Mistakes are stepping stones to mastery, especially in language learning. They provide a framework for improvement and open up paths for discovery, much like taking an unexpected detour and finding a new shortcut. In the TESOL classroom, encouraging students to make mistakes creates a supportive environment that builds confidence and makes learning English less intimidating. Correcting common mistakes can lead to “aha” moments and foster a deeper understanding of English. Here, we highlight the top 10 most important mistakes to address with English learners, helping you turn each error into a powerful teaching moment.
1. Subject-Verb Agreement
One of the most common and important errors to correct, subject-verb agreement is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences. For example, “She go to school” should be “She goes to school.” Helping students master this early on prevents confusion and promotes clearer communication.
2. Misusing Articles (a, an, the)
English articles can be tricky, especially for students whose native languages don’t have them. For instance, “I have cat” should be corrected to “I have a cat.” Emphasizing the rules for using articles (indefinite “a” and “an” for general nouns, and definite “the” for specific nouns) helps students become more precise in their speech.
3. Incorrect Pronoun Use
Pronouns like “he,” “she,” and “they” are often misused, especially when the subject’s gender is unknown or non-binary. Additionally, many learners may confuse “his” and “her” or “their” and “they’re.” For example, “Her is a doctor” should be “She is a doctor.” Correcting these mistakes helps students understand the nuances of English pronouns.
4. Verb Tense Consistency
Verb tense errors can confuse listeners about when actions occurred. For instance, “Yesterday, I go to the store” should be “Yesterday, I went to the store.” Teaching students the rules for present, past, and future tenses and practicing with timelines can improve their ability to tell stories clearly and accurately.
5. Misplaced Modifiers
Misplaced modifiers can create confusing or humorous sentences. For example, “I saw a dog in my pajamas” could mean the dog was wearing pajamas! It’s important to explain that modifiers should be placed near the words they’re describing. Correcting these errors promotes sentence clarity.
6. Using Double Negatives
In English, double negatives can reverse the intended meaning. For instance, “I don’t know nothing” actually means “I know something.” The correct form is “I don’t know anything.” Teaching students about double negatives helps them avoid unintended meanings and improve sentence clarity.
7. Confusing Adjectives and Adverbs
Adjectives describe nouns, while adverbs modify verbs. For example, “She sings beautiful” should be “She sings beautifully.” Clarifying the difference between adjectives and adverbs helps students create more accurate and expressive sentences.
8. Overusing Fillers (like, you know, um)
Many students adopt fillers, such as “like” or “you know,” as they listen to native speakers. While fillers are common, excessive use can make speech sound less professional. Teaching students to pause instead of using fillers can help them speak more confidently and clearly.
9. Incorrect Prepositions
Prepositions can be challenging because there are often no clear rules for their use. Errors like “I depend of you” instead of “I depend on you” are common. Practicing prepositions in context, such as “on,” “in,” and “at,” helps students improve their sentence structure.
10. Confusing Homophones (they’re, their, there)
Homophones—words that sound the same but have different meanings—often trip up learners. Examples like “they’re,” “their,” and “there” or “to,” “too,” and “two” can be confusing. Teaching students the definitions and correct usage of each homophone aids in both writing and comprehension.
Turning Mistakes into Learning Moments
When correcting these mistakes, it’s essential to encourage students and create a safe space for making errors. Mistakes are powerful learning tools, and by addressing these common pitfalls, teachers can help students build a solid foundation in English. Each error corrected brings students closer to fluency and helps them express themselves with confidence.
Join Us Live!
Want to learn more about turning mistakes into teaching opportunities? Join us on March 27th at 1:30 PM EST on Facebook.com/tesol for a live stream event with FluencyMC titled “Top 10 Most Important Mistakes to Correct in English.” We’ll explore practical techniques for addressing these common errors, share teaching tips, and demonstrate how to make learning English an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Don’t miss out on this chance to transform mistakes into learning success!
