If you’ve ever hesitated before hitting “send” on an email, wondering whether it’s fewer or less, or paused mid-sentence unsure if it’s who or whom, you’re not alone.
Even the most confident writers can stumble over English grammar’s sneaky rules — the ones that weren’t exactly drilled into us in school.
Let’s break down 25 grammar rules that will instantly make your writing sharper, more professional, and a lot more impressive.
1. Less vs. Fewer
A simple but powerful rule:
- Less is for uncountable nouns (things you can’t count).
Example: Less water, less time. - Fewer is for countable nouns (things you can count).
Example: Fewer bottles, fewer mistakes.
2. Who vs. Whom
- Who is the subject (the one doing the action).
- Whom is the object (the one receiving the action).
Example: Who is calling? / To whom are you speaking?
3. The Oxford Comma Saves Meaning
That tiny comma can prevent serious confusion.
- Without it: I love my parents, Lady Gaga and God.
- With it: I love my parents, Lady Gaga, and God.
See the difference?
4. ‘That’ vs. ‘Which’
- That introduces essential information.
- Which adds extra detail (nonessential).
Example:- The book that I borrowed was great.
- The book, which I borrowed, was great.
5. May vs. Might
- May = something is possible.
- Might = something is less certain.
Example: I may go to the concert if I finish work. I might go if I’m not too tired.
6. Never Split ‘To’ and a Verb
Splitting infinitives isn’t technically wrong, but it often sounds awkward.
- ❌ Wrong: To quickly run
- ✅ Better: To run quickly
7. Since vs. Because
- Since refers to time.
- Because refers to reason.
Example: It’s been years since we met. / I stayed home because it was raining.
8. Than vs. Then
- Than is for comparison.
- Then is for time or sequence.
Example: She’s taller than me. / We ate, then went out.
9. i.e. vs. e.g.
- i.e. means “that is” or “in other words.”
- e.g. means “for example.”
Example: I love citrus fruits (e.g., lemons, oranges, limes).
10. Double Negatives Don’t Make a Positive
“I don’t need no help” might sound emphatic, but it’s grammatically incorrect. Stick to:
✅ “I don’t need help.”
11. Never Say ‘Irregardless’
It’s not a word. Ever. Just say regardless.
12. Affect vs. Effect
This one trips up even professionals:
- Affect is usually a verb (to influence).
- Effect is usually a noun (the result).
Example: The rain affected my mood. / The effect was immediate.
13. Adjectives Before Nouns — In the Right Order
English has a specific order for adjectives:
Opinion → Size → Age → Shape → Color → Origin → Material → Purpose → Noun
Example: A lovely small old red Italian wooden coffee table.
14. Between vs. Among
- Between is used for two things.
- Among is for three or more.
Example: Choose between tea and coffee. / Share among friends.
15. Farther vs. Further
- Farther = physical distance.
- Further = figurative or abstract distance.
Example: She ran farther than me. / Let’s discuss this further.
16. Lay vs. Lie
- Lay = to put something down (requires an object).
- Lie = to recline (no object).
Example: Lay the book on the table. / I need to lie down.
17. Could Have, Not Could Of
It’s a common spoken mistake.
✅ Correct: I could have gone.
❌ Wrong: I could of gone.
18. Collective Nouns Can Be Singular or Plural
- US English: The team is winning.
- UK English: The team are winning.
Both are correct depending on the context and dialect.
19. Who’s vs. Whose
- Who’s = who is or who has.
- Whose = possession.
Example: Who’s coming over? / Whose phone is this?
20. Use ‘Fewer Than,’ Not ‘Less Than,’ for Countable Things
✅ Fewer than 10 people.
❌ Less than 10 people.
21. No Apostrophe for Possessive ‘Its’
- It’s = it is / it has
- Its = belonging to it
Example: It’s raining. / The cat chased its tail.
22. May vs. Can
- May = permission.
- Can = ability.
Example: May I leave early? / I can lift that box.
23. Who vs. That
Use who for people, that for things.
Example: The man who called you is my boss. / The car that broke down is mine.
24. Each vs. Every
- Each focuses on individuals.
- Every focuses on the group.
Example: Each child received a gift. / Every child was happy.
25. “Alright” vs. “All Right”
While “alright” is becoming accepted in informal writing, “all right” remains preferred in formal English.
Example: Everything is all right.
Final Thoughts
Grammar doesn’t have to be intimidating — it’s just a toolkit that helps your writing sound clear, credible, and confident. Whether you’re crafting an email, a novel, or a social media caption, these 25 rules are your secret weapon for polished, professional communication.
Remember: the goal isn’t perfection — it’s clarity. When your words flow easily and make sense, you’ve already won half the battle.
The image of the starving artist has been romanticized for centuries—the tortured genius creating masterpieces in a garret, fueled by passion and desperation rather than . . .
There’s a reason why certain books become impossible to put down while others, despite being technically perfect, leave readers cold and disconnected. It’s not about . . .
Every aspiring writer has been there: staring at a blank page, paralyzed by the weight of creating something perfect. The cursor blinks mockingly. Hours pass. . . .
Most writers approach their craft like archaeologists—digging through layers of rough drafts, chiselling away at clunky sentences, and hoping to unearth something resembling a coherent . . .