About this lesson
Most grammar mistakes in writing come back for a reason. Often the mistake was never corrected, so it became a habit. Sometimes your first language works in a different way. The teachers in this mix agree that you cannot fix a mistake you cannot see. So the first job is to notice your own errors.
Many of the common errors are about small words. Teachers point to nouns you cannot count, articles and prepositions. They also cover verb patterns, tenses after if and when, and commas between clauses. Some rules are short and clear. Others have exceptions, and a few you must learn word by word.
The best practice is active. Find the mistake and fix it. Then write a new sentence with the same rule. At the end, read your work again. Look for the errors you know you make. There is no quick fix. Simple and correct writing is safer than clever writing that has mistakes.
Examples from the clips
- AccurateEnglish shows sentences with one mistake each. You find and fix it before the answer.
- English with Lucy explains why a number before a noun leads to a wrong -s.
- IELTS Band Up writes a or an beside each noun you can count.
- Complete Test Success asks what your reader already knows before you pick the or a.
Questions this lesson answers
Why do I keep making the same grammar mistakes?
Often nobody corrected the mistake, so it became a habit. Sometimes your first language works differently. You need to see the mistake before you can stop it.
Which grammar errors are most common in writing?
The teachers keep returning to articles, nouns you cannot count and prepositions. They also name verb forms, tenses and commas. Spelling and word choice come up too.
Should I use harder grammar to sound better?
Several teachers say simple and correct is better than complex and wrong. Some exam teachers also want a mix of sentence types. Use harder forms only when you are sure.
Do grammar rules always work?
Not always. Article rules and preposition choices have many exceptions. Learn the common cases, then notice new ones as you read.
Is there a quick way to fix my grammar?
No video in this mix shows one. Fixing a habit takes repeated practice. Titles that promise an instant jump are not backed by evidence.