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SpanishWhether you’re writing an email, a report, or a message, small errors in English can cause confusion — or worse, leave the wrong impression. But here’s the truth: most people don’t make writing mistakes because they don’t know grammar — they make them because they rush, guess, or use habits from their first language. This guide breaks down how to spot and avoid mistakes when writing in English, with real tips and tools that English teachers use with their students every day.
30 Common Grammar Mistakes to Avoid
Why Mistakes When Writing in English Happen
If you’re already speaking English well, why do mistakes still happen in writing? Common reasons:
You translate directly from your native language
You type fast and don’t review
You use the same sentence structures every time
You don’t spot common patterns of error
You’re unsure how formal your tone should be
Let’s fix that.
Saying No with Confidence & Correctly in English
✅ 1. Watch Out for the 5 Most Common Writing Mistakes in English
| Mistake Type | Example | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| Missing articles | “I sent report yesterday.” | ✅ “I sent the report yesterday.” |
| Wrong verb tense | “She go to meeting yesterday.” | ✅ “She went to the meeting yesterday.” |
| Confusing prepositions | “He arrived to the office.” | ✅ “He arrived at the office.” |
| Run-on sentences | “We finished it I sent it to the team.” | ✅ Add punctuation or connector: “…and I sent it…” |
| Capitalisation errors | “i hope this helps.” | ✅ Always capitalise I, names, and the first word |
Quick fix: Read your writing out loud — if it sounds wrong, it probably is.
✅ 2. Learn to Recognise High-Risk Words and Tricky Phrases
Some English words often lead to writing mistakes:
“Advice” vs. “Advise”
“There,” “Their,” “They’re”
“Your” vs. “You’re”
“Affect” vs. “Effect”
Create a personal “mistake list” and check those words every time you write. You’ll fix your patterns faster than trying to memorise grammar rules.
✅ 3. Use Tools — But Don’t Rely on Them Blindly
Tools like Grammarly, Quillbot, or even spellcheck in Google Docs can help. But don’t trust them 100%.
Use these tools for:
✔ Grammar check
✔ Tone suggestions
✔ Formal writing help
Don’t use them for:
✘ Writing for you completely (you stop learning)
✘ Deciding what you want to say
✘ Replacing proofreading
✅ Best approach: write first, check second, improve third.
Top 20 Errors in Undergraduate Writing
✅ 4. Write Shorter Sentences to Avoid More Mistakes
Trying to write like a native speaker with long, complex sentences often leads to grammar problems.
Try this instead:
❌ “In regards to the mentioned proposal, I would like to kindly inform you that unfortunately I won’t be able to attend.”
✅ “Thanks for the proposal. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend.”
Simple is not weak. Simple is professional.
✅ 5. Check for One Type of Mistake at a Time
Don’t try to fix everything at once. When proofreading, do it in rounds:
First check grammar
Then check tone
Then check spelling and punctuation
Then read aloud once — with a pen in hand
This step-by-step approach helps you find the mistakes your brain usually skips.
How to Listen Easier & Respond Quicker in English Situations
Table: Common Mistakes by Writing Type
| Writing Task | Mistakes to Watch For |
|---|---|
| Emails | Overly casual tone, missing subject lines |
| Reports | Long sentences, unclear headings |
| Job applications | Repeating phrases, spelling errors in key details |
| Chats or messages | No punctuation, lowercase “i”, missing context |
✅ Bonus: 10 Useful Phrases That Are Safe and Professional
When in doubt, use safe, polished language. These phrases work for most professional writing:
“I hope this message finds you well.”
“I’m writing to follow up on…”
“Please let me know if you need anything further.”
“Thank you for your time and support.”
“Looking forward to your feedback.”
“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend.”
“That sounds like a great next step.”
“Just checking in regarding the earlier message.”
“Could you clarify this when you get a chance?”
“Best regards,”
Mistakes When Writing in English: Final Thoughts
Writing well in English is not about being perfect — it’s about being clear, polite, and mistake-free. The fewer small errors you make, the more your message shines.
If you want to avoid mistakes when writing in English, stop writing like a test, and start writing like a communicator. The results will come faster than you think.
Mistakes When Writing in English: Key Takeaways
Most mistakes come from habit, not knowledge
Focus on short, clean, well-checked writing
Use tools wisely — don’t let them think for you
- Focus on your mistakes when writing in English and improve them
Always check one thing at a time: grammar, tone, clarity
Learn from your mistakes and build a checklist for next time
- Embrace your mistakes when writing in English and welcome them.