Ever read a book and stumbled across a sentence that made you stop and re-read? Maybe something felt… off? That’s often grammar sneaking up to trip the reader. When it comes to manuscripts—whether it’s your debut novel or a self-help guide—grammar matters.
Think of your manuscript like a gourmet dish. The story is the flavor, but grammar? That’s the presentation. Sloppy grammar is like serving filet mignon on a paper plate.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common grammar mistakes writers make and how to avoid them. Whether you’re editing your first draft or preparing for Book Publishing Services, cleaning up these mistakes is essential for a polished, professional manuscript.
1. Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
What’s the issue?
Ever see a sentence like, “The list of books are long”? That’s wrong. It should be “The list of books is long.” The subject is “list,” not “books.”
Why it matters:
Readers trip over these mistakes. It makes the writing feel unpolished. Always make sure the verb agrees with the actual subject, not the closest noun.
2. Misusing Homophones
Examples:
They’re/their/there. Your/you’re. Its/it’s.
These sneaky look-alikes confuse even seasoned writers.
How to fix it:
Proofread with intention. Read aloud or use a tool. Know the difference between each term, and don’t rely solely on spellcheck—it won’t catch homophones.
3. Confusing Tenses
What’s happening?
Shifting between past and present tense without reason. For example:
“She walks into the room and picked up the letter.”
What to do:
Stay consistent. If your manuscript is in past tense, keep it that way—unless there’s a deliberate stylistic or narrative reason to shift.
4. Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices
The problem:
A run-on happens when two complete sentences are squished together. A comma splice is when a comma is used instead of a period or conjunction.
Example:
“I went to the bookstore, I bought a novel.”
Fix: “I went to the bookstore. I bought a novel.” Or, “I went to the bookstore, and I bought a novel.”
Why fix it:
Run-ons tire readers. Think of sentences like breathing—give your reader a break.
5. Sentence Fragments
What are they?
Incomplete thoughts pretending to be sentences.
Like this: “While she was writing the last chapter.”
How to revise:
Complete the thought. “While she was writing the last chapter, the lights went out.”
6. Overuse of Passive Voice
Passive voice: “The book was written by John.”
Active voice: “John wrote the book.”
Why it matters:
Active voice is stronger and more engaging. Passive voice has its place but should be used intentionally, not out of habit.
7. Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers
Dangling what?
A modifier is a word or phrase that adds detail. But if it’s in the wrong spot, it changes the meaning.
Example:
“Running through the field, the sun beat down.”
Wait—was the sun running?
Fix it:
“Running through the field, she felt the sun beat down.”
8. Incorrect Use of Apostrophes
Common mistake:
Mixing up possessives and plurals.
“The writer’s notebooks” (one writer) vs. “The writers’ notebooks” (multiple writers).
Also:
Its = possessive
It’s = it is
Pro Tip:
If you can replace it with “it is,” use “it’s.” Otherwise, “its” is correct.
9. Using “That” vs. “Which” Incorrectly
Quick tip:
Use “that” for essential information.
Use “which” for extra, non-essential details (usually set off with commas).
Example:
“The pen that she bought yesterday is missing.”
“The pen, which she bought yesterday, is missing.”
10. Repetitive Words and Phrases
Example:
“She suddenly ran suddenly across the field.”
Too much “suddenly”? That’s jarring.
Solution:
Cut redundancies. Read aloud to catch repetitive patterns and freshen your language.
11. Overusing Adverbs and Adjectives
Why it’s a trap:
Writers sometimes add too many descriptors to “enhance” the text.
Example:
“He ran quickly, swiftly, and speedily down the road.”
Instead:
Choose one powerful verb: “He sprinted down the road.”
Use adverbs like seasoning—just a pinch!
12. Inconsistent Point of View
What happens:
Jumping from “I” to “he/she” or switching from third person to second.
Fix it:
Choose a point of view and stick to it, unless you’re intentionally crafting a POV shift for effect (and know how to do it well).
13. Using Clichés
Why it’s weak:
“Time heals all wounds.” “Cold as ice.” Readers have seen them too often.
Fix it:
Be original. Create your own metaphors that fit your voice and story.
Think:
Would your character actually say this? If not, cut it.
14. Capitalization Mistakes
Common issues:
Capitalizing words that shouldn’t be capitalized (like “Book” or “Author” mid-sentence).
Rule of thumb:
Capitalize proper nouns and the beginning of sentences. That’s it.
Watch out for titles, brands, and days of the week—those get caps.
15. Not Using the Oxford Comma
The what?
The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list:
“I dedicate this to my parents, Beyoncé, and God.”
Without it:
“I dedicate this to my parents, Beyoncé and God.”
(Um, what?)
Use it for clarity—especially in Book Publishing Services where editors expect it.
Conclusion
Writing a book is hard work. But polishing it? That’s what separates an amateur draft from a publish-ready manuscript. Whether you’re self-publishing or working with Book Publishing Services, avoiding common grammar mistakes is one of the easiest ways to level up your writing.
Think of grammar like your manuscript’s foundation. A few cracks might not collapse the house—but enough of them? And your whole story starts to wobble. So take time, slow down, and give your words the clarity they deserve.
