- To is a preposition.
- Too means “also” or “excessively.”
- Two is the number 2.
Incorrect: I want to go too the party two.
Correct: I want to go to the party too.
Tip to avoid:
If you’re unsure, pause and think of the meaning you want to convey. “Too” = also, “two” = number, “to” = direction or action.
How to Improve and Avoid These Mistakes
Here are a few simple steps you can take to avoid common grammar errors in your writing:
✅ Read Your Writing Out Loud
This helps catch awkward phrasing, missing words, or misplaced punctuation.
✅ Use Writing Tools Wisely
Tools like Grammarly, Hemingway App, or ProWritingAid can help flag mistakes — but don’t rely on them blindly.
✅ Build a Grammar Notebook
Jot down your common mistakes and the correct forms. Revisit this regularly as a refresher.
✅ Slow Down When Writing
Rushing leads to errors. Taking your time increases clarity and correctness.
✅ Ask for Feedback
A fresh pair of eyes can spot mistakes you might miss, especially in longer texts.
Grammar: The Foundation of Effective Writing
Strong grammar isn’t just for perfectionists — it’s for anyone who wants to communicate clearly and professionally. Whether you’re writing a casual blog post or a formal report, avoiding these mistakes will elevate your writing and build your credibility.
Remember: even the best writers make errors. The key is to stay aware, keep practicing, and learn from every sentence you write.