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These are not necessarily grammar mistakes, but instances where grammar can trip you up. I want this post to help you know what to avoid, and when using certain grammar techniques can add emphasis to your writing.
1. Split infinitives
Firstly, what are split infinitives?
- A verb is a doing word, such as run, eat, sit.
- An infinitive verb is a verb with ‘to’ before it, such as to run, to eat, to sit.
- An adverb tells us how an action was done, such as quietly, quickly, constantly.
- A split infinitive is an infinitive verb split by an adverb.
Here are some split infinitive examples:
- To slowly pace
- To quickly hide
- To loudly search
It’s grammatically correct for the adverb to be placed after the infinitive verb:
- To pace slowly
- To hide quickly
- To search loudly
I’ve found both work in separate instances. If you practice writing enough you can learn to tell which sounds better in your sentence. Sometimes the grammatically correct sentence detracts from where you need emphasis.
2. Pronouns
He, she, it, they, their, them, his, her, it, its, my, mine, you, your… etc. It’s important to ensure your pronouns are in the correct place in the sentence. Consider the following example:
- My parents left to speak with my teacher. They were very disappointed.
Were their parents disappointed or their teacher? This sentence structure indicates that the teacher was disappointed. To be grammatically correct, it should be:
- My disappointed parents left to speak with my teacher.
3. Tautologies
Tautologies are phrases which repeat information. Here are some examples:
- The lounge was the colour yellow.
We already know yellow is a colour.
- They were about to announce the final outcome.
Outcome = final. Final = outcome.
- New innovation.
Innovation is already new.
- We needed to return back the way we’d come.
If you are returning somewhere, you are going back. Don’t repeat it.
- It was a true fact.
If it is fact, it has to be true.
4. Nouns to verbs
Some writers use abstract nouns where verbs should be used.
A noun is a naming word. There are many different types of nouns, such as proper (Australia, Percy, London, Brooke), common (writer, dog, bird, book), and collective (school of fish, orchestra, team). Verbs are action words. I’ve included some examples of abstract nouns and verbs below:
- Abstract nouns: introduction, exploration, recognition
- Verbs: run, jump, leap, sit
As verbs are action words, they increase the pace of writing and make it more exciting. Therefore, swapping them for a noun can do the opposite.
Consider this example, in which provision becomes provide:
- The government will allow for the provision of more funds for schools.
- The government will provide more funds for schools.
Exploration becomes explore:
- The group went on an exploration through the forest.
- The group explored the forest.
5. Apostrophes
Apostrophes in plural and singular cases can get confusing. I mix my apostrophes up all the time and only notice when I go through and edit my writing. Here are a few examples to help you and me out:
- The cat’s bell (one bell belonging to one cat)
- The cats’ bell (one bell belonging to multiple cats)
- The cats’ bells (multiple bells belonging to multiple cats)
For singular nouns that already end in an s, either add an apostrophe and an s or only an apostrophe:
- James’ coat or James’s coat
For plural nouns that already end in an s, either add an apostrophe after the s or add es and an apostrophe:
- The Morrisons’ car or the Morrisonses’ car
Editing for grammar mistakes
Editing can fix these five grammar mistakes. Focus on what you want to convey when writing. Focus on how you convey it when editing. We’re so lucky to have editors. I know I miss many of these grammar techniques when structuring sentences, but the more you know the better you become. Let me know of any grammar mistakes you find in your writing!