top 10 common grammar mistakes to avoid in your writing

Writing is an essential skill that can significantly impact your communication and professionalism. However, even the best writers can fall victim to common grammar mistakes that can detract from their message. In 2026, it is crucial to refine your writing style and ensure clarity in your work. Here are the top ten grammar mistakes to avoid in your writing.

1. Subject-Verb Agreement Errors

One of the most common mistakes is failing to match the subject with the correct verb form. This often occurs when the subject is separated from the verb by additional phrases. For example, in the sentence 'The group of students are excited,' the verb should be 'is' because 'group' is singular. Always ensure that your subject and verb agree in number.

2. Misuse of Apostrophes

Apostrophes can be tricky, especially when distinguishing between possessives and contractions. For example, 'its' is possessive, while 'it's' is a contraction for 'it is.' To avoid confusion, remember that apostrophes indicate ownership, while contractions combine words. Always revise sentences to ensure the correct usage of apostrophes.

3. Confusing Homophones

Homophones are words that sound alike but have different meanings, such as 'their', 'there', and 'they're'. Misusing these words can lead to misunderstandings. To avoid errors, take the time to review each instance of these words in your writing. A quick proofread can save you from embarrassing mistakes.

4. Run-On Sentences

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are incorrectly joined without proper punctuation. For instance, 'I love writing it is my passion' should be separated into two sentences or connected with a conjunction. Use punctuation wisely to separate ideas and enhance the readability of your writing.

5. Dangling Modifiers

A dangling modifier is a descriptive phrase that is not clearly attached to the word it is intended to modify. For example, 'Running down the street, the flowers were beautiful' mistakenly suggests that the flowers were running. To avoid confusion, ensure that the modifier is placed next to the correct noun it describes.

6. Lack of Parallel Structure

Consistency is key in writing. When listing items or providing examples, ensure that they follow a parallel structure. For instance, 'I enjoy reading, writing, and to paint' should be adjusted to 'I enjoy reading, writing, and painting.' This maintains clarity and rhythm in your writing.

7. Incorrect Use of Commas

Commas are often misused or omitted, leading to confusion in sentences. For instance, in a list, a comma should precede the final item, as in 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.' Additionally, commas are important for separating clauses. Familiarise yourself with comma rules to ensure you use them effectively.

8. Using 'Less' Instead of 'Fewer'

While 'less' and 'fewer' are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings. 'Fewer' refers to countable items, while 'less' refers to uncountable quantities. For instance, 'There are fewer apples' is correct, while 'There is less fruit' is also accurate. Knowing the difference can enhance your precision in writing.

9. Overusing Passive Voice

While passive voice has its place, overusing it can make your writing less engaging. For example, instead of saying 'The book was read by the student,' consider using active voice: 'The student read the book.' Active voice tends to be more dynamic and direct, capturing the reader's attention.

10. Misplaced Modifiers

A misplaced modifier can lead to ambiguous or humorous interpretations. For example, 'She almost drove her kids to school every day' implies she did not quite succeed. To avoid confusion, place modifiers as close as possible to the words they modify.