Common Grammar Mistakes including Questions and Answers

[Scott]

In addition to typos, sometimes when writing people write incorrect grammar not in the mistaken way of a typo but rather because they are not aware of the grammatically correct way to write that part. Most big-time professional writers have professional editors but for the up-and-coming and amateur writers having an editor may be too expensive for the time being. An agent may not reject you because you have a grammar mistake in your letter requesting representation, but if there are plenty of noticeable grammar mistakes it could have an impact--like dressing poorly to an interview even for a company that provides uniforms for employees.

Obviously, anyone considering becoming a writer must have at least a basic level of knowledge of grammar as is learned in grade school. For instance, we can assume we all already know that a sentence like, "I be eat a chips today," is not grammatically correct.

So I want to use this thread for us all to share are knowledge of common grammar mistakes. These are the kind of mistakes that an average person makes often enough. It's not uncommon for a college graduate--at least one who didn't major in English--to make these mistakes. Additionally, if you do not know which way of writing a certain type of phrase or sentence is grammatically correct, please ask. Then someone who knows can provide the answer. This way we can make this topic thread into a very useful resource for writers.

I will start.

Effect is a noun. Affect is a verb.
Correct: It affects us.
Incorrect: It effects us.
Correct: It had an effect on us.
Incorrect: It had an affect on us.

i.e. means that is and e.g. means for example. I frequently see people using i.e. even though it is clear from context that they mean for example.

[Butterbescotch]

Ooh. A nice thread to spill some lessons.

It is wrong to say: Last week, we discussed about "The Hunger Games". Why? Because the verb "discussed" already includes the preposition "about". Here is how the Oxford Dictionary shows it: talk about (something) so as to reach a decision. Øtalk or write about (a topic), examining different issues or ideas.