Common Grammar Mistakes to Avoid in English Level Tests

Taking an English proficiency test such as TOEFL, IELTS, or the Global English Test (GET) can be challenging, especially if you’re aiming for a high score. One of the key areas that test-takers struggle with is grammar. In this post, we’ll highlight common grammar mistakes that can impact your performance and how you can avoid them to improve your overall score.

1. Subject-Verb Agreement

One of the most frequent mistakes in English proficiency tests is subject-verb agreement. In English, singular subjects must be paired with singular verbs, and plural subjects with plural verbs.

Example of a mistake:

• Incorrect: She go to school every day.
• Correct: She goes to school every day.

How to avoid it:

• Always double-check the subject and the verb in your sentence. Make sure they match in number.

2. Dangling Modifiers

A dangling modifier does not have a clear, appropriate subject to describe in the main clause. This mistake can be costly in tests like IELTS or GET, where clarity is essential.

Example of a mistake:

• Incorrect: Running to the door, the keys were found.
• Correct: Running to the door, I found the keys.

How to avoid it:

• For an opening -ing phrase, make sure the subject of the main clause is the person or thing performing that action.

3. Confusing Tenses

Using the wrong tense is another common mistake. Test-takers often mix up past, present, and future tenses, especially in the writing and speaking sections.

Example of a mistake:

• Incorrect: He is playing soccer yesterday.
• Correct: He played soccer yesterday.

How to avoid it:

• Pay attention to time markers in the sentence (e.g., yesterday, now, tomorrow), and adjust the verb tense accordingly.

4. Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

Pronouns should refer clearly to the intended person or thing. Singular they and their are standard when referring to an unspecified person, including after everyone or someone.

Correct alternatives:

• Correct: Everyone should bring their books.
• Also possible: Everyone should bring his or her books.

How to avoid it:

• Use a singular verb with everyone or someone, but do not reject singular they/their. Keep pronoun reference and the intended number of objects clear.

5. Incorrect Use of Articles (a, an, the)

Articles can be tricky, especially for non-native speakers. Many people omit articles or use them incorrectly in their sentences.

Example of a mistake:

• Incorrect: I have cat.
• Correct: I have a cat.

How to avoid it:

• Remember to use a or an for singular, non-specific nouns and the for specific or known nouns.

6. Overuse of Passive Voice

Both active and passive voice are grammatical. Choose the form that gives the right focus in context: active voice highlights the doer, while passive voice can highlight the action or its receiver.

Compare the focus:

• Passive: The letter was written by John.
• Active: John wrote the letter.

How to avoid it:

• Use active voice when the doer is the useful focus. Use passive voice when the receiver or result matters more, or when the doer is unknown or unimportant.

7. Confusing Adjectives and Adverbs

Many learners confuse adjectives and adverbs, which can lead to errors in both speaking and writing sections.

Example of a mistake:

• Incorrect: She sings beautiful.
• Correct: She sings beautifully.

How to avoid it:

• Remember that adjectives modify nouns, while adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

8. Double Negatives

In standard formal English, use a single negative when you mean simple negation. Some dialects use negative concord, where two negative forms reinforce one negative meaning; they do not automatically become positive.

Example of a mistake:

• Incorrect: I don’t need no help.
• Correct: I don’t need any help.

How to avoid it:

• For this meaning in standard formal English, use “don’t … any” or “need no …”. Other combinations, such as “not unhappy”, have different meanings.

Avoiding these common grammar mistakes in English proficiency tests can significantly improve your score. Practice is key: take the time to review your work, and pay close attention to these common pitfalls. By mastering the rules of grammar, you can feel more confident during your test and achieve the results you need.