The 10 Most Common Grammar Mistakes (Even Advanced Learners Make)

If you think grammar mistakes are just for beginners, then think again. Even fluent, confident English users slip up from time to time — especially when speaking fast or writing quickly. The key is to notice the patterns and fix them one by one.

Here are ten common grammar mistakes we hear all the time, even from advanced learners — plus how to get them right every time.

1. "I look forward to meet you" ❌

✅ I look forward to meeting you.

"Look forward to" is followed by a noun or -ing form, not the infinitive. Think of “to” as part of the phrase, not a full infinitive.

2. “He’s working here since 2021” ❌

✅ He’s been working here since 2021.

Use the present perfect continuous when something started in the past and continues now. Don’t mix it with the present continuous.

3. “She told me she is tired” ❌

✅ She told me she was tired.

When using reported speech, shift the tense back after a past reporting verb (like said or told).

4. “I’m agree with you” ❌

✅ I agree with you.

"Agree" is a verb, not an adjective. You don’t need “am.” Just say: I agree. Other options: I completely agree, I don’t agree at all, We’re in agreement (formal).

5. “It depends of the situation” ❌

✅ It depends on the situation.

It’s a common mix-up: “depend” always takes on in English. Learn these as a chunk: depend on, rely on, focus on, etc.

6. “She’s more kinder than him” ❌

✅ She’s kinder than him.

Don’t double the comparative. You can say more kind or kinder, but not both. In this case, kinder is correct.

7. “Can you explain me this?” ❌

✅ Can you explain this to me?

"Explain" takes a thing, not a person. Use: explain the idea to me, not explain me the idea.

8. “We didn’t went to the meeting” ❌

✅ We didn’t go to the meeting.

After “did” (or didn’t), always use the base verb — not the past tense.

9. “I’ve been to London last year” ❌

✅ I went to London last year.

Use past simple with finished time expressions like last year, yesterday, or in 2019. Use have been only when time is not specific.

10. “Everyone have their laptops” ❌

✅ Everyone has their laptops.

“Everyone” is singular, even if it refers to a group. Always use has, not have.

✅ Quick Review Table

❌ Wrong	✅ Right
I look forward to meet you	I look forward to meeting you
He’s working here since 2021	He’s been working here since 2021
She told me she is tired	She told me she was tired
I’m agree with you	I agree with you
It depends of the situation	It depends on the situation
She’s more kinder than him	She’s kinder than him
Can you explain me this?	Can you explain this to me?
We didn’t went to the meeting	We didn’t go to the meeting
I’ve been to London last year	I went to London last year
Everyone have their laptops	Everyone has their laptops

Final Tip

Making mistakes isn’t a problem, it’s how we learn. The trick is to notice, correct, and practise. Try saying the correct sentences out loud, or using them in your next conversation or email. The more you repeat them, the more natural they’ll feel.