Correcting Common English Grammar Mistakes
Using proper grammar doesn’t have to be a daunting task. You don’t need to have an advanced degree in English to master the grammar techniques necessary for an efficient command of the English language. Chances are you just want to say what you mean, and say it using correct grammar when you do so. Using proper grammar is easy if you learn how to correct a few of the most common mistakes. Here are some ways to help you do just that.
Trust Your Own Judgment
Those who use proper grammar command authority. They convey a greater sense of intelligence and mastery of the subject or subjects they address. Your best approach to grammar in everyday life is to learn the methods of good speech and writing that will help you look and sound like you know what you’re talking about.
For example, the sentence above ended with a preposition—something that’s usually considered improper grammar. Ending a sentence in that manner would be incorrect in formal, written English. However, there are times when applying all of the grammar rules to the spoken word will create a phrase that’s unpleasant to the ear. Consider rephrasing the ending to the last sentence in the above paragraph:
"… and sound like you know the things about which you’re talking."
In some cases, being correct doesn’t necessarily make you right. Remember, even if it’s proper grammar, if the sound of what you say distracts your listener from what you’re saying, you’ve lost your effectiveness.
Treat an Infinitive as One Word
An infinitive is a simple verb that’s usually formed using the word “to” in conjunction with the verb:
- To go
- To complete
- To learn
- To smile
It’s not uncommon for people to stick an adverb into the middle of an infinitive. In fact, it’s now so common that it’s become acceptable informal usage to do so. Then why shouldn’t you do it? Because it’s still wrong! Consider how the following sentences are improved by treating the infinitive as one word:
Split infinitive: We need to quickly complete this work.
Infinitive: We need to complete this work quickly.
Split infinitive: I was too preoccupied to adequately listen to what he had to say.
Infinitive: I was too preoccupied to listen adequately to what he had to say.
It may seem like a lot to worry about, but some members of your audience will prefer that infinitives never be split. In such a case, you lose that reader or listener by using incorrect grammar—whereas the people who don’t care won’t even notice that you’re doing it right. When it comes to grammar, a little bit of foresight can remove huge barriers in your communication.
Too, Two, and To
Too is an adverb that means “excessively” or “also.” In the above heading, it modifies much; it creates the air of an excessive amount.
To is a preposition and is used only to introduce prepositional phrases or infinitives. In the example, it is used as a part of the infinitive to handle.
The two forms are different and cannot be interchanged; however, exchanging them is a common mistake in grammar, and you need to be careful that you don’t make it yourself.
Two is a number; as such, it cannot be exchanged with either of the other words.
Match the Subject and Verb
A singular subject takes a singular verb. A plural subject takes a plural verb. It’s that simple.
One of the ways to ensure that your subject and verb match is to reduce your sentence to its simplest form. Showing only the subject and predicate will help you decipher which verb you should choose.
Look at the first sentence in the paragraph above as an example, to see how we know that the singular (“is”) is the proper choice for the verb, rather than the plural, “are”:
One of the ways to ensure that your subject and verb match is to reduce your sentence to its simplest form.
One (way) is to reduce your sentence to its simplest form.
One is singular, so it uses the singular verb.
Possessive Pronouns
Certain pronouns, called possesive pronouns, show ownership. Unlike a possessive noun, a possessive pronoun will never have an apostrophe. It’s something that isn’t going to happen when using correct grammar. A pronoun becomes a possessive only by changing its spelling. Most people don’t mistake personal and personal possessive pronouns because of their distinct spelling changes:
| Personal Pronoun | Personal Possessive Pronoun |
|---|---|
| she | her |
| he | his |
| it | its |
| you | yours |
| they | theirs |
| we | ours |
| who | whose |
If you remember these simple grammar rules, and write in the same manner as you speak, you will rarely go wrong. Keeping a good basic guide to English grammar on your desk is a great idea. When it comes to grammar, follow your instincts and when in doubt—look it up!
