KagPlus+ · Learn with Kayla Mari · Free edition

Common Grammar
Mistakes

Small choices. Clearer English. Learn 30 practical grammar and usage rules through short explanations, contrasting sentences and five fresh questions per lesson.

30 rules · 150 unique questions · 5 points per quiz

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These lessons cover grammar, spelling and word choice for clear everyday writing. Accepted regional variants are explained, and formal-style questions are labelled. Explanations and exercises are original; linked references support the usage guidance.

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30 lessons shown

  1. 01. A few vs few
  2. 02. A little vs little
  3. 03. Fewer vs less
  4. 04. Many vs much
  5. 05. Some vs any
  6. 06. Another vs other
  7. 07. Other vs others
  8. 08. A vs an
  9. 09. A vs the
  10. 10. General nouns: no article vs the
  11. 11. Advice vs advise
  12. 12. Affect vs effect
  13. 13. Accept vs except
  14. 14. Then vs than
  15. 15. Its vs it's
  16. 16. Your vs you're
  17. 17. Their, there, they're
  18. 18. Lose vs loose
  19. 19. Borrow vs lend
  20. 20. Say vs tell
  21. 21. On behalf of vs in behalf of
  22. 22. For vs since
  23. 23. During vs for
  24. 24. During vs while
  25. 25. By vs until
  26. 26. In vs on for dates
  27. 27. At vs in for time
  28. 28. In vs on for place
  29. 29. Into vs in
  30. 30. To vs at with arrive

RULE 01 · Quantities

A few vs few

A few presents a small number positively; few emphasizes scarcity. Both modify plural countable nouns. Context determines the intended meaning, not an exact number.

Compare the sentences

I have a few contacts, so I can ask for help.

I have few contacts, so finding help is difficult.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. We have ___ spare chairs, so everyone can sit. [Emphasize availability.]
2. There are ___ buses tonight; getting home will be difficult. [Emphasize scarcity.]
3. I found ___ useful links, so we can start our research. [Positive meaning.]
4. The village has ___ doctors, leaving many patients without care. [Negative meaning.]
5. She saved ___ seeds, enough to start a small garden. [Emphasize some.]

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RULE 02 · Quantities

A little vs little

A little means some amount; little emphasizes a shortage. Use both with uncountable nouns. Choose according to the speaker's intended attitude.

Compare the sentences

There is a little fuel, so we can reach the shop.

There is little fuel, so we may get stranded.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. We have ___ flour, enough for one pancake. [Positive meaning.]
2. There is ___ hope of rescue; the search has nearly stopped. [Scarcity.]
3. I have ___ patience left, so I can explain once more. [Some remains.]
4. The seedlings received ___ sunlight and began to die. [Not enough.]
5. Add ___ honey to give the tea a mild sweetness. [A small amount.]

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RULE 03 · Quantities

Fewer vs less

In careful writing, fewer usually modifies plural countable items; less modifies an uncountable amount. Measurements often take less: less than ten minutes. This quiz uses straightforward counts and amounts.

Compare the sentences

We printed fewer leaflets.

We used less paper.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. The revised form contains ___ questions.
2. This lamp uses ___ electricity.
3. There were ___ accidents after the speed limit changed.
4. Please put ___ butter on my toast.
5. The new plan requires ___ volunteers.

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RULE 04 · Quantities

Many vs much

Many goes with plural countable nouns; much goes with uncountable nouns. In everyday affirmative sentences, a lot of is often more natural than much.

Compare the sentences

How many parcels arrived?

How much luggage arrived?

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. How ___ coins are in the jar?
2. We do not have ___ space in this cupboard.
3. Were there ___ visitors at the gallery?
4. How ___ rice should I cook?
5. I haven't read ___ novels this year.

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RULE 05 · Quantities

Some vs any

Some commonly appears in positive statements and offers. Any commonly appears in negatives and neutral questions. Some in a question can suggest an expected yes; any can also mean whichever.

Compare the sentences

I brought some snacks.

