How to Avoid Common Errors in English

The English language is rich and complex. There are many confusing aspects to the rules of grammar and spelling. Many words are quite similar but have very different meanings. It is almost impossible to avoid common errors in English. There are so many rules to remember and so many confusing words. Following are some quick tips to help keep some of the regular mistakes at bay.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Notebook and writing utensil
• Access to the Internet

1. Get "lose" and "loose" straight. These words are commonly confused even though they have very different meanings. Loose refers to something that isn't tight. To lose means to be defeated or to not have possession of an object anymore. Remember these words visually. The extra "o" in loose reflects that there is extra room. Also, remember that loose is an adjective, to lose is a verb.

2. 
   Noon or Midnight

   Check the time. There is no such thing as 12:00PM or 12:00AM. (Notice that AM and PM are capitalized). AM comes from the Latin "Ante Meridiem" which means "before noon." PM comes from "Post Meridiem" which means "after noon." Keep in mind that when it comes to 12:00, always use either "noon" or "midnight" to designate clearly what time it is.

3. Know what who is able and what can be done. A person is able to complete a task. The task is not "able to" be done. For example, it is incorrect to write, "The paper was able to be written." It should read, "He was able to write the paper. Keep in mind that inanimate objects are not able to do things. Also, this rule helps writers avoid passive sentences.

4. Know when to flatter and when to create a balance. Complimentary and complementary are very easy to confuse. Just one little letter makes all the difference. The problem is that a simply typo can turn into a common error in English. Remember that complimentary means to give a compliment or to give something away. "I give a compliment." Complementary is something added for balance. "There are some complementary teaching strategies."

5. Remember me versus I after "than" at the end of a sentence. "He is smarter than me" is incorrect. It should be "He is smarter than I." Remember this by finishing the thought by adding the next word. "He is smarter than I am" is obviously better than "He is smarter than me am."

6. Write "a lot" as two words. This rule doesn't change. It is always two words. The term "allot" is short for allotment, which is a financial term referring to money set aside for a grant or endeavor. Remember this by making a conscious effort to keep these two little words independent. Readers will appreciate it a lot.

7. Study "affect" and "effect." These are very confusing for a number of reasons. First of all, they sound very similar when spoken. In addition, "affect" has three different meanings and "effect" has two. In essence, there are five meanings derived from these two words. Remember that affect is usually a verb. "This will affect me." The word effect is commonly a noun. This will have an effect on me." Here's where it gets really confusing. Someone can be said to affect (or pretentiously display) an air of sophistication. In addition, "affect" with an accented first syllable means emotion. Her affect was melancholy. There is a second meaning for "effect" as well. This term can also mean personal effects, or belongings. If these are particularly confusing, write them down and keep them next to a writing space for quick reference. Put forth effort to memorize them.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep "affect" and "effect" straight through memorization.
• Keep a notebook filled with common errors in English for quick reference.
• Invest in a book on the subject.
• Most grammar check programs will miss many mistakes.
• When in doubt, double-check for correctness.

Resources

• Write Stuff
• Common Errors in English

[martinjm70]

on 8/31/2009 Your selection of rules to accentuate are great, Tammi. I've been an editor for many moons and I never actually knew about the AM/PM rule. Nice!

Another confused pair of words that bothers me is "lightning/lightening." I've noticed some sources (even dictionaries) are starting to bend on this one. Bummer.

[shewolf52002]

on 12/29/2008 I like these tips, keep up these kind of articles please? Thanks! 5*

[Pamelateda]

on 12/9/2008 I need all the help I can get. Thanks!!

[e-Rambler]

on 11/20/2008 Excellent article. People also get mix up with "advice/advise", "i.e./e.g.", and WHEN to use "I want this, too/I want this too". Thanks for the tips. 5*

[Thims]

on 9/13/2008 Great article. Clear and preicse. Very fine points. Thanks.