Common Mistakes in English Language: Quick Fixes
English is a tricky language, even for native speakers. Irregular rules, borrowed vocabulary, and confusing exceptions can trip up anyone. But for non-native learners, the challenges can feel even more frustrating. The good news? Most of the common mistakes in English language are easy to fix once you understand what’s going wrong.
In this article, we’ll break down some of the most frequent errors made by English learners, explain why they happen, and show you how to correct them. Whether you're writing an email, speaking in a meeting, or prepping for an exam, cleaning up these small mistakes can boost your confidence and make your English sound smoother and more natural.
1. Wrong Prepositions
Example Mistake: She’s good in English.
Correct Version: She’s good at English.
Prepositions are notoriously hard to master because they don’t always follow logic. Many learners memorize verbs and nouns, but forget to learn the prepositions that naturally go with them.
Quick Fix: Study common verb + preposition and adjective + preposition combinations. Use real examples in context, and don't rely on direct translations from your native language.
2. Misusing Articles (“a,” “an,” “the”)
Example Mistake: He is a best player on the team.
Correct Version: He is the best player on the team.
Articles are small but powerful. “A” and “an” are used for non-specific things, while “the” refers to something specific or already known.
Quick Fix: Think of articles as signals. “A/an” introduces something new. “The” points to something already mentioned or easily identified. If you’re unsure, ask yourself: Is this the only one? Is it known to the listener? If yes, use “the.”
3. Incorrect Word Order in Questions
Example Mistake: You are going to the party?
Correct Version: Are you going to the party?
This mistake happens when learners apply sentence structure from their native language to English. In English, most questions require subject-verb inversion.
Quick Fix: When asking a yes/no question in the present or past tense, invert the subject and the auxiliary verb. Practice common patterns like:
Do you like pizza?
Did she call you?
Have they finished?
4. Confusing Similar Words (Their/There/They’re, Your/You’re)
Example Mistake: Your welcome.
Correct Version: You’re welcome.
These homophones sound the same but have different meanings. Because they’re so common, mistakes can make your writing look careless—even if your message is clear.
Quick Fix: Break it down:
Your = possessive (your book)
You’re = you are
Their = possessive (their car)
There = place (over there)
They’re = they are
Double-check your writing, especially with contractions and possessives.
5. Omitting the Subject or Auxiliary Verb
Example Mistake: Is raining today.
Correct Version: It is raining today.
In many languages, especially Romance languages, dropping the subject is normal. Not in English.
Quick Fix: Every English sentence needs a subject. In weather expressions, always use “it” (e.g., It’s cold today.). For questions or negative sentences, remember to include auxiliary verbs like do, does, did, or is/are.
6. Overusing Present Continuous
Example Mistake: I am knowing the answer.
Correct Version: I know the answer.
The present continuous tense is for actions happening right now or around now. But some verbs—like know, believe, understand, want—describe states, not actions, and don’t normally appear in the continuous form.
Quick Fix: Learn which verbs are stative (not used in continuous forms). If the verb describes a condition or feeling, stick with the simple present.
7. Mixing Up Past Tenses
Example Mistake: I have seen him yesterday.
Correct Version: I saw him yesterday.
Learners often confuse the present perfect (have seen) and the simple past (saw). But they serve different purposes.
Quick Fix: Use simple past for specific finished times (yesterday, last week, in 2020). Use present perfect for actions with no clear time or still relevant now (I’ve seen that movie.).
8. Double Negatives
Example Mistake: I don’t need no help.
Correct Version: I don’t need any help.
In standard English, two negatives cancel each other out. While double negatives are used for emphasis in some dialects, they’re considered incorrect in formal English.
Quick Fix: Stick to one negative in a sentence. Use “any” instead of “no” when the verb is negative.
9. Translating Idioms Directly
Example Mistake: He has a potato in his mouth. (Trying to say someone speaks unclearly)
Idioms often don’t make sense when translated word for word from your native language.
Quick Fix: Learn English idioms as fixed phrases. Use a reputable source or ask a teacher if something sounds odd. Some commonly used English idioms include:
Break the ice (start a conversation)
Hit the books (study)
Piece of cake (easy)
10. Pronunciation-Based Spelling Errors
Example Mistake: I should of gone.
Correct Version: I should have gone.
This mistake happens because “should’ve” sounds like “should of.” But “should of” is never grammatically correct.
Quick Fix: When writing, always spell out auxiliary verbs correctly: should have, could have, would have. Use contraction ’ve carefully and avoid writing it as “of.”
Common mistakes in English language - Why These Mistakes Happen
Most common mistakes in English language are the result of:
Translating directly from your native language
Not hearing enough native input (movies, podcasts, conversations)
Skipping grammar basics in favor of vocabulary
Not getting feedback from a real person
The solution isn’t just memorizing more rules—it’s building better habits and catching yourself in the moment. And for that, nothing beats regular practice with a professional teacher.
Final Thoughts: Level Up with a Language Coach
Correcting the common mistakes in English language won’t happen overnight—but each small fix brings you closer to fluency. The fastest way to improve? Work with someone who can spot your patterns, explain your errors, and help you practice smarter.
If you're ready to upgrade your English and stop guessing, it's time to get help from a pro.
👉 Book a lesson with a certified English teacher on Langu and start speaking with more confidence today!
FAQs
What are the most common mistakes in English language made by learners?
Learners often struggle with incorrect prepositions, article usage, verb tenses, and confusing similar words like "your" and "you’re." These common mistakes in English language usually come from translating directly from a native language or lack of exposure to natural speech.
How can I avoid common mistakes in English language when speaking or writing?
To avoid common mistakes in English language, focus on learning grammar patterns in context, read and listen to native content regularly, and practice with feedback from a qualified teacher. Consistency and real-life usage make a big difference.
Can a tutor help me fix my common mistakes in English language?
Absolutely. A professional tutor can quickly identify your personal patterns and help you correct them with targeted practice. Booking lessons with a teacher on platforms like Langu is one of the most effective ways to eliminate common mistakes in English language for good.