I didn't bring any snacks.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. There aren't ___ clean towels left.
2. Would you like ___ soup? [An offer.]
3. Have you received ___ messages? [A neutral enquiry.]
4. I bought ___ fresh peaches for dessert.
5. We couldn't find ___ parking spaces.

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RULE 06 · Quantities

Another vs other

Another means one more or a different one before a singular countable noun. Other is used before plural or uncountable nouns. Another can also precede a number: another two days.

Compare the sentences

Try another route.

Try other routes.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. May I have ___ biscuit?
2. We need ___ ideas before choosing a design.
3. She wants to visit ___ island next year.
4. Do you have ___ information about the delay?
5. Let's choose ___ date for the workshop.

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RULE 07 · Quantities

Other vs others

Other can modify a noun; others is a plural pronoun standing alone. Do not place a plural noun directly after others.

Compare the sentences

Other guests arrived later.

Others arrived later.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. Some dancers left, but ___ stayed.
2. We should invite ___ teams to join.
3. These batteries work; the ___ do not.
4. Are there ___ entrances to the building?
5. Some people prefer tea; ___ prefer cocoa.

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RULE 08 · Articles

A vs an

Choose a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound. Pronunciation, rather than the first written letter, determines the choice.

Compare the sentences

A uniform hangs by the door.

An umbrella stands beside it.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. We waited for ___ hour.
2. She joined ___ university choir.
3. He is ___ honest mechanic.
4. Please send ___ useful summary.
5. They spotted ___ eagle above the cliff.

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RULE 09 · Articles

A vs the

A introduces an unspecified singular countable item. The identifies an item the listener can recognize, including one already mentioned. Context matters: several descriptions can make an item identifiable.

Compare the sentences

I saw a dog.

The dog followed me home.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. I bought a notebook yesterday. ___ notebook has blue pages.
2. We need ___ plumber, but we haven't chosen one yet.
3. There is only one sun in our solar system. ___ sun gives Earth light.
4. She hopes to rent ___ studio, any affordable one.
5. I left a scarf in your car. Please bring ___ scarf tomorrow.

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RULE 10 · Articles

General nouns: no article vs the

General plural and uncountable nouns usually have no article. Use the for a specific set or amount identified in context. In the quiz, 'no article' leaves the gap empty.

Compare the sentences

Books can change our thinking.

The books on this shelf are borrowed.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. ___ dolphins are mammals. [The species in general.]
2. Please wash ___ cups beside the sink.
3. ___ honesty matters in friendship. [A general quality.]
4. ___ bread you baked smells wonderful.
5. ___ bicycles do not need petrol. [Bicycles generally.]

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RULE 11 · Word choice

Advice vs advise

Advice is an uncountable noun meaning guidance. Advise is a verb meaning give guidance. Say a piece of advice for one suggestion.

Compare the sentences

Her advice helped me.

She will advise me tomorrow.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. Could you ___ me on choosing a course?
2. Your ___ about budgeting was helpful.
3. The pharmacist can ___ you about storage.
4. I need a piece of ___ before deciding.
5. We ___ customers to keep their receipts.

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RULE 12 · Word choice

Affect vs effect

Affect usually means influence as a verb; effect usually means a result as a noun. There are exceptions: effect can mean bring about, and affect can describe an emotional expression. These questions use the usual meanings.

Compare the sentences

Noise can affect sleep.

Noise has an effect on sleep.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. Will the road closure ___ deliveries?
2. The medicine had an unexpected ___ on appetite.
3. A power cut can ___ the freezer's contents.
4. We measured the ___ of extra lighting on plant growth.
5. How does humidity ___ this material?

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RULE 13 · Word choice

Accept vs except

Accept is a verb meaning receive or agree to. Except commonly introduces an exclusion. The spellings sound similar but serve different purposes.

Compare the sentences

I accept your invitation.

Everyone is invited except the driver.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. All desks are available ___ the one by the window.
2. Will you ___ my apology?
3. The shop opens daily ___ Tuesday.
4. They decided to ___ the revised offer.
5. Everyone finished ___ Omar, who needs more time.

