Top 5 Common Grammar Mistakes and How To Avoid Them!

Hi students and parents, do you often make grammar mistakes? It surely happens a few times. One of the main reasons we make grammar mistakes is due to first language interference. When we learn a new language, we often apply the grammatical rules of our native language to English, which can result in errors. Differences in sentence structure, verb tenses, and word order between English and other languages often lead to persistent mistakes.

Another significant factor is the lack of formal education in grammar. Some people learn English primarily through conversation or social media, without receiving structured grammar instruction. While this can help with fluency, it often leaves gaps in grammatical accuracy. Even students who study English in school may not receive enough practice with grammar, especially if the focus is on speaking rather than writing. Without reinforcement through reading and writing, mistakes become ingrained.

Lastly, limited exposure to correct grammar. If we primarily interact with other non-native English speakers, we may not hear proper grammar often enough to reinforce the correct structures.

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Let me share with you 5 common grammar mistakes and how we can avoid making these mistakes:

1. Their vs There vs They're

One of the most common mistakes in writing involves homophones such as their, there, and they're. Their is a possessive pronoun, as in, "I borrowed their book for my research." There refers to a place, for example, "She went there last summer for vacation." They're is a contraction of they are, as in, "They're going to the BlackPink concert tonight." Mixing these up can lead to confusion, so always double-check their meanings before using them.

2. Then vs Than

People also often struggle with then and than. Then is used to indicate time or sequence, as in, "Finish your homework first, then you can play". Than, on the other hand, is used for comparisons, such as, "I'd rather stay home than go out tonight." A helpful way to remember the difference is that then typically relates to sequences or cause and effect, while than always involves a comparison.

3. Its vs It's

Another tricky pair is its and it's. Its is a possessive pronoun, as in, "The phone has lost its signal." It's, on the other hand, is a contraction of it is, as in, "I think it's time to leave." Since apostrophes often indicate possession, many people mistakenly add one to its. However, in this case, its is already possessive without the apostrophe.

4. Who vs Whom

People also frequently misuse who and whom. Who is used as a subject, as in, "Who is coming to the BlackPink concert?" Whom is used as an object, as in, "To whom should i address the letter?" A quick way to test which one to use is to replace it with he or him. If he fits, use who. If him fits, use whom.

5. Affect vs Effect

The words affect and effect are often misused. Affect is a verb meaning to influence, as in, "Lack of sleep can affect your concentration." Effect, on the other hand, is a noun meaning the result of something, as in, "The medicine had no side effects." If you're unsure which to use, try replacing the word with result, if the sentence still makes sense, use effect; if not, use affect.

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Mastering grammar may seem daunting, but avoiding these common mistakes can significantly improve your writing. By paying attention to subject verb agreement, proper punctuation, word choice, homophones, and sentence structure, you can enhance clarity and professionalism in your communication. The key is to proofread carefully, utilize grammar tools when needed, and practice consistently.

Good writing isn’t just for exams but it’s a skill that will benefit you in all aspects of life, from school assignments to future careers. For students, mastering grammar early will help in essays, presentations, and even everyday communication. Whether you’re preparing for UPSR, PT3, or SPM, avoiding these common mistakes will make your writing clearer and more effective. So, take the time to practice, read more, and always double-check your work. With effort and consistency, you’ll build strong writing habits that will serve you well in the future.

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