Five Most Common Grammar Problems

1. Punctuation – Few people actually know the rules of punctuation use. Do not use the “feel good” method of punctuation.
- Example correct comma usage: The tall, dark, handsome man hailed, lauded and applauded Ben, George, Maude and Rebecca.

2. Subject and Verb Agreement - Some people confuse the subject and verb agreement by using the wrong verb type (singular or plural) for a noun
- Example of correct subject and verb agreement: The Girl Scouts is a fine organization

3. Pronouns - Pronouns help in avoiding needless repetition in language.
- Example of correct pronoun usage: Journalism is a popular major, and now it (journalism) prepares students for many careers.

4. Sentence Structure - Along with fragments and run-on sentences, faulty parallelism and modifier placement cause problems with sentence structure
- Example: Marvelene listed steps in planning a successful party: sending invitations early, greeting guests personally, and supplying abundant food and drink

5. Word Usage - Subtle word usage errors can cause misunderstandings. In addition, correct usage leads to credibility; readers have confidence in error-free reading.
- Examples of word misusage: affect and effect, comprise and compose, sit and set, less and fewer, and lie and lay
- Correct: Exercise affects your heart rate
- Correct: The rain had no effect on Amy’s hairdo.