Grammar: The Ten Most Common Errors

What I know about grammar is its infinite power. To shift the structure of a sentence alters the meaning of the sentence, as definitely and inflexible as the position of a camera alters the meaning of the subject photographed. Many people know camera angles now, but not so many know about sentences. ~ Joan Didion

Acadia English professors have identified ten of the most frequently occurring errors in student writing and have designed a set of handouts and quizzes to help you identify, understand and correct the ones that give you trouble.

You can start by taking one or all of the Preliminary Quizzes to determine your own strengths and weaknesses. Once you have identified your most common errors, click on the relevant errors listed on the right. Each page will help you recognize and correct grammar errors in your own writing. Take the Ten Quizzes to see how much you have learned. You can go to the Glossary for explanations of the grammar terms used.