Serch instituto de idiomas

Writing is one of the most critical skills in any language and the English language is no exception. Many English learners struggle with writing error-free sentences. We have noticed some common mistakes made by learners. Here is a list of things to keep in mind while writing in English

1. – Consistency in the use of tenses

Make sure that you do not switch tenses while conveying the same idea.

I went to my friend’s house yesterday and we play football. (Incorrect)

I went to my friend’s house yesterday and we played football. (Correct)

I wake up every day at 6 a.m. Then I had breakfast with my parents. (Incorrect)

I wake up every day at 6 a.m. Then I have breakfast with my parents. (Correct)

2. – Subject-Verb Agreement

This is one of the most common errors made in written English. It is important to choose the correct word form which agrees with the subject of the sentence.

He like Chinese food. (Incorrect)

He likes Chinese food. (Correct)

I lives in Japan. (Incorrect)

I live in Japan. (Correct)

3. – Use of Articles

Since many foreign languages do not require the use of articles as much as the English language, this is another common mistake in English writing made by learners.

I saw movie yesterday. (Incorrect)

I saw a movie yesterday. (Correct)

He liked book written by Edgar Allan Poe. (Incorrect)

He liked the book written by Edgar Allan Poe. (Correct)

4. – Capitalization

The first word of a sentence and proper nouns usually start with capital letters.

he needs to see a Doctor. (Incorrect)

He needs to see a doctor. (Incorrect)

Will you meet sharon tomorrow? (Incorrect)

Will you meet Sharon tomorrow? (Correct)

5. – Spelling

There are some words in English which have a confusing spelling. It is important to make a spell-check once you’ve finished your writing, in order to avoid unnecessary mistakes. It’s important to highlight that not all ‘spell-ckeck’ tools on electronic devices are one-hundred percent trustworthy. We recommend you do it yourself, or ask for help to your Teacher.

The principle of the school asked the students to keep quiet. (Incorrect)

The principal of the school asked the students to keep quiet. (Correct)

6. – Placement of Adverbs

Some English learners find it confusing to place adverbs correctly within a sentence.

I go to the library on Thursday usually. (Incorrect)

I usually go to the library on Thursday. (Correct)

My son everyday goes to school. (Incorrect)

My son goes to school every day. (Correct)

7. – Prepositions after Adjectives

There are no rules to state which preposition will follow a particular adjective. Therefore, the incorrect use of prepositions is a common thread in the writings of English learners.

I am allergic of roses. (Incorrect)

I am allergic to roses. (Correct)

He is accused for theft. (Incorrect)

He is accused of theft. (Correct)

8. – Use of  ‘I’ and ‘me’

‘I’ and ‘me’ are both personal pronouns and are often used incorrectly.

My friends and me went to Paris. (Incorrect)

My friends and I went to Paris. (Correct)

She came from Rome to meet I. (Incorrect)

She came from Rome to meet me. (Correct)

9. – Comparison of Adjectives

There are two rules that need to be taken care of while making the comparative and superlative form of adjectives.

He is more tall than me. (Incorrect)

He is taller than me. (Correct)

She is the beautifullest girl in the class. (Incorrect)

She is the most beautiful girl in the class. (Correct)

10. – Possessives

In English, possessives are often shown by using possessive nouns and pronouns.

I went to my parents’s house. (Incorrect)

I went to my parents’ house. (Correct)

This book is her. (Incorrect)

This book is hers. (Correct)

These are some of the mistakes that are often made by learners of the English language when writing. By keeping a note of these pointers, you can very easily overcome the most common mistakes people make in written English. Keep in mind that practicing your English is what will take you to a higher level. Writing regularly will definitely improve your writing skill level.

Do you need to know more or want to upgrade your formal English to a proficient level ?
Contact us. We can help!