How to Avoid Common Grammar Issues in Academic Writing (UK Student Guide)

Grammar mistakes can lower the quality of your assignments and hurt your grades. Many students search for “common grammar mistakes in academic writing UK”, “how to fix grammar in essays”, or “proofreading help for assignments UK”. Whether you’re writing an essay, dissertation, or group project, avoiding grammar errors is essential for clarity, credibility, and academic success.

Here are some of the most common grammar issues UK students face—and how to fix them.

1. Subject-Verb Agreement Errors

A common mistake is mismatching the subject with the verb.

Incorrect: The results shows…
Correct: The results show…

Make sure singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs. This small detail can make your writing sound much more professional.

2. Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices

Don’t join two full sentences with just a comma.

Incorrect: The theory was interesting, it explained the results.
Correct: The theory was interesting. It explained the results.

Use full stops, conjunctions, or semicolons to properly separate ideas.

3. Misusing Apostrophes

Apostrophes can be confusing, but they matter.

• Use ’s for possession: The researcher’s findings
• Don’t use apostrophes for plurals: Correct – theories, Incorrect – theory’s

4. Inconsistent Tense Usage

Stick to one tense throughout your paragraph unless there's a clear reason to switch. Academic writing typically uses present tense for discussing theories and past tense for reporting results.

5. Confusing Homophones

Words like their, there, they’re or affect vs. effect often cause confusion. Always double-check their meaning in context.

6. Sentence Fragments

Incomplete sentences weaken your arguments.

Incorrect: Because the study was flawed.
Correct: The study was flawed because it lacked a large sample size.

7. Poor Punctuation

Proper use of commas, full stops, colons, and semicolons helps your reader follow your argument. Overusing or misplacing punctuation can make your writing hard to read.

8. Overuse of Passive Voice

Academic writing often includes passive voice, but too much can make your writing dull or unclear.

Incorrect: It was concluded that the hypothesis was correct.
Correct: The researchers concluded that the hypothesis was correct.

How to Avoid These Grammar Issues

• Proofread Carefully – Always review your work before submitting. Read it out loud to catch awkward phrasing or missing words.
• Use Grammar Tools – Grammarly, Hemingway, or Microsoft Editor can help identify and fix grammar issues.
• Get Feedback – Ask a peer or tutor to read your draft and point out unclear sections or mistakes.
• Use Professional Help – Many UK students search for “assignment editing service UK”, “academic proofreading help”, or “grammar check for essays UK”. At UK-Assignment.com, our editors can review your work to improve grammar, clarity, and flow—helping you submit with confidence.

FAQ – Student Questions About Grammar in Assignments

Should I use grammar tools like Grammarly for academic writing?

Yes, they help—but always double-check suggestions for accuracy and academic tone.

Is passive voice always wrong?

No, but overusing it can make writing harder to follow. Use active voice when clarity is needed.

Can I get help proofreading my assignment?

Absolutely. UK-Assignment.com offers expert proofreading and editing tailored to UK academic standards.

Final Thoughts

Strong grammar makes your writing clearer, more persuasive, and more professional. By avoiding common mistakes and using the right tools and support, you can significantly improve the quality of your assignments.

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