15 Common English Mistakes Learners Make (and How to Fix Them)
Learn the most common English grammar, pronunciation, and word usage mistakes with clear examples. Practice with tutors and apps to fix them fast.
Even advanced English learners make these mistakes. The good news is each one is easy to fix once you know the rule. We have organized them from most common to least common so you can focus on the errors that matter most for clear communication.
Quick Tip
Practice these corrections with a tutor on Preply or iTalki to build muscle memory. Repetition in real conversation is the fastest way to break bad habits. Not sure which approach works best? Read our Tutor vs App comparison.
1. Your vs. You're
This is probably the most common mistake in written English.
Wrong: Your a great student.
Right: You're a great student. (You are)
Rule: "Your" shows possession (your book, your car). "You're" is short for "you are." If you can replace it with "you are," use "you're."
2. Its vs. It's
Same pattern as above, but even advanced writers get this wrong.
Wrong: Its a beautiful day.
Right: It's a beautiful day. (It is)
Rule: "Its" shows possession (the dog wagged its tail). "It's" is short for "it is" or "it has."
3. There, Their, and They're
Three words that sound the same but have completely different meanings.
Wrong: Their going to there house over they're.
Right: They're going to their house over there.
Rules: "There" = a place (over there). "Their" = belonging to them (their house). "They're" = they are (they're going).
4. Using the Wrong Preposition
Prepositions are tricky because the rules change depending on context.
Wrong: I am married with a doctor.
Right: I am married to a doctor.
Other common preposition errors:
- Depend on (not "depend of")
- Interested in (not "interested on")
- Good at (not "good in")
- Arrive at a place (not "arrive to")
5. Me vs. I
Many learners (and native speakers!) use "I" when they should use "me."
Wrong: The teacher gave the homework to John and I.
Right: The teacher gave the homework to John and me.
Trick: Remove the other person. "The teacher gave the homework to I" sounds wrong. "The teacher gave the homework to me" sounds right.
6. Then vs. Than
"Then" is about time. "Than" is about comparison.
Wrong: She is taller then me.
Right: She is taller than me. Then we went home.
7. Misusing Articles (a, an, the)
Many languages do not use articles, so this is a common struggle for ESL learners.
Wrong: I want to buy car.
Right: I want to buy a car.
Rule: Use "a" before a consonant sound. Use "an" before a vowel sound. Use "the" for something specific that both speaker and listener know about.
8. Confusing "Make" and "Do"
These two verbs have different uses and cannot be swapped.
Wrong: I need to do a phone call.
Right: I need to make a phone call.
9. Adding "s" to Uncountable Nouns
Some English nouns cannot be counted and should never have an "s."
Wrong: I need some advices.
Right: I need some advice.
Other uncountable nouns: information, news, furniture, luggage, knowledge, homework, equipment.
10. Double Negatives
In English, two negatives create a positive meaning.
Wrong: I don't have nothing.
Right: I don't have anything. OR I have nothing.
11. Good vs. Well
"Good" is an adjective. "Well" is an adverb.
Wrong: She speaks English good.
Right: She speaks English well. She is a good speaker.
12. Wrong Verb Tense After "Since" or "For"
"Since" + a specific point in time. "For" + a duration. Both need present perfect tense.
Wrong: I am studying English since 3 years.
Right: I have been studying English for 3 years.
13. Confusing "Lose" and "Loose"
One letter difference completely changes the meaning.
Wrong: I don't want to loose my keys.
Right: I don't want to lose my keys. My shoes are too loose.
14. Missing the Subject
English requires a subject in every sentence.
Wrong: Is very hot today.
Right: It is very hot today.
15. Pronouncing "Th" Incorrectly
The "th" sound does not exist in many languages. Learners often replace it with "d," "z," or "s."
Wrong: "Dis" instead of "This" / "Wit" instead of "With"
Right: Place your tongue between your teeth and blow air out for the "th" sound.
Practice with a tutor on Preply or use the speech recognition in Rocket Languages to get feedback on your pronunciation.
How to Practice Correcting These Mistakes
Knowing the rules is one thing. Using them automatically is another. Here is how to make these corrections stick:
- Write daily. Keep a journal and check for these specific errors before you save it
- Speak with a tutor. Book lessons on iTalki or Preply and ask them to correct these patterns. Read our iTalki review to see if it fits your budget and goals
- Decide your approach. Not sure whether to use a tutor or an app? Our Tutor vs App guide breaks down the pros and cons
- Practice with apps. Apps like Mondly and Duolingo include grammar exercises for each of these topics
- Read regularly. Notice how native writers use these words. Pattern recognition builds over time
Frequently Asked Questions
Which English mistake is the most common?
Confusing "your" and "you're" is the most common written error, even among native speakers. In spoken English, preposition errors and article misuse are most common for learners.
How long does it take to fix grammar mistakes?
Most learners can fix a single mistake in 1-2 weeks with focused practice. The key is to spot the error when it happens and correct yourself immediately. If you are preparing for an exam, our DET vs IELTS vs TOEFL guide can help you choose the right test.
Can a language app help with grammar mistakes?
Yes. Apps like Mondly and Duolingo have built-in grammar exercises. But for speaking mistakes, you need real conversation practice with a tutor or language partner. Our English Conditionals guide covers another area where apps and tutors complement each other well.
Should I focus on all 15 mistakes at once?
No. Pick 2-3 mistakes that you make most often and focus on those for a week. When they feel natural, move to the next ones.
Fix Your Mistakes With a Tutor
The best way to use these rules in real conversation is with a tutor who can correct you in the moment. iTalki has affordable tutors starting at $4 per hour.
Fix Your Mistakes With a TutorFree Guide: 10 AI Tools to Master English
Join 5,000+ learners. One practical tip a week. Unsubscribe anytime.