Grammar Tips from an Editor
What Do Authors Need to Know?
9 Most Common Grammar Mistakes
Whether you are polishing your first manuscript or gearing up for publication, grammar is essential. While storytelling is the heart of your book, clear and correct grammar is the vessel that delivers your story to readers. Even seasoned writers slip up on the basics, so here’s a quick guide to the nine most common mistakes – as well as grammar tips from an editor, to help you avoid them.
1. Subject-Verb Agreement
The verb must match the subject in number. Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.
Why it matters: Agreement errors can make your writing sound awkward or confuse your reader.
Example:
Incorrect: The collection of short stories are finished.
Correct: The collection of short stories is finished.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, identify the true subject of the sentence, not just the nearest noun.
2. Comma Splices/Run-On Sentences
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses (complete sentences) are joined by only a comma.
Why it matters: Run-on sentences can make your writing hard to follow and dilute the impact of your ideas.
Example:
Incorrect: I finished my manuscript, I sent it to my beta readers.
Correct: I finished my manuscript, and I sent it to my beta readers.
Or: I finished my manuscript; I sent it to my beta readers.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, try reading your sentence aloud. If you run out of breath, it might be a run-on!
3. Sentence Fragments
A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence – it is missing a subject, a verb, or both.
Why it matters: Fragments can leave your reader confused, though they can be used intentionally for stylistic effect.
Example:
Incorrect: While revising the second draft.
Correct: While revising the second draft, I discovered a plot hole.
Pro Tip: Use fragments sparingly and intentionally, especially in dialogue or for dramatic effect.
4. Compound Sentences
Compound sentences connect two related independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) and a comma.
Why it matters: Proper punctuation keeps your writing clear and helps your reader follow your logic.
Example:
Incorrect: The protagonist faced a dilemma she decided to rewrite the chapter.
Correct: The protagonist faced a dilemma, so she decided to rewrite the chapter.
Pro Tip: Remember the acronym FANBOYS for the coordinating conjunctions!
5. Missing Commas
Commas are needed after introductory clauses to set off nonrestrictive (extra) material.
Why it matters: Missing commas can change the meaning of your sentence or make it difficult to read.
Example:
Incorrect: After reading the feedback I started editing my manuscript.
Correct: After reading the feedback, I started editing my manuscript.
Pro Tip: If a phrase at the beginning of a sentence introduces the main idea, add a comma after it.
6. Misplaced Modifiers
A misplaced modifier is a descriptive word or phrase that’s too far from the word it’s meant to describe, causing confusion.
Why it matters: Misplaced modifiers can lead to unintentionally funny or confusing sentences.
Example:
Incorrect: Reading the manuscript, the plot was difficult to follow. *(Reading the manuscript here incorrectly modifies “the plot,” making it sound like the plot was reading the manuscript)
Correct: Reading the manuscript, I found the plot difficult to follow.
Pro Tip: Place modifiers as close as possible to the word they’re describing.
7. Incomplete Comparisons
Comparisons need to be complete. Your reader should know what you’re comparing.
Why it matters: Incomplete comparisons leave your reader asking, “Compared to what?”
Example:
Incomplete: This draft is stronger and more engaging.
Complete: This draft is stronger and more engaging than my previous version.
Pro Tip: Always finish the comparison to clarify your meaning.
8. Active Voice
In active voice, the subject does the action. In passive voice, the subject receives the action.
Why it matters: Active voice is usually clearer and more engaging, though passive voice has its place.
Example:
Passive: The manuscript was edited by the author.
Active: The author edited the manuscript.
Quick Test: Add “by zombies” after the verb. If it makes sense, it’s passive! Example: The manuscript was edited (by zombies).
Pro Tip: Use active voice for most of your writing, but don’t be afraid to use passive voice when it serves your purpose.
9. Apostrophes
Apostrophes indicate possession or stand in for missing letters in contractions. They are not used to make words plural.
Why it matters: Misusing apostrophes is a common mistake that can make your writing look unpolished.
Examples:
Possession: The editor’s notes (notes belonging to the editor).
Contraction: It’s (it is), you’ve (you have).
Plural: The manuscripts (no apostrophes needed).
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, try rewriting the sentence to see if “is” or “has” fits (for contractions), or if you’re showing ownership.
Final Thoughts
Grammar isn’t about following rules for the sake of rules, it’s about making your writing clear, professional, and enjoyable to read. Readers have expectations, writers have responsibilities. As a debut author, you don’t have to be perfect, but understanding these common pitfalls will help you polish your manuscript and make a strong impression on agents, editors, and readers alike.
Take a few minutes today to review a page of your manuscript for these common grammar mistakes. If you want more guidance: subscribe to my newsletter below to download my free Manuscript Grammar Checklist or book free a discovery call to see how I can support your writing goals.