10 Common Grammar Mistakes Even Fluent English Speakers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

The Psychology Behind Grammar Slips: Why Even Fluent Speakers Struggle

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Introduction

Despite being extensively spoken and taught, English remains a difficult language, even for those who speak it fluently. Many skilled speakers commit grammar faults unconsciously, such as homophones and irregular verb tenses, which can weaken the clarity and professionalism of their speech. Whether you’re a native speaker or have spent years learning the language, it’s simple to develop undesirable habits. In this post, we’ll look at 10 typical grammar problems that even advanced users make, as well as basic strategies for avoiding them.

1. Subject-Verb Agreement Errors

Wrong: The list of items are on the desk.
Right: The list of items is on the desk.

Why It Happens: People mistakenly focus on the nearest noun (“items”) instead of the actual subject (“list”).

Quick Tip: Always identify the true subject of the sentence before choosing the verb.

2. Misuse of ‘Less’ vs. ‘Fewer’