Common English Grammar and Vocabulary Errors

  • David has already left the office. He’s at home now.
  • Thomas is upset because he lost his watch and can’t find it.
  • When Donald went windsurfing for the first time, he couldn’t do it very well.
  • They rented Big from the DVD store because Tim hadn’t seen the film before.
  • In the 19th century, many people lived in awful housing conditions.
  • Rory played tennis twice this week.
  • Wendy just broke her watch.
  • Has Sue seen the film yet?
  • Gordon was doing his homework all morning.
  • If it’s sunny, we could go for a picnic.
  • What would you do if Rachel hadn’t managed to get there on time?
  • I won’t come unless he wants me to.
  • If Sue had said something earlier, we could have made other arrangements.
  • I would have helped if I had had the time.
  • If they didn’t know how it works, they should ask someone.
  • We’ll stop for lunch if you would like to.
  • If I were you, I’d buy the red one.
  • If we had lost the map, we wouldn’t have been able to get home.
  • What will they wear if they go to the party?


  • Some people deliver thousands of pizzas every day.

Thousands of pizzas are delivered every day.

  • Someone has broken Tina’s glasses.

Tina’s glasses have been broken.

  • Someone cleaned my car yesterday.

I got my car cleaned yesterday.

  • A man is delivering the post at this moment.

The post is being delivered at this moment.

  • Two people were presenting prizes to the students.

Prizes were being presented to the students.

  • You should eat more vegetables. It’s a good idea because they’re good for you.
  • She needn’t practise the piano every evening, but she can if she wants to.
  • I’ve no idea where Joe is, but he might have gone to the park. I’ll text him and find out.
  • To fly abroad, you have to have a valid passport.
  • We mustn’t get home too late because my parents will be worried.


  • Harry Smith’s parents, who run the newsagent’s, live at the corner of the street.
  • Mahogany is a type of wood that grows in tropical forests.
  • Cambridge is an attractive town where there are a lot of university buildings.
  • My brother, who works for a major financial corporation, is a millionaire.
  • The guy whose bike is blocking the path should go and move it.
  • Our school is very public-spirited; we have several projects helping the local community.
  • I usually channel hop. I rarely just watch one channel on TV all evening.
  • The hospital had to X-ray Martin’s ankle to see if the bone was broken.
  • A plaster wasn’t big enough, so they put a bandage on Paul’s cut.
  • Buying things second-hand is much cheaper than buying them new.
  • I hate going by car because I get travel sickness. I feel really ill.
  • The exchange rate between the dollar and the euro isn’t very good at the moment.
  • Can you get time off for being late? I’m scared I’ll lose my job.
  • Trolley, broadsheets, suspect.


  • Tune in with us again at the same time next week for the next edition of this programme!
  • I’m addicted to coffee. I drink too much.
  • My parents were worried about me because I didn’t ring to say I was going to be late.
  • Henry was found guilty of burglary.
  • It took hours for Jo to come round from the anaesthetic after the operation.
  • I picked up a cold while I was on holiday.
  • Shelley took the jumper back to the shop because it was the wrong size.
  • I can’t choose between the fish and the chicken.
  • Sarah is always complaining about her job.
  • I don’t know how you put up with Joan. She’s so rude.
  • A person who writes stories in a newspaper: journalist
  • To steal from a house: burglar
  • A piece of paper from a doctor to a chemist saying what medicine you should have: prescription
  • People walking round interesting monuments and looking at them: sightseeing
  • Something that is very good value: bargain
  • Unable to make a decision quickly: undecided