How to Avoid Common Writing Mistakes

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What are the most common writing mistakes?

Common writing mistakes include grammar slip-ups, weak structure, overused words, and unclear meaning. These can distract readers and weaken your message.

Examples:

  • Mixing up their, there and they’re
  • Using passive voice excessively
  • Overloading sentences with unnecessary words

Tips:

  • Proofread carefully and read aloud
  • Use grammar and spell-check tools
  • Keep sentences clear and concise

Further reading: Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King

How can I improve my sentence structure?

Varying sentence length and type keeps writing lively and easy to follow. Avoid long, convoluted sentences that confuse readers. (A sentence shouldn’t be so long that it feels like a marathon.)

Examples:

  • Mixing short, punchy sentences with longer descriptive ones
  • Using questions to engage the reader
  • Starting sentences with different words or phrases

Tips:

  • Break up long sentences into shorter ones
  • Use punctuation like commas and semicolons correctly
  • Read your writing aloud to catch awkward phrasing

Further reading: The Elements of Style by Strunk and White

How do I avoid clichés and overused phrases?

Clichés can make your writing feel tired and unoriginal. Finding fresh ways to express ideas keeps readers interested. (If you find yourself writing “cold as ice”, promptly rewrite it!)

Examples:

  • Instead of “time will tell” try “the future reveals all”
  • Replace “think outside the box” with “challenge conventions”
  • Use specific imagery rather than vague phrases

Tips:

  • Identify clichés and brainstorm unique alternatives
  • Use metaphors and similes that feel fresh and vivid
  • Read widely to expand your expressive toolkit

Further reading: The Writer’s Portable Mentor by Priscilla Long

How can I strengthen my dialogue?

Weak dialogue can sound unnatural or repetitive. Good dialogue reveals character and moves the story forward. (Don’t make the mistake of making your dialogue all sound like you!)

Examples:

  • Using contractions to mimic natural speech
  • Showing character emotions through dialogue tags and actions
  • Avoiding info-dumping in conversations

Tips:

  • Listen to how people speak in real life
  • Read dialogue aloud to test authenticity
  • Keep it concise and purposeful

Further reading: Writing Dialogue by Tom Chiarella

How do I avoid plot holes and inconsistencies?

Plot holes confuse readers and weaken your story’s credibility. Keeping detailed notes and timelines helps maintain consistency. (I’ve definitely found a character in two places at once… multiple times…)

Examples:

  • Contradictory character backstories
  • Unexplained events or actions
  • Changing rules of your story world without explanation

Tips:

  • Outline your plot before and during writing
  • Review your manuscript for continuity
  • Use beta readers to spot inconsistencies

Further reading: Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell

EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Let’s end with a list of the top 50 most common writing mistakes.

1–10: Grammar Errors

  1. Subject-verb agreement mistakes (e.g., She go → She goes)
  2. Misuse of tenses (mixing past, present, future incorrectly)
  3. Confusing singular and plural forms (e.g., datas instead of data)
  4. Incorrect use of articles (a, an, the)
  5. Sentence fragments (incomplete sentences)
  6. Run-on sentences or comma splices
  7. Misplaced or dangling modifiers
  8. Incorrect use of prepositions (e.g., different to vs different from)
  9. Overuse of passive voice
  10. Double negatives (e.g., I don’t need no help)

11–20: Punctuation and Formatting

  1. Misplacing commas (before conjunctions, lists, or clauses)
  2. Overusing ellipses (…)
  3. Misusing apostrophes (e.g., it’s vs its)
  4. Confusing colons and semicolons
  5. Incorrect quotation mark usage
  6. Overuse of exclamation marks (!)
  7. Incorrect hyphenation (e.g., well known vs well-known)
  8. Inconsistent capitalisation
  9. Confusing dashes (– vs —)
  10. Ending sentences with prepositions unnecessarily

21–30: Word Choice and Style

  1. Using clichés or overused phrases
  2. Overcomplicating sentences with jargon
  3. Using vague words instead of precise terms
  4. Repetitive words or phrases
  5. Mixing British and American spellings
  6. Using informal language in formal writing
  7. Overuse of adverbs (-ly words)
  8. Misusing commonly confused words (e.g., affect/effect, then/than)
  9. Using contractions in formal writing
  10. Awkward sentence structure

31–40: Spelling and Typos

  1. Commonly misspelt words (e.g., accommodation, separate)
  2. Typographical errors due to fast typing
  3. Confusing homophones (e.g., their/there/they’re)
  4. Forgetting double letters in words (e.g., occurrence)
  5. Adding unnecessary letters (e.g., definately → definitely)
  6. Misplacing apostrophes in plurals (apple’s vs apples)
  7. Confusing British and American spellings (colour/color)
  8. Incorrect capitalisation of proper nouns
  9. Failing to use diacritical marks where required (e.g., café)
  10. Ignoring spellcheck suggestions blindly

41–50: Cohesion and Clarity

  1. Poor paragraph organisation
  2. Lack of topic sentences
  3. Jumping between ideas without transition
  4. Overly long paragraphs
  5. Repeating ideas unnecessarily
  6. Ambiguous pronoun references (e.g., it, they)
  7. Weak or missing thesis statement
  8. Inconsistent tone
  9. Not tailoring writing to the audience
  10. Ending abruptly without conclusion

That’s all folks!

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