Grammar is generally not the most popular subject under the sun, regardless of the language or the place. The nuances range from insignificant mistakes to serious errors that can even completely change the meaning of a statement. And this is where the fun begins. Where do people make the most mistakes in English grammar? Check it out.
We prepared for you the list of most common mistakes in English that can help you to speak like a native and to improve your language skills day by day.
Misplaced apostrophes: Your/you’re
The difference between these two is:
“Your” means something belonging to you
while
“You’re” means “you are”
Similarly Its/it’s
Commas
The missing or misplaced comma can change the meaning of the sentence.
Let’s eat, Grandpa – asks Grandpa to join the speaker in having a meal
Let’s eat Grandpa – suggests that it’s time to eat Grandpa
A woman, without her man, is nothing. – this sentence suggests that a woman is nothing without her man.
A woman: without her, man is nothing. – while this sentence claims the exact opposite, that a man is nothing without his woman.
Two negatives
Double negatives are seldom used in English, in contrast to some other languages. A sentence doesn’t exactly make a positive statement if two negatives are used in it, but it is considered incorrect.
I don’t want nothing from you. (in old English this could emphasize the negative, while in current English it can be taken to indicate a positive meaning. Any which way, it is an incorrect statement).
I don’t want anything from you.
Exchanging similar sounding words
Affect / Effect
The lightning affected the tree.
The effect of the lightning was that the tree burned down.
Accept / Except
Accept – to receive, to include
Except – to exclude
We accept everybody, except you.
Whether / Weather
Whether – if
Weather – referring to atmospheric conditions
Whether you like it or not, the weather will be like this.
Then/than
Then – next, later, after
Than – for comparing
Between / Among
The word ‘between’ normally refers to two items or people, while the word ‘among’ refers to multiple items or people, as, for example: ‘At the party, I sat down between two good friends’ or ‘At the party, I enjoyed being among many interesting people
Between
Learn more about teaching English abroad, you can read our article here.
Photos: Shutterstock / Graphic Design for the purpose of this article: Martina Advaney
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