Avoid These 5 Common Grammar Mistakes

If you are planning to write a novel and have it published, it is important to present a professional looking manuscript. It is not only important to come up with a great story but to present it without grammar or spelling errors. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
1. “A lot” written as one word. This is without a doubt a major pet peeve of mine. If I am reading and see that someone has written a lot as one word I may just close the book or hit back space on the web page. I don’t know why so many people think it is one word. But remember that it is two words and should always be written as such.
2. Then/than. This is something that confuses many people and is often written incorrectly. So when writing your novel remember that “then” has to do with time as in, “I’m going to stop by the grocery store and then head home.” The word “than” has to do with comparison. For example, “My book is much more interesting than anything on the bestseller list right now.”
3. It’s versus its. This will trip up lots of writers. Even experienced writers forget and use the wrong version sometimes, so it is important to keep in mind the difference. It is very simple so just remember to only use the apostrophe if you want to say “it is.” So you test out your sentence and if “it is” fits, then you should use it’s. If not then you should use its. Correct: It’s raining outside right now. Also correct: My car is about to break down and is on its last legs. Just remember that rule and you’ll be fine!
4. Lose/loose. Here again is a very common error for writers. If you want your manuscript to appear professional, please do not say that your character should “loose” some weight. If that is the case they are looking to take some weight and scatter it around “loose.” They want to lose the weight and the want the collar on their dog to be “loose.” This error is almost as common as it/it’s.
5. Affect and effect. This grammar mistake is another you will see quite often as people get very confused with it. Even professionals sometimes have a very difficult time remembering when to use which one. Almost always you will find affect to be a verb and effect to be a noun. But unfortunately not every single time. Affect can sometimes be used as a noun and effect can sometimes be used as a verb (rarely, however), but if you stick to the main rule you will be right almost 100% of the time.
Avoid these mistakes and you will write a novel that is not only a great story but error free as well, and you’ll be published much faster.