Top 10 Common Grammar Mistakes High School Students Make and How to Avoid Them
Grammar is the backbone of effective communication. For high school students, mastering grammar is essential not only for academic success but also for personal and professional growth. Unfortunately, common grammar mistakes can creep into writing and speaking, often leading to misunderstandings or tarnishing reputations. This article highlights the most common grammar mistakes made by high school students and provides practical tips for correcting them.
Common Grammar Mistakes High School Students Make
Incorrect use of “their” “there” and “they are”
This trio of homophones often trips up students because they sound the same but have different meanings:
Their : possessive (For example, Their project was excellent.)
There : refers to a place (for example, the book is there)
They are : contraction of “they are” (for example, they are going to the game.)
Tip : Double-check the context of your sentence and ask yourself what you want to say.
Subject-verb agreement errors
Students often struggle to match subjects with the correct verb forms:
Incorrect: The team is playing well.
Correct: The team is playing well.
Hint : Identify whether the subject is singular or plural and make sure the verb is aligned.
Confusing “this” and “it”
Its : possessive (e.g., The dog wags its tail.)
It is : contraction of “it is” (for example, it is a sunny day.)
Suggestion : To check if the sentence makes sense, replace “it’s” with “it is”.
Overuse of commas
Using too many or too few commas can confuse readers:
Incorrect: My brother, who is in high school, plays football.
Correct: My brother, who is in high school, plays football.
Tip : Use commas to separate unnecessary information or items in a list, but avoid overloading your sentences.
Dangling modifier
A dangling modifier occurs when the modifying phrase does not explicitly refer to the subject:
Incorrect: The rain soaked my clothes on the way to school.
Correct: On the way to school, I got soaked by the rain.
Tip : Make sure the subject performing the action is clearly stated.
Confusing “impact” and “effect”
These two words are often confused:
Effect : verb (For example, the weather can affect your mood.)
Effect : noun (For example, the effect of the new policy was significant.)
Tip : Remember that “effect” is usually an action, while “impact” refers to a result.
Incorrect use of apostrophes
Apostrophes are commonly misused in contractions and possession:
Incorrect: The students’ locker was open.
Correct: The student’s locker was open.
Tip : Use for miscellaneous and contractions but not for plurals.
Misplaced or missing pronoun
Using ambiguous pronouns can confuse readers:
Incorrect: When Sarah spoke to Jessica, she said she was late.
Correct: When Sarah spoke to Jessica, Sarah said she was late.
Advice : Be specific with your pronouns to avoid ambiguity.
Run-on sentences
Students often create run-ons by combining multiple ideas without proper punctuation:
Incorrect: I like reading. It is my favorite hobby.
Correct: I like reading. It is my favorite hobby.
Tip : Break long sentences into shorter ones or use conjunctions and punctuation.
Incorrect capitalization
Random capitalization of words can make writing look unprofessional:
Incorrect: I will go to visit my grandmother tomorrow.
Correct: I will go to visit my grandmother tomorrow.
Tip : Capitalize only proper nouns, the first word of a sentence, and titles.
Why does grammar matter?
Poor grammar can:
Affect academic grades.
Obstruction of clear communication.
Create a negative impression in professional settings.
By addressing these common mistakes, students can improve their writing and build their confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is grammar important for high school students?
Grammar ensures clear communication, improves writing quality, and enhances academic performance.
How can I improve my grammar skills?
Practice writing daily, read extensively, and use tools like grammar checkers to identify errors.
What is the easiest way to remember “them,” “there,” and “they’re”?
Remember: “their” indicates possession, “there” refers to location, and “they’re” means “they are.”
How do I fix run-on sentences?
Break them into shorter sentences or use punctuation like semicolons or conjunctions.
Can grammatical errors affect my college applications?
Yes, poorly written essays or applications can leave a negative impression on admissions officers.
What is a quick way to check subject-verb agreement?
Identify the number (singular/plural) of the subject and make sure the verb matches.
Are grammar apps reliable for proofreading?
While helpful, apps should complement, not replace, personal review to ensure contextual accuracy.
Conclusion
By understanding and correcting these common grammar mistakes, high school students can elevate their communication skills and excel academically. Remember, practice makes perfect — so keep writing, keep revising, and keep learning!