Every English learner makes grammar mistakes. Even advanced speakers slip up. The difference between a good speaker and a great one is not avoiding all mistakes — it is knowing which mistakes to fix and understanding why they happen.
In this guide, you will learn 20 of the most common grammar mistakes English learners make, why they happen, and exactly how to correct them.
1. He dont Instead of He doesnt
Wrong: He dont understand the question.
Correct: He doesnt understand the question.
Third-person singular subjects (he, she, it) need “s” or “es” on the verb in present simple tense.
2. Much vs Many
Wrong: How much books do you have?
Correct: How many books do you have?
“Much” is for uncountable nouns. “Many” is for countable nouns.
3. Omitting the Verb To Be
Wrong: She very tired today.
Correct: She is very tired today.
4. Its vs Its
Wrong: The dog lost it’s bone.
Correct: The dog lost its bone.
“Its” = “it is” (contraction). “Its” = possessive form.
5. Learn vs Study
Wrong: I need to learn English tonight.
Correct: I need to study English tonight.
You study English but you learn specific things.
6. Forgetting Articles
Wrong: She is student at Oxford University.
Correct: She is a student at Oxford University.
English requires articles (a, an, the) before singular countable nouns.
7. In vs On for Time
Wrong: I always work on the mornings.
Correct: I always work in the mornings.
In = parts of the day. On = specific days. At = specific times.
8. Double Negatives
Wrong: I dont have no money.
Correct: I dont have any money. or I have no money.
Standard English only uses one negative in a sentence.
9. Would for Real Conditions
Wrong: If I would study harder, I would pass.
Correct: If I studied harder, I would pass.
In second conditional, use the past simple after “if,” not “would.”
10. Forgetting -ed in Past Simple
Wrong: He work there for five years.
Correct: He worked there for five years.
11. Me and John vs John and I
Wrong: Me and John went to the cinema.
Correct: John and I went (subject) / They gave tickets to John and me (object).
12. Since vs For
Wrong: I have lived here since five years.
Correct: I have lived here for five years.
“Since” = a specific starting point. “For” = a duration.
13-20. Quick Reference
- 13. Question word order: What do you want? (not “You want what?”)
- 14. Another vs Other: Give me another one. (not “other one”)
- 15. Wrong preposition: interested in, good at, afraid of (not “interested on”)
- 16. Present perfect: I have seen that movie (not “I saw” when no specific time)
- 17. Omitting prepositions: Listen to, look at, depend on
- 18. Few vs A Few: A little money (some) vs little money (almost none)
- 19. Apostrophes: Its (possessive), its (it is = contraction)
- 20. All of vs Both of: Both of = exactly two people
How to Fix Grammar Mistakes Permanently
- Keep an error journal: Note mistakes you make and review them weekly
- Read extensively: Your brain absorbs correct patterns through input
- Get feedback: A teacher or language partner who can correct you
- Practice with writing: Errors in writing often appear in speech too
Grammar mistakes are a natural part of learning. Do not be embarrassed — be systematic. Each mistake you fix is permanent progress.
For more English grammar guides, visit ReadEnglishToday.com.