5 Surprising Grammar Errors Even Experienced Writers Miss

Grammar can be subtle, and certain tricky rules tend to fly under the radar. Here's a closer look at five grammar errors that might surprise you and how to avoid them.

"Due to" is often used interchangeably with "because of," but they're not the same. "Due to" should only follow a form of "to be" and specifically link to a noun, while "because of" explains the reason behind an action.

Example Mistake:
Incorrect: "The event was canceled due to rain."
Correct: "The cancellation was due to rain."
Correct: "The event was canceled because of rain."

Why?
The difference isn't about whether "rain" is a noun, but rather about the function of each phrase. "Due to" acts as an adjective, modifying a noun directly (e.g., "the cancellation"). "Because of," on the other hand, functions as an adverb, modifying a verb phrase (e.g., "was canceled").

Tip: If you're describing a noun, use "due to." If you're modifying a verb, use "because of."

"Only" is a slippery word that subtly changes meaning based on its placement in a sentence. Where you place it can alter the entire sentence's meaning.

Example Mistake:
Incorrect: "She only has eyes for you." (Does she only have eyes, not ears, for you?)
Correct: "She has eyes only for you."

Tip: Read your sentence aloud and move "only" to see how the meaning changes. Aim for the placement that reflects what you want to emphasize.

Many people can use "who" and "whom" in questions but get tripped up when they're part of a longer sentence. Use "who" for subjects and "whom" for objects in relative clauses.

Example Mistake:
Incorrect: "The woman whom lives next door is friendly."
Correct: "The woman who lives next door is friendly."

Tip: Try replacing "who" or "whom" with "he/she" (subject) or "him/her" (object). If "him/her" fits, "whom" is correct.

We often use "that" and "which" without realizing that they serve different functions. "That" should introduce essential information (restrictive clauses), while "which" introduces non-essential details (non-restrictive clauses) and needs a comma.

Example Mistake:
Incorrect: "The car that is parked outside is red." (If it's the only car, use "which.")
Correct: "The car, which is parked outside, is red."

Tip: If the information is extra and could be removed without changing the meaning, use "which" and a comma. If it's essential, stick with "that."

"As" is often used to show that two actions happened at the same time, but it's not always accurate. Sometimes, using "while" or "when" creates a clearer picture of the sequence.

Example Mistake:
Incorrect: "He smiled as he walked away." (Is he smiling simultaneously, or does he smile first?)
Correct: "He smiled and then walked away."
Or: "He smiled while walking away."

Tip: If one action happens immediately after the other or if they're truly simultaneous, use "while." If they happen in a sequence, make it explicit with "and then."

I have made all of these errors and this post is as much for me as for  you. Keeping an eye out for these nuanced errors can improve clarity and precision in your writing. These aren't the classic errors we learn in grammar school but instead reflect the subtle ways language creates meaning. With practice, you can polish your writing and make it more compelling!