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RULE 14 · Word choice

Then vs than

Then often indicates the next step or a time. Than introduces a comparison. Choose by meaning rather than by how the words sound.

Compare the sentences

We ate, then left.

Lunch cost more than breakfast.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. This suitcase is lighter ___ mine.
2. Save the file; ___ close the application.
3. My commute is shorter ___ yours.
4. We lived in Davao back ___.
5. The second puzzle was harder ___ the first.

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RULE 15 · Word choice

Its vs it's

Its is possessive. It's contracts it is or it has. Try expanding the contraction before choosing. A possessive its never needs an apostrophe.

Compare the sentences

The turtle hid in its shell.

It's hiding again.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. The museum changed ___ opening hours.
2. ___ been a busy afternoon.
3. The robot lifted ___ arm.
4. I think ___ going to snow.
5. The company updated ___ refund policy.

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RULE 16 · Word choice

Your vs you're

Your marks possession. You're contracts you are. If replacing the word with you are works, choose you're.

Compare the sentences

Your coat is wet.

You're soaked.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. I believe ___ ready for the interview.
2. Please write ___ surname here.
3. ___ welcome to join our table.
4. Is that ___ bicycle near the gate?
5. Take a break when ___ tired.

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RULE 17 · Word choice

Their, there, they're

Their indicates possession; there indicates a place or introduces existence; they're contracts they are. Expand the contraction and check the intended meaning.

Compare the sentences

Their tickets are there.

They're collecting them now.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. The twins forgot ___ lunch boxes.
2. Leave the parcel over ___, beside the lamp.
3. I hear ___ moving to a new office.
4. ___ is a spare key in the drawer.
5. The musicians packed ___ instruments carefully.

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RULE 18 · Word choice

Lose vs loose

Lose means misplace, fail to keep, or fail to win. Loose commonly means not tight or not securely attached. The final sounds differ too: lose ends in a z sound.

Compare the sentences

Don't lose the screw.

The screw is loose.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. This knot is too ___ to hold the load.
2. We may ___ the match without practice.
3. A ___ tile rattles when you step on it.
4. Be careful not to ___ your passport.
5. My jacket feels ___ around the shoulders.

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RULE 19 · Word choice

Borrow vs lend

Borrow means receive temporarily. Lend means give temporarily. Track who receives the item and who provides it.

Compare the sentences

May I borrow your pen?

I can lend you mine.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. Could you ___ me a charger?
2. I need to ___ a ladder from my neighbour.
3. Libraries ___ books to registered members.
4. May we ___ your picnic blanket?
5. I won't ___ my camera without a protective case.

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RULE 20 · Word choice

Say vs tell

Tell commonly takes a person as its object: tell someone something. Say can introduce words directly; use say to someone when naming the listener. Fixed expressions include tell a story and say hello.

Compare the sentences

She told me the news.

She said the news was good.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. Please ___ me where the lift is.
2. What did you ___ to the receptionist?
3. Can you ___ us a bedtime story?
4. Don't forget to ___ thank you.
5. I will ___ him about the change.

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RULE 21 · Usage

On behalf of vs in behalf of

On behalf of commonly means representing or supporting someone. In behalf of is also an accepted US variant. These are not universally opposing meanings. The questions test meaning and accepted usage rather than inventing a strict distinction.

Compare the sentences

I signed on behalf of my colleague. [Representing her.]

I campaigned in behalf of the clinic. [Supporting it; US variant.]

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. An authorised delegate votes on behalf of an absent member. What is the delegate doing?
2. A volunteer raises funds in behalf of a shelter. What is the intended meaning?
3. A US writer uses 'in behalf of' to mean 'on behalf of'. Which assessment is accurate?
4. A spokesperson delivers a statement on behalf of the mayor. What role is being described?
5. A charity advocates on behalf of displaced families. What is the emphasis?

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RULE 22 · Time

For vs since

For gives a duration; since gives a starting point in the past. Use a tense that suits the situation, often present perfect for a state continuing now.

