Most Common English Mistakes and Quick Fixes (Free PDF)
Are you struggling with common English mistakes? Don’t worry—many English learners face the same challenges! In this article, we’ll cover the most frequent errors made in English and how to fix them. Whether you’re looking to improve your grammar, punctuation, or spelling, this guide has you covered.
Want to improve your English even more? Download our free PDF guide: Common English Mistakes and How to Fix Them at the end of the article.
What Are the Most Common English Mistakes?
Mistakes in English can happen in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and even word usage. Below, we’ve listed some of the most typical mistakes learners make and the correct ways to avoid them. Use this guide to help you avoid these errors in your day-to-day conversations or writing.
1. Misusing Verb Tenses
One of the biggest challenges for English learners is mastering verb tenses. Here are a few examples:
Mistake: I am agree
Correction: I agree
Explanation: In English, we don’t use “am” before the verb “agree” in this context. “Agree” is a stative verb, meaning it doesn’t need an auxiliary verb like “am.”
Mistake: If I would go…
Correction: If I went…
Explanation: When talking about hypothetical situations, we use the past simple tense, not “would” in the “if” clause.
2. Confusing Common Verbs
Using the wrong verb can change the meaning of your sentence. Here are some typical examples:
Mistake: I said you something
Correction: I told you something
Explanation: “Tell” is used when someone is giving information directly to another person.
Mistake: I came to London for study English
Correction: I came to London to study English
Explanation: After verbs of movement like “come,” use “to” before the verb to indicate purpose.
3. Incorrect Prepositions
Prepositions are tricky in English because they don’t always translate directly from other languages.
Mistake: A present to someone
Correction: A present for someone
Explanation: We use “for” to indicate the person receiving the gift.
Mistake: I went to home
Correction: I went home
Explanation: “Home” doesn’t need a preposition when it’s used as the destination.
4. Mistakes in Question Formation
Asking questions in English can be confusing. Here are some common mistakes:
Mistake: Can you tell me where is the station?
Correction: Can you tell me where the station is?
Explanation: In indirect questions, the verb comes after the subject.
Mistake: What do you do tonight?
Correction: What are you doing tonight?
Explanation: For plans in the near future, we use the present continuous tense.
5. Errors in Time Expressions
Using the correct tense for time-related phrases can be confusing for learners.
Mistake: I am living here since 1 year
Correction: I have been living here for 1 year
Explanation: For ongoing actions that started in the past and continue in the present, we use the present perfect continuous tense.
6. Word Choice and Common Misunderstandings
Some words in English can be easily confused with others, leading to common mistakes.
Mistake: Almost people in my country
Correction: Most people in my country
Explanation: “Almost” refers to something close to happening, but “most” refers to the majority of a group.
Mistake: I haven’t any money
Correction: I don’t have any money / I haven’t got any money
Explanation: In American English, “haven’t” without “got” is not commonly used.
Quick Grammar Tips
Rise vs. Raise:
- Rise = to go up on its own (e.g. “The sun rises every morning.”)
- Raise = to make something go up (e.g. “She raised her hand to ask a question.”)
Lend vs. Borrow:
- Lend = to give temporarily (e.g. “Can you lend me a pen?”)
- Borrow = to take temporarily (e.g. “Can I borrow your pen?”)
7. Avoiding Redundancy
Sometimes learners include unnecessary words that don’t add meaning to the sentence.
Mistake: A girl who she lives in Brazil
Correction: A girl who lives in Brazil
Explanation: The word “she” is unnecessary here, as “who” already indicates the subject of the sentence.
Improve Your English Writing: Free Download
We’ve compiled all these common English mistakes and many more into a handy, easy-to-read PDF. Download our free guide: Common English Mistakes and How to Fix Them to ensure you don’t make these errors in the future.
Common Errors in English PDF-download
Common English Mistakes with Examples PDF – download
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the most common English mistakes?
The most common mistakes include errors in verb tenses, prepositions, question formation, and word choice. Many learners also struggle with redundancy and incorrect time expressions.
How can I avoid grammar mistakes in English?
The best way to avoid mistakes is to practice regularly, read English materials, and learn from your errors. Our free PDF guide can help you understand the most common mistakes and how to fix them.
