5 Common Grammar Mistakes English Learners Make (and How to Fix Them)

 



Even advanced English learners make grammar mistakes—and that’s okay! English grammar has many small rules and exceptions that can be confusing, especially if they’re different from the grammar in your native language.

As a TESOL-certified tutor with over 11 years of experience, I’ve helped students from many countries fix their most common grammar mistakes—quickly and clearly.

Here are 5 grammar mistakes I see most often, and simple tips to avoid them.

 1. Forgetting the Third-Person “S”

Wrong: She walk to school every day.
Correct: She walks to school every day.

Tip: When the subject is he, she, or it, don’t forget to add “-s” to the verb in the present simple tense.

“He runs.”
“She speaks.”
“It rains.”

 2. Using the Wrong Past Tense Verb

Wrong: Yesterday, I go to the store.
Correct: Yesterday, I went to the store.

Tip: Learn the past tense forms of irregular verbs. They don’t follow the “-ed” rule. For example:

  • go → went

  • have → had

  • eat → ate

You can find my irregular verbs practice on YouTube.

 3. Mixing Up “A” and “An”

Wrong: I saw an dog.
Correct: I saw a dog.

Tip: Use “a” before consonant sounds and “an” before vowel sounds:

  • a cat, a car, a house

  • an apple, an idea, an hour (silent h)

 4. Using the Present Progressive Incorrectly

Wrong: I am have a meeting right now.
Correct: I am having a meeting right now.

Tip: The present progressive (am/is/are + verb-ing) is for actions happening now.

Use the -ing form of the verb:

  • I am talking.

  • She is eating.

  • They are studying.

 5. Confusing Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Wrong: I have much friends.
Correct: I have many friends.

Tip:

  • Use “many” with countable nouns: friends, books, emails

  • Use “much” with uncountable nouns: money, water, information

❗ Bonus tip: “Advice” is uncountable! Say: some advice or a piece of advice.

 Grammar Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

You don’t need to memorize every rule at once. Focus on the mistakes you personally make most often—and get help when you need it.

That’s where personalized lessons can make a big difference. I give clear explanations, real examples, and fun practice that fits your level and goals.

 Want to Fix Your Grammar with a Real Teacher?

Book your personalized English lesson here

Start speaking with confidence—and stop worrying about grammar.

 About the Author:

Jennifer S. is a TESOL-certified English tutor with a Master’s degree and over 11 years of teaching experience. She teaches personalized lessons online to students from all over the world.



Location: Ontario, Canada

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