10 Common Writing Mistakes Non-Native English Speakers Make

Discover the 10 most common writing mistakes non-native English speakers make and learn how to avoid them. Improve your writing skills with practical tips and expert advice.

Use Google Translate

Misusing articles is common. In English, it’s all about context. ‘A’ and ‘an’ are indefinite articles, while ‘the’ is definite. For example, say ‘I need a pencil’ when any pencil will do and ‘I need the pencil’ when you want a specific one.

Verb tense confusion trips up many. English has several tenses and using the wrong one can muddle your message. A tip is to start by mastering present, past, and future simple tenses. ‘I eat’, ‘I ate’, ‘I will eat’ cover basic needs.

Subject-verb agreement is crucial. If your subject is singular, your verb should be too, and vice versa. It’s ‘She walks’ not ‘She walk’. Taking time to check helps avoid this error.

The passive voice can make writing sound awkward. Instead of ‘The ball was thrown by John’, say ‘John threw the ball’. It’s clearer and more direct.

Mistake	Why It Happens	How to Avoid/Rectify

1. Incorrect Subject-Verb Agreement

Learners struggle with matching singular/plural forms.

Learn and practice verb conjugation rules; always check the subject and verb for number agreement.

2. Misuse of Articles (a, an, the)

Learners often struggle to distinguish when to use definite vs. indefinite articles.

Learn specific rules for article use and practice applying them in context.

3. Incorrect Verb Tense Usage

Confusion over when to use past, present, or future tenses.

Study time expressions and the correct tense for each scenario. Double-check tense when writing.

4. Run-on Sentences

Learners may be unfamiliar with proper sentence boundaries.

Break sentences into shorter, clearer units. Use periods, commas, or conjunctions appropriately.

5. Overuse of Simple Sentences

Fear of making complex sentences incorrect leads to oversimplification.

Learn and practice using conjunctions, relative clauses, and transitions to create variety and complexity.

6. Incorrect Word Order (Syntax)

Learners may apply the sentence structure rules from their native language.

Study English syntax patterns, especially Subject-Verb-Object order, and review sentence construction.

7. Improper Use of Prepositions

Preposition rules are different across languages, leading to confusion.

Learn common prepositions with verbs and nouns, and practice them in writing.

8. Incorrect Use of Punctuation

Differences in punctuation rules between languages lead to errors.

Study English punctuation rules for commas, periods, and semicolons; review writing for correct punctuation.

9. Literal Translation from Native Language

Learners translate directly from their native language, causing awkward phrasing.

Focus on thinking in English rather than translating; practice using idiomatic expressions and English syntax.

10. Lack of Cohesion and Coherence

Struggling to link ideas logically within a text.

Learn and use transition words like “however,” “therefore,” and “in addition” to connect ideas effectively.

Vocabulary Challenges

Mixing up similar words like ‘affect’ and ‘effect’ is a common slip. ‘Affect’ is a verb meaning to influence, while ‘effect’ is a noun meaning a result. Remember: ‘An effect, affected’.

Prepositions are tricky in English. Small words like ‘in’, ‘at’, and ‘on’ can change the whole sentence meaning. ‘At the park’, ‘in the car’, and ‘on the table’ are just right, but mixing them up can confuse readers.

Using simple words too often can make writing sound flat. Instead of ‘good’, try ‘excellent’ or ‘fantastic’. This keeps your writing engaging and colorful.

Idioms and phrases native speakers use can be confusing and misused. ‘Bite the bullet’ means to endure something painful. Don’t take it literally. Learning and using idioms correctly can make your writing lively, but misuse can lead to misunderstandings.

Cultural and Contextual Misunderstandings

Literal translation from your native language can lead to awkward sentences. Every language has unique expressions and translating them directly might confuse your readers. Instead, learn the English equivalent to convey the same meaning naturally.

Balancing formality and informality is crucial. Depending on your audience, you’ll need to adjust your tone. Writing an email to a friend is different from a business report. Getting this balance right ensures your message is appropriate and well-received.

Humor and nuances in English can be subtle. Jokes that are funny in your native language might not translate well. Being aware of cultural differences in humor will help you avoid misunderstandings.

Understanding your audience is key to effective writing. Tailor your language to fit the reader. Writing for children? Keep it simple and fun. Writing for a professional audience? Use precise, formal language. Knowing who you’re writing for will guide your word choice and tone.

Structuring and Clarity in Writing

Run-on sentences can confuse readers. Break up long sentences into shorter ones for clarity. Instead of cramming multiple ideas into one sentence, split them into two or more.

Watch out for sentence fragments. A complete sentence has a subject and a verb. ‘Because I was late’ isn’t a sentence. It needs the rest of the idea, like ‘Because I was late, I missed the meeting.’

Punctuation can change the meaning of a sentence. Pay attention to commas, periods, and other marks. ‘Let’s eat, Grandma!’ is very different from ‘Let’s eat Grandma!’ See the difference?

Being concise is better than being wordy. Cut unnecessary words to get to the point. Instead of saying ‘due to the fact that,’ simply say ‘because.’

Logical flow and coherence are key. Organize your ideas so they follow a clear path. An outline can help you arrange thoughts logically. A well-structured piece makes it easier for readers to follow your message.

Leave comments and questions in the comments space below.