Learning English: Five non-obvious written errors, and how to avoid them

English grammar is not the simplest science, and in addition to the large number of mistakes that can be made due to inattention, there are a number of more subtle points.

The last translation on the subject of errors when writing in English attracted the attention of the Habr audience, so today I publish the adaptation of another post - this time it will be about five unobvious grammatical errors, the existence of which is far from being known to everyone.
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Error # 1. Comma before "that"

I did not know about it, but it turns out that there is a rule according to which commas can be put before the word “which”, but it cannot be put before “that”.

Wrong : He's got a beautiful house, that is located in a good neighborhood.

True : He's got a beautiful house, which is located in a good neighborhood.

An important point: the use of the word “that” in itself is not a mistake, it is impossible to put a comma in front of it.

That's right : it’s located in a good neighborhood.

Error # 2. Comma splices

The mistake called comma splice is when you are “blinded” in the same sentence, in fact, two smaller sentences that are not related to each other. If you are reading such a long construction, and it is clear that it would be easier to make it a union there - this is a comma splice.

There are several ways to avoid such errors:

• Break one big sentence into two smaller ones.
• A funny moment - but using a comma without a union is a mistake, and if you replace the comma with a semicolon, it will not be a mistake.
• A comma plus a connecting word (such as however or moreover) is considered an even more elegant way to bypass the error.
• The simplest and most effective method is to use joint unions (and ”/“ but ”) to separate sentences.
• Subordinate unions are also suitable for this purpose (although, “if” or “since”).

Wrong : Jenna is very good at singing.

True : Jenna is very good at singing. She was five.

Error # 3. “Or” instead of “nor” in the sentence with Neither

Another rather difficult moment. I don’t know if I didn’t think about it, but according to the rules, if the sentence contains the word “neither”, then only “nor” can be used, and not “or”.

Wrong : I like neither burgers or ketchup

True : I like neither burgers nor ketchup

In addition, “nor” can be used if there are two or more objects involved in the transfer. In this case, you will have to put this word in front of each of them.

True : I like neither burgers nor ketchup nor mustard.

Error # 4. No comma after introductory item

According to the rules of English punctuation, a comma is always placed after any introductory element, be it a word, phrase or sentence. Most often in the role of the introductory word appears adverb.

Wrong : Meanwhile, football game.

Right : Meanwhile, the boy went outside to play football.

Error # 5. Whether and If

The word “whether” is used to describe situations where there is a choice of two or more options. In turn, if, on the contrary, there is no choice whatsoever, then you need to use “if”:

True : I don’t know how to go on vacation this year. (Two possible scenarios: a person goes on vacation or stays in the city).

True : If I get the bonus. (That is, if the premium is not given, then there will be no leave - there are no other options).

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And what other subtle grammatical points in English do you know?