Compare the sentences

We have waited for an hour.

We have waited since noon.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. They have owned this café ___ 2018.
2. I have been awake ___ sixteen hours.
3. The roof has leaked ___ last Friday.
4. We will stay on the island ___ a week.
5. She has known the coach ___ childhood.

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RULE 23 · Time

During vs for

During names the period or event when something happens. For describes how long it lasts. A duration such as three hours normally takes for.

Compare the sentences

The alarm rang during lunch.

The alarm rang for two minutes.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. The technician tested the engine ___ forty minutes.
2. Nobody may enter ___ the rehearsal.
3. He rested ___ half an hour.
4. I lost my badge ___ the conference.
5. They rented the cabin ___ six nights.

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RULE 24 · Time

During vs while

During takes a noun phrase; while can introduce a clause with a subject and verb. Both can locate events within another activity.

Compare the sentences

It rained during the picnic.

It rained while we were eating.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. The lights failed ___ we were watching a film.
2. Please remain seated ___ takeoff.
3. I listened to a podcast ___ I washed the dishes.
4. The microphone stopped working ___ her speech.
5. A customer called ___ the chef was preparing lunch.

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RULE 25 · Time

By vs until

By sets a latest deadline. Until marks how long a continuing state or activity lasts. Choose by the intended endpoint, not just the clock time.

Compare the sentences

Send the report by five.

Stay available until five.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. The library remains open ___ nine tonight.
2. Submit your entry ___ midnight at the latest.
3. We waited outside ___ the rain stopped.
4. Your passport must arrive ___ Friday at the latest.
5. Keep the seedlings indoors ___ spring begins.

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RULE 26 · Time

In vs on for dates

Use in for months and years; use on for days and specific dates. A date that names a day takes on even if it includes a month.

Compare the sentences

We moved in July.

We moved on July 8.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. The course starts ___ September.
2. The exhibition opens ___ 14 April.
3. My grandfather was born ___ 1946.
4. We meet ___ Wednesday mornings.
5. The garden blooms ___ spring.

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RULE 27 · Time

At vs in for time

At commonly marks clock times and expressions such as at night. In marks broader periods such as in the afternoon. A particular night can take on; these questions use general time expressions.

Compare the sentences

Call at six.

Call in the evening.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. The train departs ___ 7:15.
2. Owls often hunt ___ night.
3. I usually read ___ the afternoon.
4. We will meet ___ noon.
5. The streets are quiet ___ the early morning.

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RULE 28 · Place

In vs on for place

In typically locates something inside an area or container. On typically locates it on a surface. The quiz states the physical location to make the choice clear.

Compare the sentences

The note is in the box.

The note is on the lid.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. The label is stuck ___ the outside surface of the jar.
2. The marbles are ___ a closed bag.
3. A poster hangs flat ___ the wall.
4. There is milk ___ the bottle.
5. The sleeping cat lies ___ the tabletop.

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RULE 29 · Place

Into vs in

Into describes entry or transformation; in commonly describes location. Some movement verbs allow either preposition. These questions use transformation, translation and static location to keep the answers distinct.

Compare the sentences

She walked into the hall.

She waited in the hall.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. The caterpillar changed ___ a butterfly.
2. The spare blankets are ___ the wardrobe.
3. They translated the poem ___ French.
4. The children are already sitting ___ the classroom.
5. The machine turns scraps ___ usable fuel.

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RULE 30 · Place

To vs at with arrive

Arrive normally takes at for a point or venue and in for a city or country, not to for the destination. Go commonly takes to. The quiz compares arrive at and go to with venues.

Compare the sentences

We arrived at the theatre.

We went to the theatre.

Reference for this rule ↗

Five-point quiz

1. Please arrive ___ the terminal before dawn.
2. We are going ___ the stadium tonight.
3. They arrived ___ the campsite safely.
4. I walked ___ the bakery to buy rolls.
5. The parcel arrived ___ the depot this morning.

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