Grammar plays a crucial role in scoring well in any English exam. Even students who understand concepts sometimes lose marks due to small but common grammar errors. Identifying these mistakes and learning how to avoid them can significantly improve writing clarity and overall performance.
This blog highlights frequent grammar mistakes students make during exams and offers simple tips to fix them.
Why Grammar Mistakes Happen in Exams
- Writing in a hurry
- Overthinking simple sentences
- Confusion between similar words
- Lack of practice in grammar rules
- Not proofreading answers
- Mixing spoken English habits with written English
1. Subject–Verb Agreement Errors
One of the most frequent mistakes occurs when the subject and verb do not match in number.
Common Mistakes
- He go to school every day.
- The list of items are long.
Correct Forms
- He goes to school every day.
- The list of items is long.
Quick Tips
- Ignore the words between subject and verb.
- Identify whether the subject is singular or plural.
- Collective nouns usually take singular verbs.
2. Incorrect Tense Usage
Students often switch tenses while writing, especially in long answers.
Common Mistakes
- She is going to market and bought vegetables.
- I have seen the movie yesterday.
Correct Forms
- She went to the market and bought vegetables.
- I saw the movie yesterday.
Quick Tips
- Keep the tense consistent.
- Use past tense for completed actions.
- Avoid mixing present and past in one sentence unless necessary.
3. Misuse of Prepositions
Prepositions are tricky because small words can completely change meaning.
Common Mistakes
- She is good in English.
- I discussed about the plan.
Correct Forms
- She is good at English.
- I discussed the plan.
Quick Tips
- Learn common preposition combinations (good at, interested in).
- Avoid adding unnecessary prepositions.
4. Confusion Between Similar Words
Words sound similar but have different meanings, leading to mistakes.
Common Pairs
- Their / There / They’re
- Your / You’re
- Its / It’s
- Affect / Effect
- Then / Than
Quick Tips
- Their = possession
- There = place
- They’re = they are
- Its = belonging
- It’s = it is
- Affect = verb
- Effect = noun
5. Run-On Sentences and Fragmented Sentences
Students either write sentences that are too long without punctuation, or incomplete ones.
Run-On Sentence Example
- I woke up late I missed the bus.
Correct Form
- I woke up late, so I missed the bus.
Fragment Example
- Because I was tired.
Correct Form
- I couldn’t finish my homework because I was tired.
6. Incorrect Pronoun Usage
Common Mistakes
- Everyone must bring their books.
- Me and Riya went to the library.
Correct Forms
- Everyone must bring his or her book.
- Riya and I went to the library.
Quick Tips
- Pronouns must match the noun they replace.
- Use I in subject position, me in object position.
7. Article Errors (a, an, the)
Common Mistakes
- He is a honest man.
- I saw an European traveller.
Correct Forms
- He is an honest man.
- I saw a European traveller.
Quick Tips
- “A” before consonant sounds
- “An” before vowel sounds
- Use “the” for something specific or previously mentioned
8. Punctuation Mistakes
Common Issues
- Missing full stops
- Wrong comma placements
- Misuse of apostrophes
Examples
- Its a beautiful day. → It’s a beautiful day.
- Lets eat, Grandma. vs Let’s eat Grandma.
Quick Tips
- Use apostrophes for contraction or possession.
- Read your answers aloud to check pauses.
9. Confusing Active and Passive Voice
Common Mistake
- The match was win by our team.
Correct Form
- The match was won by our team.
Quick Tips
- Check the verb form in passive voice.
- Use active voice for clearer writing.
10. Using Informal Language in Exams
Incorrect
- Gonna, wanna, kinda, coz
Correct
- Going to, want to, kind of, because
Quick Tips
- Avoid slang or SMS language.
- Use formal tone in academic writing.
Summary of Common Grammar Errors
| Error Type | Wrong Example | Correct Example | Tip to Remember |
| Subject–Verb Agreement | They goes to school. | They go to school. | Match the verb with the subject. |
| Tense Errors | I have seen yesterday. | I saw it yesterday. | Use correct past tense for completed actions. |
| Prepositions | She is good in maths. | She is good at maths. | Learn fixed preposition pairs. |
| Similar Words | Their going there. | They’re going there. | Know the difference in meaning. |
| Articles | He is a honest man. | He is an honest man. | “An” before vowel sounds. |
| Pronouns | Me and him went. | He and I went. | Use proper subject/object pronouns. |
| Punctuation | Its raining. | It’s raining. | Apostrophe = contraction/possession. |
| Informal Words | Gonna do it. | Going to do it. | Avoid slang in exams. |
How to Avoid Grammar Mistakes in Exams
- Practice grammar exercises regularly
- Read books, newspapers, and articles
- Write daily and self-check
- Use grammar-check tools during practice
- Create a personal list of common mistakes
- Revise grammar rules before exams
- Always proofread your answers
Conclusion
Grammar mistakes are common, but with awareness and practice, they can be easily avoided. By learning the rules, understanding confusing words, and reviewing your writing, you can score higher and write with confidence. Good grammar not only helps in exams but also improves overall communication skills.