10 Common Grammar Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Good grammar is more than just a set of rules it’s the foundation of clear and effective communication. Whether you’re writing emails, essays, or blog posts, avoiding grammar mistakes can make your writing look polished and professional. Below are some of the most common grammar mistakes and how to fix them.

1. Your vs. You’re

• Wrong: Your going to love this movie.

• Correct: You’re going to love this movie.
  “Your” shows possession, while “you’re” is short for “you are.”

2. Its vs. It’s

• Wrong: Its a great idea.

• Correct: It’s a great idea.
  “It’s” = it is / it has. “Its” shows ownership.

3. There, Their, and They’re

• Wrong: There going to the store with they’re friends.

• Correct: They’re going to the store with their friends.
  “There” = a place. “Their” = possession. “They’re” = they are.

4. Then vs. Than

• Wrong: She is taller then her brother.

• Correct: She is taller than her brother.
  “Than” is for comparisons. “Then” is about time/order.

5. Loose vs. Lose

• Wrong: Don’t loose your keys.

• Correct: Don’t lose your keys.
  “Lose” = misplace. “Loose” = not tight.

6. Affect vs. Effect

• Wrong: The weather effected our plans.

• Correct: The weather affected our plans.
  “Affect” is a verb (to influence). “Effect” is a noun (the result).

7. Subject-Verb Agreement

• Wrong: The team are winning.

• Correct: The team is winning.
  ???? A singular subject needs a singular verb.

8. Me vs. I

• Wrong: She gave the book to John and I.

• Correct: She gave the book to John and me.
  Remove the other person: would you say “She gave the book to I”? No.

9. Comma Misuse

• Wrong: Let’s eat grandma!

• Correct: Let’s eat, grandma!
  Commas save lives by clarifying meaning.

10. Double Negatives

• Wrong: I don’t need no help.

• Correct: I don’t need any help.
  Two negatives make a positive, which changes your meaning.

✅ Final Tip: Read your writing out loud. If it sounds off, it probably needs a grammar check.