12 Grammar mistakes to avoid
Language has a solid foundation that has been formed over ages, but it is also versatile and constantly advancing. Grammar is a language framework that aids in the preservation of arrangement and legibility.
English, the world’s widely known and spoken language, is complicated, challenging, and sometimes amusing. Grammatical guidelines are difficult to understand, and grammar skills must be developed from an early age. With the expansion of digital and social media, verbal and written communication has become perhaps more familiar and valuable for people all over the world. Such circumstances have put a strong emphasis on the use of English as a channel of conversation and interaction. Grammar, particularly the use of full sentences, is essential for effective communication on an international basis. A grammatical error causes inconsistencies, which leads to poor interaction.
Writing is both an artistic expression and a technical proficiency. To be compelling, influential, and unique is more essential than complete technical skill in excellent writing.
Since perfect grammar will not inevitably make you an excellent writer, understanding the rules is essential. Poor grammar affects your chances of getting an article posted in an online journal, selling editions of your e-book, or receiving high grades for an academic paper or thesis. Grammar errors whether justified or not indicates poor precision and rushed writing.
Here are the common grammatical errors to avoid;
There/They’re/They’re
Homographs are words that have the same spelling irrespective of their pronunciation and are fully accountable for a lot of the widely known grammar errors, including the “There/Their/They’re” dilemma, which has caught nearly everybody off guard at some moment. “There” relates to a location. The possessive adjective “their” is used to convey ownership or possession as the name suggests.
Effected/Affected
“Affect” is a verb that means “to modify or impact,” whereas “effect” is a noun that is an outcome of an event or situation that created a change. Many authors are perplexed by the fact that the past participle (which conveys a completed action) of “effect” is also a verb, denoting “to create or bring about.”
Starting with semicolon
The semicolon is the most often misused punctuation mark in English. In its basic form, the semicolon connects two related independent clauses in a single statement such as (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Semicolons are also included in the position of commas since both can be employed when writing a list. However, commas can cause the dreaded “comma splice,” for which semicolons are oftentimes the sole remedy.
It’s versus Its
Its (no apostrophe) is the possessive pronoun of “it.” You will also view the word “it’s” (with an apostrophe). It is an abbreviation for “it is” or “it has.” These words are known as homophones since they sound similar but have various definitions. “It’s” with an apostrophe should only be applied as compression for “it is,” and the apostrophe shouts “I’m a possessive noun!” However, in this situation, “Its” without the apostrophe is the possessive pronoun.
Split Infinitive
A split infinitive is a grammar structure in which an adverb or adverbial term distinguishes the “to” and “infinitive” components of what was recognized as the full infinitive and is now popularly known as the to-infinitive in contemporary language. An infinitive is made up of the term ‘to’ and a simple type of a verb, for example, to run and to review. Split infinitives include “to unexpectedly go” and “to rapidly review the paper” since the adverbs (unexpectedly and rapidly) split (or divide) the infinitives to run and review.
Who/Whom
Even the most seasoned writers must consult reference materials for this one. The simplest way to determine which one you require is to address the topic with “he,” “him,” “she,” or “her.” Who serves as a subject, and who serves as an object. When the phrase is conducting an action, use who. When it is getting the action, then use whom.
Your/You’re
The possessive adverb “your,” and “you’re” is compression of “you are.” Your is a possessive adjective utilized with the second person to define something as relating to you. Your is preceded by a noun or gerund every time. You’re is an abbreviation for “you are,” and it is frequently accompanied by the present participle describing action ending in -ing.
“I” or “Me”
The key to selecting the right one is deciding if you’re pointing to a subject or an object. If it’s a subject, start with “I.” If the subject is an object, employ “me.” “Me” is the object of the adverb “with” in this scenario. Try adjusting the statement if you want to ease things for yourself. Whenever the person talking is performing the activity alone or with others, add the pronoun “I.” When the person who speaks is getting the verb’s action in a certain form, both directly or indirectly, then include the pronoun “me.”
Less or fewer
When deciding between “less” and “fewer,” question yourself: am I referring to a particular amount of items? If you are, add fewer. If not, substitute “less.” If you have a large bowl of salad and are unable to finish it, you may request “less salad.” If there is a certain quantity of tomatoes in the salad and they are a lot then, you might request “fewer” tomatoes.
Elude or allude
“Allude” signifies referring to something, whereas “elude” suggests preventing or escaping. The distinction is easily distinguished by the fact that both “elude” and “escape” start with an “e.”
May vs Might
The discussion between “may” and “might” is all about opportunities. Both terms point to something that can occur, but the “might” relates to more distant options. You “might” purchase a lottery ticket now in the hopes of winning. “May” reflects that it is being regarded as a potential. “I might go out to watch a movie.” “Might” applies to something more inclined to be determined by chance.
Which versus That
Maybe professional writers will struggle with this one. The simplest way to assess whether to include “which” or “that” is to ascertain if the clause that accompanies “which” or “that” is fundamental to the sentence or merely descriptive. Add “which” if it consists of non-essential details. If the clause is critical to the statement’s expression, utilize “that.”