🌍 Common English Mistakes Made by ESL Students (and How to Fix Them)

Learning English can be exciting and frustrating at the same time—especially when small grammar details change the whole meaning of a sentence. As an English grammar tutor who works with ESL students, I often see the same patterns repeat across all levels. Understanding these common English mistakes can help learners improve faster and feel more confident when they learn English online or in class.

1. Articles (a, an, the)

Many ESL students struggle to know when to use articles. Remember: use a or an for general things (a book, an apple) and the for something specific (the book on the table).

2. Verb Tense Confusion

Mixing up past, present, and future is one of the biggest challenges. For example, “I go yesterday” should be “I went yesterday.” Reading short English stories and highlighting verbs can help you spot tense patterns.

3. Prepositions

Words like in, on, at, and to are tiny but tricky. Think of them as location clues: in a city, on a street, at an address.

4. Word Order in Questions

Learners often ask, “You are coming?” instead of “Are you coming?” Practicing question forms aloud helps them become natural.

5. Pronunciation and Spelling Mix-ups

Because English spelling doesn’t always match pronunciation, listening practice is essential. Try repeating words from short English videos and writing them down afterward.

Improving grammar takes time—but the right English tutor can make the process faster, easier, and more enjoyable. If you’re ready to fix your English grammar mistakes and build real confidence, book an online lesson today and start learning smarter.