English Writing Tips

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Writing is one of the most critical English language skills. Many English learners struggle with writing error-free sentences. We have noticed some common mistakes made by learners. Here is a list of things to keep in mind while writing in English

1. Consistency in the usages of tenses

  • Make sure that you do not switch tenses while conveying the same idea.
  • I went to my friend's house yesterday and we play football. (Incorrect)
  • I went to my friend's house yesterday and we played football. (Correct)
  • I wake up every day at 6 a.m. Then I had breakfast with my parents. (Incorrect)
  • I wake up every day at 6 a.m. Then I have breakfast with my parents. (Correct)

2. Subject Verb Agreement

  • This is one of the most common errors made in written English. It is important to choose the correct word form which agrees with the subject of the sentence.
  • He like Chinese food. (Incorrect)
  • He likes Chinese food. (Correct)
  • Ilivesin Jaipur. (Incorrect)
  • I live in Jaipur. (Correct)

3. Usage of Articles

  • Since many foreign languages do not require the use of articles as much as the English language, this is another common mistake in English writing made by learners.
  • I saw movie yesterday. (Incorrect)
  • I saw a movie yesterday. (Correct)
  • He liked book written by my father. (Incorrect)
  • He liked the book written by my father. (Correct)

4. Capitalisation

  • The first word of a sentence and proper nouns usually start with capital letters.
  • he needs to see a Doctor. (Incorrect)
  • He needs to see a doctor. (Incorrect)
  • Will you meet amit tomorrow? (Incorrect)
  • Will you meet Amit tomorrow? (Correct)

5. Spellings

  • There are some words in English which have confusing spellings. It is important to use spell-check to avoid unnecessary mistakes.
  • The principle of the school asked the students to keep quiet. (Incorrect)
  • The principal of the school asked the students to keep quiet. (Correct)
  • The bus was stationery for a long time. (Incorrect)
  • The bus was stationary for a long time. (Correct)

6. Placement of Adverbs

  • Some English learners find it confusing to place adverbs correctly within a sentence.
  • I go to the library on Thursday usually. (Incorrect)
  • I usually go to the library on Thursday. (Correct)
  • My son everyday goes to school. (Incorrect)
  • My son goes to school every day. (Correct)

7. Prepositions after Adjectives

  • There are no rules to ascertain which preposition will follow a particular adjective. Therefore, the incorrect use of prepositions is a common thread in the writings of English learners.
  • I am allergic of roses. (Incorrect)
  • I am allergic to roses. (Correct)
  • He is accused for theft. (Incorrect)
  • He is accused of theft. (Correct)

8. Usage of 'I' and 'me'

  • 'I' and 'me' are both personal pronouns and are often used incorrectly.
  • My friends and me went to Paris. (Incorrect)
  • My friends and I went to Paris. (Correct)
  • She came from Rome to meet I. (Incorrect)
  • She came from Rome to meet me. (Correct)

9. Comparison of Adjectives

  • There are two rules that need to be taken care of while making the comparative and superlative form of adjectives.
  • He is more tall than me. (Incorrect)
  • He is taller than me. (Correct)
  • She is the beautifullestgirl in the class. (Incorrect)
  • She is the most beautiful girl in the class. (Correct)

10. Showing Possession

  • In English, possession can be shown by using possessive nouns and pronouns.
  • I went to my parents's house. (Incorrect)
  • I went to my parents' house. (Correct)
  • This book is her. (Incorrect)
  • This book is hers. (Correct)

These are a few mistakes that are often committed by the learners of the English language while writing. By keeping a note of these pointers, the learners can very easily overcome the mistakes they make in written English. Remember to write regularly to improve your writing skills.

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