Common Speaking Mistakes in English and How to Fix Them

Making mistakes is proof that you are trying. However, making the same mistakes repeatedly can stop your progress. At The Royal Visions Academy, we help students identify these patterns and correct them gently, turning errors into learning moments.

What Are the Most Common Speaking Mistakes in English?

The most common speaking mistakes in English include using the wrong verb tense (e.g., "I have seen him yesterday"), omitting articles ("I go to store"), and mispronouncing specific sounds like "TH" or "V." These errors often happen when learners translate directly from their native language instead of thinking in English phrases.

Quick Fixes for Cleaner English

You can instantly sound better by watching out for these simple traps:

1. Subject-Verb Agreement: Remember the 'S' for third person (He eats, not He eat).
2. The "Magic E": Pronounce long vowels correctly (e.g., Hat vs. Hate).
3. False Friends: Don't assume a word in English means the same as in your language (e.g., "Actual" vs. "Current").
4. Prepositions: You are "in" a car, but "on" a bus. Memorize these as chunks.
5. Speed: Speaking too fast causes 50% of errors. Slow down.

1. Grammar Slips: The "Tense" Confusion

The biggest category of common speaking mistakes in English involves mixing up time. Students often use the Present Perfect ("I have done") when they should use the Past Simple ("I did").

If you find yourself making these errors frequently, a quick review of our A2 Grammar Course can solidify your foundation.

2. The "Direct Translation" Trap

Many mistakes sound "logical" in your native language but "strange" in English. For example, saying "I have 20 years" instead of "I am 20 years old."

This happens because you are translating word-for-word. To fix this, you must learn phrases as whole units. Our Intermediate English Speaking Course focuses on helping you stop translating and start thinking directly in English.

3. Pronunciation: The "Ship" vs. "Sheep" Problem

Vowel length is critical in English. Shortening a long vowel can completely change the meaning of a word, sometimes leading to embarrassing situations.

• Short Vowel: Ship, Hit, Full
• Long Vowel: Sheep, Heat, Fool

Don't be afraid to stretch the sound. It might feel unnatural, but it is necessary for clarity. You can practice these distinctions in our Speaking Skills section.

4. Forgetting the Articles (A, An, The)

Many languages don't use articles, so learners simply skip them. They say "I go to office" instead of "I go to the office."

While people will still understand you, omitting articles makes your English sound broken. A simple rule to remember: If a noun is singular and countable (like "apple" or "car"), it almost always needs an article before it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I stop speaking every time I make a mistake?

No! Fluency is about flow. If you stop for every error, you kill the conversation. Correct yourself only if the mistake changes the meaning. Otherwise, keep going and try to remember it for next time.

Why do I make mistakes even though I know the rules?

This is the difference between "passive knowledge" (what you know) and "active knowledge" (what you use). Stress causes your brain to forget rules. The only cure is more practice in a safe environment, like with our native teachers.

How can I catch my own mistakes?

Record yourself speaking. When you listen to the recording, your brain switches to "analysis mode," and you will hear errors you didn't notice while speaking. This is a powerful self-correction tool.

Are slang words considered mistakes in formal English?

Yes. Using "wanna" or "gonna" in a job interview is a mistake of "register" (formality). You must learn when to use casual English and when to use professional English. Our Business English Course teaches this distinction.