Learning English can be a rewarding challenge, but as with any language, there are common grammar mistakes that learners make. The good news is that with practice and awareness, these errors can be avoided. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most frequent grammar mistakes EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners make and provide practical tips on how to fix them!
1. Forgetting the -s for 3rd Person Singular Verbs in the Present Simple Tense
In the present simple tense, verbs must end in -s when the subject is he, she, or it.
Common Error:
He like playing video games.
Correct Use:
He likes playing video games.
Tip to Correct:
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For he, she, and it, always add -s to the verb (except with the verb to be). For example: She works (not work), It rains (not rain).
2. Using the Present Perfect with a Time Expression in the Past
The present perfect tense cannot be used with specific time expressions like “yesterday,” “last year,” or “in 2010.”
Common Error:
I’ve met Tom yesterday.
Correct Use:
I met Tom yesterday.
Tip to Correct:
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Use the past simple for actions that happened at a specific time in the past. Use the present perfect for actions that have relevance to the present but do not specify when they happened (e.g., I have met Tom).
3. Confusing Adjectives that End in -ing and -ed
Adjectives ending in -ing describe things, while adjectives ending in -ed describe feelings or emotions.
Common Error:
I was boring at the movies because the movie was bored.
Correct Use:
I was bored at the movies because the movie was boring.
Tip to Correct:
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Use -ing for things (e.g., The movie is boring).
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Use -ed for people or their feelings (e.g., I was bored).
4. Using “To” After Modal Verbs
Modal verbs (like can, should, must) do not need “to” when followed by a verb.
Common Error:
I can to swim.
Correct Use:
I can swim.
Tip to Correct:
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After modal verbs, always use the base form of the verb without “to” (e.g., She must study, They should leave).
5. Confusing “For” with “Since”
Use “for” to talk about a period of time, and “since” to talk about a specific point in time.
Common Error:
I’ve been living here since 5 years.
I’ve been living here for 2016.
Correct Use:
I’ve been living here for 5 years.
I’ve been living here since 2016.
Tip to Correct:
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Use for with a duration (e.g., for two hours).
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Use since with a specific time (e.g., since 2010).
6. Confusing “It’s” and “Its”
“It’s” is a contraction for “it is,” while “its” is a possessive adjective.
Common Error:
Its my dog. The color of it’s tail is different from the color of his body.
Correct Use:
It’s my dog. The color of its tail is different from the color of his body.
Tip to Correct:
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Use it’s for “it is” or “it has” (e.g., It’s raining).
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Use its to show possession (e.g., Its tail is long).
7. Confusing “You’re” and “Your”
“You’re” is a contraction of “you are,” while “your” is a possessive adjective.
Common Error:
Your very beautiful with you’re new dress.
Correct Use:
You’re very beautiful with your new dress.
Tip to Correct:
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Use you’re for “you are” (e.g., You’re amazing).
-
Use your to show possession (e.g., Your dress is beautiful).
8. Confusing “They’re,” “There,” and “Their”
These three words sound the same but have different meanings.
Common Error:
Their nice people.
I went they’re last month.
I borrowed there car yesterday.
Correct Use:
They’re nice people.
I went there last month.
I borrowed their car yesterday.
Tip to Correct:
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They’re = they are (e.g., They’re my friends).
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There = location (e.g., over there).
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Their = possession (e.g., their house).
9. Confusing “Too” and “Either”
“Too” is used to show agreement with positive sentences, while “either” is used for negative sentences.
Common Error:
I like it either.
I don’t like it too.
Correct Use:
I like it too.
I don’t like it either.
Tip to Correct:
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Use too for positive agreement (e.g., I like it too).
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Use either for negative agreement (e.g., I don’t like it either).
10. Misplacing the Word “Enough”
“Enough” should go before nouns and after adjectives/adverbs.
Common Error:
I don’t have money enough.
I haven’t worked enough hard.
Correct Use:
I don’t have enough money.
I haven’t worked hard enough.
Tip to Correct:
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Place enough after adjectives or adverbs (e.g., She isn’t tall enough).
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Place enough before nouns (e.g., I have enough money).
11. Using Singular Words for Generalizations
In English, when talking about things in general, we use plural forms for countable nouns.
Common Error:
I love dog.
Correct Use:
I love dogs.
Tip to Correct:
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Use plural forms for generalizations about things or animals (e.g., I love dogs).
12. Using “Is” with a Plural Subject
The verb “is” is singular, and “are” is plural.
Common Error:
These actors and actresses is awesome.
Correct Use:
These actors and actresses are awesome.
Tip to Correct:
-
Use are for plural subjects (e.g., They are friends).
13. Misplacing Adjectives
Adjectives in English usually go before the noun they modify.
Common Error:
They bought a house big.
Correct Use:
They bought a big house.
Tip to Correct:
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Always place adjectives before the noun (e.g., a beautiful house).
14. Using “Information” in the Plural
“Information” is an uncountable noun, so it should not be pluralized.
Common Error:
I need two informations.
Correct Use:
I need two pieces of information.
Tip to Correct:
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Use pieces of information when referring to more than one item of information.
15. Using “The” with Singular Countries
Don’t use “the” with the names of singular countries.
Common Error:
The Russia is very big.
Correct Use:
Russia is very big.
Tip to Correct:
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Don’t use the before the names of singular countries (e.g., China, Brazil, France).
16. Forgetting to Use the Past Tense for Past Actions
In English, past actions should always be described using the past tense.
Common Error:
I go to the mall yesterday.
Correct Use:
I went to the mall yesterday.
Tip to Correct:
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Always use the past form of the verb when talking about actions that happened in the past.
17. Confusing “To,” “Two,” and “Too”
These three words are often confused because they sound the same but have different meanings.
Common Error:
I need too sleep.
I think I need it two.
I have to brothers.
Correct Use:
I need to sleep.
I think I need it too.
I have two brothers.
Tip to Correct:
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To = preposition or infinitive marker (e.g., I want to go).
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Two = number (e.g., two books).
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Too = also or excessively (e.g., I want to go too).
18. Confusing “Make” and “Do”
Make refers to creating or producing something, while do refers to actions, tasks, or work.
Common Error:
I will do a cake.
I usually make my homework in the evening.
Correct Use:
I will make a cake.
I usually do my homework in the evening.
Tip to Correct:
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Use make for creating something (e.g., make a cake, make a decision).
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Use do for actions or tasks (e.g., do homework, do a favor).
19. Using “Listen” Without “To”
When talking about hearing something, “listen” needs to be followed by “to.”
Common Error:
I listen music every day.
Correct Use:
I listen to music every day.
Tip to Correct:
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Remember to use to after listen (e.g., listen to music).
20. Using “More” with Short Adjectives in Comparisons
Short adjectives (one syllable) don’t need “more” in comparative sentences. Just add -er.
Common Error:
Rio de Janeiro is more hot than São Paulo.
Correct Use:
Rio de Janeiro is hotter than São Paulo.
Tip to Correct:
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For short adjectives (e.g., hot, fast), use -er for comparisons (e.g., hotter, faster).
By recognizing and correcting these common grammar mistakes, you can improve your English skills and speak more confidently. Keep practicing, and soon these rules will become second nature to you. Remember, every mistake is an opportunity to learn!
