Grammar habits that lift every skill
By Michael Ukwuma
The small errors that appear most often in writing and speaking, and how to fix them.
Tense and time
Choose a tense that matches the time. Use the past tense for finished events, such as I called the store last week. Use the present perfect for results that connect to now, such as I have waited for two weeks. Keep the same tense through one idea unless the time truly changes.
Subject and verb agreement
A singular subject needs a singular verb, so say The manager has replied and not The manager have replied. Be careful with phrases between the subject and the verb, for example The list of items is long.
Articles and prepositions
Use a before a general singular noun, the for a specific one, and no article for general plural ideas. Prepositions of time need practice: at five, on Monday, in March. Keep a small list of the ones you often get wrong.
Make a personal error list
Every time you see a correction, write the wrong version and the right one. After two weeks, read the list aloud. You will remember the corrections far better than any grammar rule.
Key points
- Match tense to time.
- Check subject and verb agreement.
- Keep a personal list of repeated errors.