Avoiding Common Grammar Mistakes

[Lynn Tincher, Author]

All writers are faced with grammar mistakes. I'm very thankful for my editors!

As a writer, my main goal is to get a story to paper (or computer) without having to worry about grammar or spelling. I use a grammar checker and spell checker when I have finished a selection or chapter. However, these programs do not catch everything. It's a good idea to be aware of the most common mistakes.

According to the Houghton Mifflin Textbook, these are the top ten most common grammar mistakes:

Error #1: Lack of Subject/Verb Agreement
Error #2: Past Tense Error
Error #3: Past Participle Error
Error #4: Run-on Sentence or Comma Splice
Error #5: Sentence Fragment
Error #6: Pronoun Error
Error #7: Apostrophe Error
Error #8: Comma Error
Error #9: Illogical Verb Tense Shift
Error #10: Misplaced or Confusing Modifier

[Anne Martin]

The error that bugs me the most is when people write a story in present tense that is clearly in the past. It makes me want to scream, and I usually refuse to review such work (on the WritersCafe.org). It's amazing how many people insist on writing in present tense.

There are times when it is appropriate, but those are pretty rare.

[Tom Cooke]

Anne, it bugs me too, but I catch myself doing it. I rely heavily on editors. I'm lucky I guess because I have some good people who keep me out of trouble. I think the only reason they pay me is because I'm the biggest liar they know that knows how to type. The truth is I grew up in a family that spoke proper English and it stuck. I just looked at the list above and only know what four of the ten mean. Thank you editors, copy readers and all the people who work in the trenches to get our books published. Without you I would still be just lying to people on the street.
Tom