5 More Common Grammar Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

If you're preparing for your GCSE exams, you've probably noticed how much emphasis teachers place on clear, accurate writing. Grammar is a key part of that. While we’ve already covered some of the most common grammar mistakes in a previous blog post, there are plenty of others that pop up frequently in students' writing. Knowing these mistakes - and how to fix them - can make your writing stronger, clearer, and more professional.

Here are five more common grammar mistakes and how to fix them

1. Apostrophes in Plural Nouns

Apostrophes can be tricky, especially when it comes to plural nouns. A common mistake is using an apostrophe to form plurals (which is incorrect). Remember, apostrophes are primarily used to show possession or to create contractions, not to make a word plural.

• Incorrect: The book’s are on the shelf.

• Correct: The books are on the shelf.

The only time you should use an apostrophe with a plural noun is when you’re showing possession.

How to avoid the mistake: Ask yourself if the apostrophe is showing possession or creating a contraction (e.g., "it's" for "it is"). If neither is the case, don’t use the apostrophe!

2. Who vs. Whom

The "who vs. whom" debate can stump even advanced writers, but it’s simpler than it seems. "Who" is used as the subject of a sentence (the person doing the action), and "whom" is used as the object of a sentence (the person receiving the action).

3. Fewer vs. Less

This is a subtle mistake that can sometimes slip by unnoticed, but examiners will pick up on it. The words "fewer" and "less" are often used interchangeably in casual speech, but they actually serve different purposes.

• Fewer is used for things you can count.

• Less is used for things you can’t count (or for singular nouns).

4. Misplaced Modifiers

A modifier is a word or phrase that describes something else in the sentence. When these modifiers are misplaced, they can cause confusion or unintentionally change the meaning of the sentence. For example:

5. Run-on Sentences

Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses (complete thoughts) are joined without proper punctuation or connecting words. This can make writing hard to follow and can overwhelm the reader.

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Bonus Tip: Read Your Work Out Loud

One of the best ways to catch grammar mistakes is to read your work out loud. This can help you hear things that might not stand out when you're reading silently. If a sentence sounds awkward or confusing, chances are there’s a grammatical error lurking in there. Reading out loud can also help you catch run-on sentences and misplaced modifiers.

Final Thoughts

Good grammar isn’t just about following rules - it’s about making your writing clearer and more effective. GCSE examiners will be looking for not only your understanding of content but also your ability to express that content clearly and accurately. By avoiding these common grammar mistakes, you’ll be in a stronger position to ace your writing assignments and impress in exams.

And remember, everyone makes mistakes - even professional writers - and editing your own work is really difficult. The key is to learn from them and practice. Whether you’re preparing for GCSEs or just trying to improve your day-to-day writing, keep these tips in mind, and you’ll see progress in no time.