Part 2: Five Surprising Grammatical Errors Even Experienced Editors Miss

Even the most experienced editors, with years of meticulous proofreading under their belts, occasionally let surprising grammatical errors slip through the cracks. These aren't the glaring mistakes that leap off the page, like a misplaced apostrophe or a misspelled word. Instead, they're the subtle, nuanced errors that blend seamlessly into the text—often overlooked because they feel "almost right."

In this post, we'll uncover five sneaky grammatical pitfalls that even seasoned pros sometimes miss. From tricky pronouns to misunderstood moods, these examples remind us that language is as much about precision as it is about intuition. Whether you're editing your own work or someone else's, keeping an eye out for these common culprits will ensure your writing is polished and professional.

1. Misplaced or Dangling Modifiers: Editors might catch obvious modifiers but miss subtler ones that shift meaning unexpectedly, especially in complex sentences.  Example: Running down the street, the car narrowly missed me. (Was the car running?)
2. Overlooked Subjunctive Mood Errors
   The subjunctive mood, used for hypothetical or wishful situations, is frequently mishandled in modern writing.
   1. Example: If I was rich, I'd travel the world.
      (Correct: If I were rich, I'd travel the world.)
   2. This error often flies under the radar because casual speech frequently ignores it.
3. Subject-Verb Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns
   Words like none, each, either, and everyone can be tricky when determining whether to use singular or plural verbs.
   1. Example: None of the players are here.
      (Correct: None of the players is here.)
4. Misuse of "Less" vs. "Fewer"
   The distinction between countable and uncountable nouns often trips up even experienced editors.
   1. Example: There are less apples this season.
      (Correct: There are fewer apples this season.)
      1. Use less for uncountable quantities (less water, less time) and fewer for countable ones (fewer books, fewer mistakes).
5. Incorrect Use of Reflexive Pronouns
   Using words like myself or yourself in place of simple pronouns often slips by, especially in dialogue or formal writing.
   1. Example: Please send the report to John or myself. 
   2. Correct: Please send the report to John or me.

Even the most seasoned editors are human, and these subtle grammatical errors can slip by in the midst of a busy workflow. The key is to approach every edit with a fresh perspective and a keen eye, knowing that even the smallest details can make a significant difference in clarity and professionalism.

By staying vigilant for these sneaky mistakes, you'll not only elevate the quality of your editing but also build trust with your readers or clients. After all, great editing isn't just about catching errors—it's about refining a piece until it shines.

What surprising grammatical errors have you encountered in your editing journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!