How to Improve English: Common English Mistakes

Nowadays, people from developing countries, especially from Africa and Asia, want to improve English writing and speaking. Likewise, writing correct and accurate English is the biggest challenge for non-native speakers at all levels, both in academic careers and competitive exams. Similarly, According to Pakistan Civil Service Commission reports, more than 90% of candidates fail English Essay and Precis & composition papers every year. So, it is crystal clear that English writing is the main obstacle for candidates who want to qualify for civil services while trying to achieve the ultimate goal of their life.

Common English Writing Mistakes

Given below are a few mistakes those pupils commit often. Remember these types of errors at your fingertips to avoid them. Let’s go through once for better understanding:

Spelling Errors:

First of all, spelling misteks, these can happen when a word is misspelled or when homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings) are mixed up, such as “hair” and “here“. Many examples of these confusing words are found in English pair of words.

Grammatical Errors & Parts of speech

Next, Grammatical errors & Parts of speech, these include errors in subject-verb agreement, tenses and use of parts of speech. Most applicants are not aware of the exact use of this group’s adjectives, adverbs and other terms, even though they need the understanding and recognition of the most essential part of English writing.

Conditional Sentences

Then, Conditional Sentences, there are four conditional sentences named zero, first, second and third. These sentences have their principles and rules to apply. Most students need clarification in using conditional sentences or wrongly placing the condition.

Punctuation Errors

Further, Punctuation errors, punctuation marks are not less than the soul of a sentence. These include misuse of commas, semicolons, apostrophes etc. The place of punctuation marks defines the meaning of the sentence. These can change the implications of a word completely. Additionally, Capitalization, these mistakes can be when words need to be capitalized when they should be or capitalized unnecessarily. Capitalizing the phrase shows the significant importance and specific meanings associated with them.

Errors in Sentence Structure

Likewise, Errors in sentence structure, it includes run-on sentences, sentence fragments, misplaced modifiers and wrong connectors, like but is used after though or although in a compound sentence which is wrong. It must be “yet” instead of “but” or simply comma in the replace of yet. Aspirants must have firm command on simple, compound and complex sentences.

Confusing Words and Redundancy

Furthermore, Confusing words, these can occur when terms that are similar in spelling or pronunciation are misused, such as “affect” and “effect” or “compliment” and “complement. Similarly, Redundancy, happens when you use unnecessary words or phrases like “return back” or “past history“. Words having same meanings are used which lose the expression of good writing.

Model Auxiliaries

Finally, Model auxiliaries, show probabilities, abilities, permissions, requests, capacities, suggestions, orders, obligations, necessities, possibilities, and guidance. Modal verbs include will, would, can, could, may, might, shall, must, etc. Similarly, Wrong expression, English expressions are the words employed in certain ways that have different meanings depending on the situation. Many components of English phrases don’t have specific names. People use wrong words at wrong place which is very common mistake for non-native masses.

Mentioned above are the most common mistakes made by the writers. If you are interested in being good at English, enlist the said errors according to your will. Try to overcome your weaknesses one by one.

How to Improve Your English Writing:

Avoiding mistakes in English requires consistent effort and concentration on improving your language skills. Listed below are some suggestions that can be useful for you in this regard:

Learn the Spelling and Grammar Rules:

First, it is necessary to learn the spelling effectively. It is an ignorable mistake, and examiners take it seriously, as well as it loses your impression of writing and makes the write-ups worthless. A spelling mistake can completely change the meaning of a word. Some words are simple according to their voices and can be remembered easily, but pay special attention to the tricky and confusing words to keep them in your memory. Make hints in your mind and relate some situations or stories with remembering these words.

Additionally, knowing the basic grammar rules will help you avoid common mistakes. You can find many grammar books, online resources and software to help you improve your grammar. A beginner must read all the grammar rules before writing a passage. Learn the rules and keep applying them consciously while writing English.

Reading and listening:

Secondly, reading and listening to English material such as books, news, podcasts and movies can help you improve your vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. Whenever you are reading any quality writing, analyze the sentence structure of the writer, try to identify the parts of speech, check the grammar rules applied, see the balance of sentences, note the expression used by a good writer, pluck the vocabulary, phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions to add them in your writings.

This practice will improve your understanding and maturity in writing better English. Never let even a single word pass you by. It’s a famous saying, “Effective reading leads to effective writing.”

Writing and Speaking Practice:

Thirdly, writing and speaking can help you improve your language skills. You can keep a journal, participate in English forums or discussions, or find an exchange partner to practice with. It is advised to every aspirant to write something daily because writing practice is necessary to implement your knowledge and polish your skills. You will start improving day by day as it is not a short course to climb up.

Use Online Tools:

Next, there are many online tools available to assist you in avoiding mistakes, such as grammar checks, proofreaders and language learning apps. However, these apps or resources will only be beneficial if you learn correctly first. Heading towards online assistants will help you if you have the basic knowledge. On the other hand, online lectures and videos on the basics of English grammar, especially parts of speech, can be watched for better efficient and effective learning of English.

Get Assessment:

Finally, the most important factor, getting feedback from your mentor, teacher, tutor or language partner, will help you identify your mistakes and things to improve. Also, you can also record yourself speaking or typing and review your performance for errors. Remember that improving your English takes time and effort, but with persistent practice and dedication, you can avoid common mistakes and gain confidence in your language skills.

This Blog will be helpful for beginners and learners looking for a career through competitive exams and those curious to grasp a good command of English writing.

Give your feedback in the comment section.

Cheers,