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Quick wins with grammar, Some things are problematic for some students. For me, it’s physics. For others, it’s algebra. And for some, it’s grammar.
If you are a student who often makes grammatical mistakes in your essays, short stories, and term papers – you need to read this article. We have come up with common grammar mistakes students make, so you can be careful next time you write something. Let’s take a look!
01 – You’re vs. Your
It is a common grammar mistake students make; having clarification between your and you’re.
For example:
Incorrect: How did you’re fast going?
Correct: How did your fast go?
Can you notice the difference between these two now? Try other sentences containing your or you’re, so you will understand better and won’t repeat this mistake.
02 – There vs. They’re vs. Their
“There” refers to a place, “they’re” is a contraction of “they are,” and there is used to ownership of a group. It is essential to know the difference between these three words to structure a sentence correctly. Make sure to use the right ones in the right place at the right times.
For example:
They’re going to love your house.
I heard their food is the best.
You can check there.
Quick wins with grammar, the next time you write a short story or essay, double-check the paper to eliminate such grammar mistakes.
03 – Incomplete Comparisons Quick wins with grammar:
Another common grammar mistake students make is incomplete comparisons. Take a look at this sentence:
Our car model is faster and stronger.
Students usually forget to add the comparison, like what are you comparing your car too? An older model of the same auto company? A competitor’s car?
Be sure to always have a complete comparison sentence. Otherwise, it is impossible to discern what the sentence means.
04 – Referring to a Brand as “They”
People usually make the mistake of using “they” to represent a brand or entity. But a business is not plural; hence, one shouldn’t use “they,” instead use “it.”
Incorrect: Fiji Airlines rebranded to keep up with their changing audience.
Correct: Fiji Airlines rebranded to keep up with its changing audience.
In English, a brand is not identified as “he” or “she,” so the use of “they” don’t fit. Clearly, an entity or brand is “it.”
You might find it difficult in the beginning, but you will get used to using “it” for a brand or an entity.
05 – Run-on Sentences Quick wins with grammar
A coordinating conjunction joins two clauses that might stand alone as sentences. To recall the most common coordinating conjunctions, use the acronym FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. A comma is required before the conjunction unless the clauses are very short and tightly linked.
It becomes a run-on sentence if you neglect to place a comma before the conjunction.
Quick wins with grammar For example:
Incorrect: He walked all the way home, and he shut the door.
Correct: He walked all the way home, and he shut the door.
There you go: five common grammar mistakes students make. Finding these common errors in your writing will help you do better in your essays and final exams.
