Errors in English grammar

 

Grammatical Errors in English language

What are Errors in English language?

Grammar is the study of words and how they agree together to form sentences. It includes the rules about how to structure a sentence. 

A grammatical error is simply a mistake in writing. It is an error that goes against English speaking and writing rules. It can include a controversial usage of grammar because even the experts sometimes disagree on the best way to use the language. Grammatical errors are often overlooked or ignored in some situations. Someone may recognize the error, but still understand the message that was meant to be conveyed. For formal presentation and writing, such error may not be overlooked.  There are times though, that grammatical errors can cause confusion.

Why Do I Need to Study Grammatical Mistakes?

Have you ever applied for a job that was perfect for you? You fit the requirements perfectly. You had the exact experience they wanted. You had great references. But you never heard back from them. One reason could have to do with grammatical errors. In other words, you made a mistake that you did not catch on your resume or cover letter. Unfortunately, your potential employer caught it and your resume went in the trash.

This happens all the time. In fact, some businesses use it as an initial screening tool. The application process is also not the only place that this occurs. Grammatical errors in business communication (letters and email) can lead to lost contracts, lost clients, and ultimately lost revenue for your employer. They also damage your credibility.

Is someone going to catch all your grammatical errors? No, absolutely not. But there are people out there who are savvy enough about grammar to notice the mistakes. There are enough of them to make a grammar check during your proofreading important.

Kinds of Grammatical Errors in English language.

Grammatical errors can be broken down into several common categories.

Sentence Fragments

All sentences need to have a subject and a verb. Fragments occur when one is missing. This is often because the writer is trying to express a different idea.

For example:

• The new mayor was inexperienced. A time of confusion.
• After I finish my homework.

Run-on sentences

A run-on sentence is when the writer joins two independent clauses and does not use a conjunction.

For example:

• The boxes need to be stacked, do it right away.
• It is important to have auto insurance because you may get into a vehicle crash and be responsible for damages to the other person’s car.

Commonly Confused Words

Sometimes words have similar spelling but mean different things. Some examples are:

• Advice – Advise
• Affect – Effect
• Alright – All right
• Desert – Dessert
• Forth – Fourth
• Loose – Lose
• Peace – Piece
• Personal – Personnel
• Plain – Plane
• Poor – Pore – Pour
• Than – Then
• Who – Whom
• Write – right

Homophones

Some words sound the same but have different meanings and different spellings. Two of the most common examples are:

• Two – too – To

Two: is the number 2

Please get two apples from the cabinet.

• Too: means also, or extremely,

Get the bananas too.

• To: is used to show motion

I am going to the store.

There – their – They’re

• There: usually has to do with location. Remember that the word “here” is contained in it.

• The store is over there.

  • Their: usually shows that something belongs to someone. Remember that there is an “I” in the word.

  They are leaving after they get their coats.

  • They’re: means they are.

  They’re not coming to the party tonight.

7ESL.